Non Licensed Asbestos Removal

Non Licensed work with Asbestos

Not every asbestos job requires a licensed contractor, but that doesn’t mean the work is casual or low‑risk. The distinction comes down to the material itself. Cement sheets, floor tiles, textured coatings and certain types of roofing materials often fall under non‑licensed work, provided they’re in good condition and can be removed without breaking them up.

We take the same careful approach regardless of the category. Loose debris, fine dust, or small fragments still need to be handled with proper controls. Our teams follow procedures designed to minimise disturbance, reduce fibre release, and keep exposure well within the legal control limits.

Whether it’s a small repair, a one‑off removal, or clearing up after accidental damage, we treat every job with the same level of attention. The goal is always to leave the area safe and compliant, without unnecessary disruption.

Non‑Licensed Asbestos Removal

Non‑licensed asbestos work covers a wide range of materials that don’t fall into the high‑risk, licensed category but still need to be handled with care. It’s not as simple as “safe” or “unsafe” — the decision depends on the type of asbestos, the condition it’s in, and what the analysis shows. Some materials can be removed without a licence, but only if the right controls are in place and the work is carried out properly.

We deal with this type of work regularly. A lot of it involves smaller jobs, one‑off tasks, or materials that are still intact and can be removed without disturbing large amounts of fibres. Even so, the same principles apply: keep exposure as low as possible, follow the regulations, and make sure the area is left clean and safe.

Our teams handle everything from small debris clean‑ups to the removal of intact asbestos‑containing items. The aim is always the same — protect the people on site, keep fibre levels well below legal limits, and make sure the job is done properly from start to finish.

Our Non Licensed Asbestos Removal Includes

These are just some of the items we can remove:

Flue Pipes

Garage/ Shed Roofs

Water Tanks

Textured Coating (Artex) Ceilings

Floor Tiles & Bitumen Adhesives

Roof Slates/ Tiles

Rope

Need help with asbestos removal or testing?

Arrange a consultation with our

asbestos consultants today!

Our Simple Step By Step Process

Even for non‑licensed work, the process is controlled and methodical. The aim is always to keep fibre release as low as possible and ensure the area is safe once the job is complete.

Step 1 – Identifying Asbestos

Anything built before 2000 could contain asbestos. If you think you’ve found something, or you’re planning work and want to be sure, we can arrange testing or quote for a survey. A proper risk assessment helps determine whether the material can be removed under non‑licensed rules or whether it needs a licensed contractor.

Step 2 – Setting Up

Once the plan of work is agreed, we prepare the area. Depending on the material and the condition it’s in, this might involve simple controls or a small enclosure using 1000‑gauge polythene. The aim is to stop fibres spreading into other parts of the property.

Step 3 – The Removal

Before work begins, PPE, RPE and equipment are checked. Operatives pass through the decontamination unit, remove clothing and jewellery, and change into disposable underwear and overalls. Safety footwear stays inside the unit, and masks must seal properly, which is why operatives are required to be clean‑shaven.

The removal itself is carried out carefully. Keeping the material intact is always the priority, as it reduces fibre release. Once removed, everything is double‑bagged and sealed inside the work area before being taken out.

Step 4 – The Disposal

The waste is taken along a designated transit route and stored securely until it can be transported to a registered disposal site. Only trained, permitted carriers can move asbestos waste.

Inside the work area, a fine clean is carried out. The enclosure — if one was used — stays in place until the area has been checked and confirmed safe. Air monitoring and clearance procedures ensure the space can be used again without risk.

Where Asbestos Can Be Found

Asbestos in the Home

Asbestos has a habit of turning up in places most homeowners never think to look. In older houses, especially anything built or refurbished before 2000, it was used so widely that it became part of the fabric of the building. You still find it in old vinyl floor tiles, bitumen adhesives, insulation boards, soffits, garage roofs, warm‑air heating systems, textured coatings, and even tucked away behind old fuse boards or hidden inside cupboard voids. It was installed because it was durable and fire‑resistant, and for decades nobody questioned it. That’s why so many homes still contain it today without the owners having any idea.

Most of the time, asbestos sits there quietly and doesn’t cause any issues. Problems usually start when someone disturbs it without realising what they’re dealing with. A homeowner might sand a ceiling, drill into a wall, rip up old flooring, or start a renovation project, and only afterwards notice something that doesn’t look quite right. It doesn’t take much — a cracked tile, a snapped board, a bit of scraping — and fibres can be released into the air long before anyone realises what’s happened. By the time people stop and think, the dust has already settled.

That’s why having suspicious materials checked properly is so important. A quick test or a small survey can confirm what you’re dealing with and whether it needs to be removed, encapsulated, or simply left alone. Not every asbestos‑containing material is dangerous in its current state, but you need to know what it is before you decide how to handle it. Guesswork is where people get caught out.

Routine maintenance also plays a big part in keeping a home safe. Older materials can deteriorate over time, especially in lofts, garages, or damp areas. Keeping an eye on anything that looks worn, cracked or damaged helps you catch issues early. If removal is needed, doing it properly — with the right controls, the right equipment and the right people — ensures the area is safe to use again once the work is finished. For homeowners, the aim isn’t to panic about asbestos. It’s simply to be aware of where it might be, understand the risks, and make sensible decisions. When in doubt, getting a professional opinion is always the safest route.

Asbestos in the Work Place

Workplaces and industrial sites come with their own set of challenges when it comes to asbestos. Many commercial buildings were constructed at a time when asbestos was the go‑to material for insulation, fireproofing and general durability. You still find it in pipework running through plant rooms, sprayed coatings on ceilings, insulation around boilers, old roofing sheets, service risers, and even in flooring that’s been covered over several times. Unlike homes, these areas often see heavy use, vibration, heat, or regular maintenance, which can increase the likelihood of materials becoming damaged over time.

For employers and dutyholders, the responsibilities are much clearer — and much stricter. They must know where asbestos is located, keep an up‑to‑date asbestos register, and make sure anyone working on the building is aware of the risks. Regular inspections and proper management plans aren’t optional; they’re legal requirements. If something changes — a leak, a refurbishment, accidental damage — the asbestos management plan has to be updated and acted on.

When removal or repair work is needed, it has to be planned carefully around the day‑to‑day running of the site. Sometimes that means isolating certain areas, working outside normal hours, or coordinating with other contractors to keep disruption to a minimum. The scale of industrial work can make things more complicated, especially when materials run through multiple rooms or across large sections of a building.

Even when the material falls under non‑licensed work, it still needs to be handled with proper controls. Older industrial asbestos can be brittle, flaky or already damaged, which increases the risk of fibre release. That’s why containment, dust suppression, and the right PPE and RPE are essential. Trained operatives know how to remove materials without breaking them unnecessarily, and how to clean the area so it’s safe for staff to return.

Ultimately, asbestos management in workplaces is about protecting employees, visitors and contractors. It’s also about keeping the business compliant and avoiding costly shutdowns or legal issues. When the work is done properly, the building can continue operating safely, and everyone on site can get on with their jobs without worrying about hidden risks.