Asbestos Services
Asbestos Removal
Asbestos Surveying
Asbestos Sampling
Asbestos Management
Asbestos Waste Collection
Asbestos Air Testing
Asbestos Sampling
In order to ensure that materials that may contain asbestos are not accidently disturbed, it is important to either take reasonable steps to find materials likely to contain asbestos through sampling, or to presume that the materials do contain asbestos. Presumption is a satisfactory method of management however, if you are planning to disturb the material through planned works then it is important that you know the type of asbestos to avoid unnecessary costs for removal.
It may also be necessary to identify asbestos prior to a house purchase so that any future removal costs can be shared with the current owner, or to satisfy your mortgage company.
To avoid potential exposure and damage to asbestos, testing should only be undertaken by experienced individuals who have the necessary asbestos training. All samples will be analysed by a UKAS accredited laboratory.
Asbestos Management
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 states that all duty holders with known or presumed asbestos within their premises must have an effective written asbestos management plan in place. The asbestos management plan identifies the risks posed by the asbestos present in the property and sets out procedures to control them.
An asbestos management plan will typically include:
Key asbestos information‚ usually from an asbestos survey;
- Risk assessments of each occurrence of asbestos;
- Action plan;
- Monitoring & re-inspection regimes;
- Training requirements;
- Roles & responsibilities;
- Dissemination of information;
- Duties of the Asbestos Coordinator; and
- Policies and procedures for emergencies, refurbishments, day-to-day operations and for less usual work or tasks.
The key to effective management is to ensure that the action plan is monitored and reviewed on a regular basis.
The HSE statement below highlights the importance of ensuring that the process of management is ongoing – management does not stop when the management plan has been written.
Asbestos Air Testing
All types of asbestos air sampling undertaken by a UKAS accredited analyst.
- Background testing
- Personal monitoring
- Reassurance testing
- Air clearance
Asbestos Hole Drilling
General Removal Methodology
- Use correct RPE & PPE for the duration of works
- Type H vacuum will be required
- Pre mark all areas that require drilling
- Protect nearby surface with 1000g polythene
- Use a low speed drill with attachment during the hole drilling process
- Seal the drilled edge with co polymer mastic
- Visual inspection of work by supervisor
- Disposal of any waste at a licensed landfill site
- Depending on the size of the job / location, it may be prudent to have some air monitoring during / after the asbestos removal
The site risk assessment will be in place before the start of any work.
Asbestos Waste Collection
General Removal Methodology
- Use correct RPE & PPE for the duration of works
- Clearly identify the work area and restrict access for the duration of works
- The asbestos will need to be double wrapped in 1000g polythene and correctly labelled.
- Disposal of all waste at a licensed landfill site
- Visual inspection of area by supervisor / hand back to client
The site risk assessment will be in place before the start of any work.
Asbestos cement products typically have a high density and contain levels of between 10 – 25% of predominantly chrysotile, although amosite and crocidolite have also been added in some instances. Fibre release from asbestos cement is unlikely provided the material is in good condition and not disturbed. Asbestos cement products can be found in the form of external corrugated roof panels or wall panels, door lining panels, under tile edging panels, soffit panels, panels above doors and fixed wall and ceiling panels.
