When working with asbestos it is vital to understand what the rules are in order to ensure exposure to this substance does not harm workers, the public or the environment. Below is a guide about how to handle asbestos in different situations. If you are still unsure about the appropriate action to take it is best to employ the services of a professional waste management company to deal with the asbestos for you.
If you are going to be working on a property or site where there is asbestos present, or it is suspected that asbestos is present, then it’s important to carry out a risk assessment before the project commences. This should determine whether or not it is possible to carry out tasks without exposing asbestos at all, or if exposure is going to occur what can be done to manage the risks of this to the people on site as well as other parties who might be affected by it. From this assessment, a plan should be put in place which minimises the danger to all involved.
If your risk assessment has identified that asbestos will need to be removed from the building(s) then a licensed contractor should usually be sought to carry this out. A licence is required if the work includes removal of sprayed asbestos coatings or asbestos lagging and for most jobs involving asbestos insulation and insulating board. If you decide the work does not need a licence is may still be notifiable. It is also important that any employee tasked with carrying out the work has been trained appropriately in how to handle asbestos.
Acumen provide waste management and industrial site services as well as a 24/7 emergency response service to deal with environmental incidents. We have almost 25 years of experience in the sector and deliver high quality solutions throughout the UK. For more information or to discuss your site needs please get in touch today on 0800 118 2165.
