What’s the Difference Between Unlicensed and Licensed Asbestos Removal?

In the UK, there are broadly two categories of asbestos removal, commonly known as unlicensed asbestos removal and licensed asbestos removal.

It has become a common misconception that if an Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) is tested and identified to contain chrysotile asbestos fibres, this is considered automatically ‘non-licensed’ and some would even go as far as saying it is ‘less dangerous’ or simply ‘not as nasty as the other stuff’. THIS IS NOT TRUE! The most important thing that needs to be confirmed with regard to asbestos content is the material type, and whether the material in question is bonded asbestos or fibrous asbestos.

Non-licensed asbestos removal works include work with bonded items such as asbestos cement, textured decorative coatings, floor tiles etc. These works can be carried out without an asbestos license by a contractor with suitable asbestos training and the correct equipment, along with the appropriate waste carrier license if they are transporting and disposing of the asbestos waste.

As asbestos cement commonly contains chrysotile fibres, many people will assume that the presence of chrysotile automatically makes the material bonded asbestos and therefore non-licensed removal works. This is incorrect, as chrysotile fibres can be found in fibrous ACMs such as Asbestos Insulation Board (AIB) and asbestos insulation.

Licensed asbestos removal works include work with AIB and asbestos insulation. These works must legally be carried out by a licensed asbestos removal contractor under fully controlled conditions with an ASB5 notification made to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 14 days prior to starting works. An independent analyst will also need to be employed at the completion of the works to carry out a four-stage air clearance and produce a certificate of reoccupation.

How Can I Tell What Asbestos Containing Material I Have and How it Needs to be Dealt With?

The only way to be 100% certain of asbestos content is to have a small sample taken of the material for testing in a UKAS approved laboratory. The sample will be assessed under a microscope and will identify both the type of asbestos fibres present and the material itself. From here, a licensed asbestos removal contractor such as Jeto Limited will be able to advise the most suitable removal method for the material identified.

What Should I Expect to See from a Contractor During Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal Works?

A contractor will often attend the site prior to starting the works to enable them to create a plan of work, or RAMS, a detailed document for all staff to understand including site specifics such as electric and gas disconnection info, a risk assessment and a detailed method of how the ACM will be removed. Some short-duration works won’t require a site visit prior to removal works, and some works will require the contractor to notify the HSE of the type of notifiable non-licensed works being carried out, with site details. This can be done on the day before or on the same day before work is due to start.

All individuals carrying out non-licensed asbestos removal works will require a certificate in non-licensable works with asbestos and undergo annual refresher training for this course. They will also undergo asbestos medical assessments every two years and should have all of their certificates available for you to see at any time.

On-site, contractors will be wearing ‘half masks’, a breathing apparatus that covers their nose and mouth with filters attached. These masks need a good seal to the face, meaning individuals undertaking this work must be clean-shaven to allow the best seal of the mask. They will carry out the work wearing disposable overalls and have a designated decontamination area to allow them to clean their footwear and masks every time they need to leave the site. For some ACM removals, they will use a thick polythene and timber framework to build enclosures and exclusion zones to stop the spread of any asbestos contamination, and special H-type vacuums to help remove any dust and debris. They will do their best to remove the asbestos containing materials whole.

You should be left with a spotless, asbestos-free area and provided with a hazardous waste consignment note as proof that the waste has been safely and correctly disposed of. Many contractors will also provide their own in-company completion certificate to confirm what works have been carried out and signed off as complete by the supervisor in charge.

Whilst air testing during non-licensed asbestos removal works is not a legal requirement, it may be worth considering having reassurance air testing done, which is exactly what it says on the tin: to prove that any residual fibres are below clearance indicator levels as they should be and that the area is safe to reoccupy.

What Should I Expect to See from a Contractor During Licensed Asbestos Removal Works?

Licensed asbestos removal works are more complicated and can only be carried out by licensed contractors such as Jeto Limited.

After a site visit to provide a competitive tender, before starting any work on site the contractor will need to create a detailed plan of work and site drawing much like with non-licensed works. Like notifiable non-licensed works, the contractor will need to inform the HSE of the details of the works, on this occasion using an online form called an ASB5 form. The HSE then requires a 14-day waiting period before works can begin on-site. This allows HSE inspectors to arrange site visits, something all licensed asbestos contractors need to anticipate on all of their sites.

On arrival, the team will set up the decontamination unit, begin building an enclosure for the works area and create a completely sealed space that they will then test with a smoke machine to make sure there are no gaps to allow any possible fibre release. They will also install negative air pressure units which will filter and clean all of the air in the sealed enclosure during the works. When the smoke test has been passed, the team can don their disposable overalls and masks, which must cover their whole face for licensed removal works. They can enter the enclosure and carry out the removal of the ACMs and must use the decontamination unit to dispose of their clothing and fully shower their whole body each time they leave the enclosure.

When the removal works have finished, they will fine-clean the enclosure and invite the independent analyst into the area to carry out their four-stage clearance, which includes visual checks for dust and debris and also collection of air samples. This is a mandatory air test that must be done to confirm that the area is safe, clean and ready to hand back to the client.

Booking Asbestos Removal Services

Whilst non-licensed works can be carried out by contractors without an asbestos license, we strongly recommend using a licensed contractor for these works as well as they will remove bonded materials with the same level of diligence required for fibrous materials.

It’s simply not worth risking your and your family’s health to save a few pennies and pounds. Asbestos removal can be seen as expensive, but this is for a very good reason. We are dealing with the careful and safe removal of a type 1 carcinogen from your home, school or workplace, keeping our team, other trades on site, members of the public and you safe from exposure to a very dangerous material. Make sure you have the right contractor on site to carry out the works, who won’t leave you with a contaminated home and possible serious health issues in the future.

Contact our team at Jeto Limited if you are searching for asbestos removal specialists. We are fully accredited and licensed asbestos removal contractors, with many years of experience working on properties of all sizes. We can guide you through the removal process, ensuring the works are completed to the highest standards. Whether you need licensed or non-licensed asbestos removal, you can turn to us in confidence.