How to Prepare Asbestos Waste for Transportation and Disposal
According to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) asbestos waste is defined as, ‘Asbestos products or materials that are ready for disposal, including building materials, dust, rubble, disposable PPE, rags used for cleaning and used tools that cannot be properly decontaminated.’ With this in mind there are a number of requirements for safe and legally compliant asbestos transportation and disposal..
Asbestos waste categorisation
Asbestos waste is classified as ‘hazardous waste’ in England and Wales, and ‘special waste’ in Scotland if it contains more than 0.1% asbestos. This waste is regulated by the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
Waste holders have a duty of care to prevent its escape and must use a hazardous/special waste consignment note for all movements. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR2012) also apply.
Pre transportation packaging
To comply with CAR2012, the approved code of conduct states that asbestos should comply with the following:
- Asbestos waste should be securely sealed in appropriate, labelled bags, wrapping, or packaging as it is produced.
- Packaging must be designed to prevent asbestos fibre release during handling or transport.
- Double plastic sacks are generally suitable, provided they do not split under normal use.
- Stronger packaging is required for waste containing sharp metal fragments or other materials that could puncture plastic sacks.
- Waste that could release hazardous quantities of respirable asbestos fibres during transport should be placed in UN-approved packaging, available in capacities up to 2 tonnes.
- This requirement does not apply to asbestos cement or textured decorative coatings.
- Large, rigid asbestos-containing materials, such as asbestos cement sheets and textured coatings on boards, should not be broken or cut down for disposal in plastic sacks whenever possible.
Pre transportation documentation
Correct transport documentation is essential and a legal requirement. Asbestos falls into two categories and requires different approaches to labelling.
Bonded Material
Some asbestos products are covered special provisions in the ADR Special Provision 168 and can include.
Material bound in cement, plastic or another binder so that fibres cannot escape during the transportation stage. Examples of this include cement sheeting, drainpipes or vinyl floor tiles. Although this waste is not regarded as hazardous for transport and therefore exempt from CDR, the waste itself is still hazardous and therefore CAR2012 still applies.
Unbonded Material
Any other asbestos waste is known as fibrous, or unbonded, and is therefore classified as dangerous for carriage. It will be a UN Class 9 substance.
Preparing asbestos for transportation and removal
The best approach when preparing for asbestos transportation and disposal is to avoid situations where accidents can happen. It is critical that when handling asbestos, a plan should be in place, including only properly trained individuals who must be engaged to safely remove the substance.
However, even with the best-trained staff, accidents can and do occasionally happen, mostly due to accidental exposure or undetected asbestos in a survey. In such cases, it is imperative that the staff involved make the necessary assessment and, if trained, carry out the clean-up correctly to minimise the risk to themselves and others
The risk of non-compliance
Even before asbestos is identified comprehensive asbestos management, review existing records such as asbestos surveys, site plans, and the asbestos register should be carried out. In most cases, a qualified asbestos surveyor should conduct a management survey to identify and assess the condition of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs).
Failure to implement a proper asbestos plan and then put that plan into action is punishable by the following:
- A fine of up to £20,000
- Imprisonment for up to 12 months, this can increase to 2 years if the offence is deemed serious enough.
How Acumen can support your business with asbestos transportation and disposal
Acumen are well-established leaders in the provision of asbestos transportation and disposal and members of the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA). They can arrange the safe transportation and disposal of hazardous material including asbestos waste. Acumen is also able to offer businesses options regarding asbestos removal, conducted through either Roll-on/Roll-off containers or van collection, these collection services are provided with highly trained Dangerous Good Vehicle (ADR) Drivers.
Further to this, fully lockable containers are available.
For more information on how Acumen can support your business with the transportation and disposal of asbestos please contact our customer support specialists.
