What is Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal?

If you have a building or premises where asbestos has been identified following a survey, such as an asbestos management survey, you may need or wish to have it removed. But how do you know whether you need a licensed or non-licensed asbestos removal? 

In this blog post, we are going to look at what non-licensed asbestos removal is, how it differs from licensed removal, who can perform it, the legal requirements that surround it, the process, what materials are appropriate for non-licensed removal and how you can arrange your removal. 

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Defining Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal 

Non-licensed work with asbestos is the removal of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) that are deemed to pose a lower risk of fibre release during the removal. This typically involves ACMs that are in good condition, often still bound in a matrix or sealed in some form of protective material. 

Some non-licensed removals fall into the category of what are known as Notifiable Non-Licensed Works (NNLW). These include the handling of slightly higher risk materials, such as those that are in a poorer condition, or where the work may degrade the material, meaning that there will be a higher fibre release. 

NNLW mandate that the HSE be notified and that any operatives conducting the removals be health screened. These health checks must continue once every three years for as long as the operative continues to conduct NNLW. Records of the NNLW must be kept for 40 years, including the names of the operatives and the dates of their medical. 

Materials that are typically removed as non-licensed work with asbestos include asbestos cement products, decorative coatings and asbestos-containing floor tiles. 

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How Does Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal Differ from Licensed Removal? 

Non-licensed asbestos removal differ from licensed removals in three major areas: 

• Type of ACMs – Non-licensed removal normally tackles only lower-risk materials, whereas licensed removals are designed to handle high-risk ACMs that are more likely to release fibres, including spray coatings and insulation. 
• HSE License - Work with Asbestos that necessitates a license requires the company undertaking the work to have a license to work with asbestos which is granted by the HSE. Non-licensed contractors still need to follow the same Health and Safety Regulations and also need to be able to demonstrate competency. Licensed Work also requires a 14-day notification to the HSE before the work can commence.
• Control Measures - Non-licensed work will release less fibres and therefore the work methodology can be different. Licensed work often includes an air tight enclosure being built and operatives to wear full face respirators. Non-licensed work is often controlled with local control measures such as dust suppression and shadow vacuuming. 

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Who Can Perform Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal? 

The HSE indicates that anyone conducting non-licensed asbestos removal, including NNLWs, must have relevant qualifications and training to ensure they can identify and safely handle ACMs. They must also wear the correct protective clothing such as coveralls, gloves and respirators. 

Although training is not legally required, the contractor must be able to demonstrate competency. Working without  the correct training and procedures in place poses a serious risk of fibre release. Inhalation of asbestos fibres and the serious, long-term health complications that result. 

It is highly advisable to ensure that all asbestos removals are carried out by professionals with the correct training, such as the team here at EMS. 

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Legal Requirements for Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal 

The removal and disposal of asbestos are strictly governed by The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR). These outline a number of key responsibilities for duty holders, including the completion of thorough risk assessments prior to any non-licensed works with asbestos, evaluating whether notification needs to be given to the HSE (NNLW) and how to safely transport and dispose of ACMs. 

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The Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal Process 

The process of conducting non-licensed asbestos removals can be broken down into four key stages: 

1. Initial Assessment – To begin, all ACMs must be identified and the level of risk they pose assessed. It is at this stage where it can be determined whether the works will be licensed or non-licensed. 
2. Preparation – Once the nature of the works has been established and the level of risk assessed, the site must be prepared and marked off. 
3. Removal – Operatives can then conduct the removal, ensuring materials are removed in a way that minimises fibre release. 
4. Waste Disposal – With the ACMs removed, they must be safely transported and disposed of in accordance with the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005. 

The expert team here at EMS can safely and efficiently handle each step of this process for you, from an asbestos demolition survey or asbestos refurbishment survey through to the careful non-licensed removal. 

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Which ACMs Are Covered by Non-Licensed Removal? 

Non-licensed removal involves materials that are typically considered to present a lower risk. This includes a wide range of ACMs, such as: 

• Asbestos cement roofing sheets 
• Asbestos cement wall cladding 
• Asbestos cement gutters and downpipes 
• Asbestos cement flues and chimney products 
• Asbestos cement water tanks 
• Asbestos cement pipes 
• Some textured coatings such as Artex, depending on the removal method 
• Vinyl and thermoplastic floor tiles 
• Bitumen-based products 
• Resin composites 

Whether or not an ACM qualifies for licensed or non-licensed removal can also depend on the type of asbestos it contains, as some are higher risk than others. 

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Booking Your Asbestos Removal 

Before arranging your asbestos removal, it is necessary to book an asbestos sample analysis or  asbestos survey with a qualified provider to assess the extent of the issue and determine what kind of removal process is required. The expert team at EMS can conduct asbestos surveys in Worcester,  across the surrounding areas and throughout the UK, as well as handle all non-licensed asbestos removals. While we are not currently able to offer licensed removals ourselves, we can arrange safe, compliant licensed removal via trusted partners. 

To book your survey or removal, just reach out to our skilled team – call us on 01432 263333, email info@emsgroupuk.com or fill out our contact form here.