What is Licensed Asbestos Removal?
When removing licensed asbestos, the level of exposure and risk determines if asbestos related work requires a licensed contractor. This is type of asbestos removal is regulated by the HSE who state, “exposure that is not sporadic or low intensity is to be considered licensable work”.
The sort of actions that the HSE include are:
- The removal of sprayed coatings known as limpet asbestos.
- The removal of insulation that involves loose fill insulation or has the possibility of disturbing pipe lagging or working on an asbestos millboard.
- Working for a short duration of time on an Asbestos Insulating Board “AIB” which a risk assessment has indicated.
Licensed work is a necessity for any significant quantities of loose debris that contains asbestos contaminated debris or dust also known as ACD. The ACD is measured and if this fits the below criteria, it is deemed licenced work.
- Above a low intensity and is above a safe control limit.
- The control limit is 0.1 asbestos fibres per cubic centimetres of air (0.1 f/cm3) taken during a four-hour period.
License Asbestos Removal is dependent on this control limit set by the HSE, if it exceeds or falls beneath. This would be subject to and managed within a professional asbestos removal risk assessment before work commences.
Very High-Risk Asbestos Removal
Asbestos Insulation
Usually found in lagging on boilers, pipes and cylinders.
Asbestos Cement
Commonly found use on roofing.
Sprayed Asbestos Coatings
This was commonly used for structural fire protection and for its acoustic properties.
Loose Fill Asbestos
Probably the most dangerous ACM, this was used to insulate industrial and domestic premises. Can be found in between cavity walls, under floorboards and in loft spaces.
Asbestos Board
Generally known as Asbestolux that had excellent fire resistance and heat insulating properties.
Lower Risk Asbestos Removal
Although there are many other types of asbestos containing materials that do not require a licensed contractor to remove them, KD Asbestos always recommends that a professional contractor is used. More information on this can be found on the HSE website.
Some common lower risk ACM’s include:
- Artex
- Asbestos String
- Decorative Plaster
- Asbestos Gaskets
- Asbestos Floor Tiles
- Asbestos Roofing
Where Asbestos is Found in Commercial Buildings
1. Sprayed coatings can be found on walls, ceilings, columns and beams.
2. Asbestos cement commonly found in water tanks.
3. Loose fill insulation can be found in any void or cavity.
4. Lagging on boilers, cylinders and pipes.
5. AIB ceiling tiles have asbestos content.
6. Toilet seat and cistern were made from Asbestos.
7. AIB wall partitioning and can be found in lift shafts and in window reveals.
8. AIB panels can often be found in fire doors
9. Asbestos rope seals, gaskets found on boilers and other mechanical devices such as pumps.
10. Vinyl floor tiles are extremely common.
11. AIB can be fitted around boilers for its excellent heat insulating properties.
12. Textiles like fire blankets, where asbestos can be found.
13. Textured coatings on walls and ceilings are an extremely common place to find asbestos especially in Artex.
14. Asbestos cement roofing is extremely common.
15. Asbestos cement panels have been used in the past as cladding.
16. Asbestos cement gutters and downpipes are very common still today on older properties.
17. AIB or asbestos cement soffits were used a lot and are still found today.
18. Due to its heat retaining properties we often find on older properties an Asbestos cement flue.
Illustration Source: HSE
Where Asbestos is Found in Residential Buildings
A. Asbestos cement commonly found in water tanks
C. Loose fill insulation can be found in any void or cavity.
D. Textured decorative coating on walls and ceilings are an extremely common place to find asbestos especially in Artex.
E. AIB ceiling tiles have asbestos content.
F. AIB bath panel are found in older properties still.
G. Toilet seat and cistern were made from Asbestos.
H. AIB was used behind the fuse box for its fire-retardant properties.
I. AIB can be found in the airing cupboard
J. AIB partition walls
K. AIB interior window panel and reveals
L. AIB around boiler, used for its heat retaining properties
M. Asbestos can be found in Vinyl floor tiles
N. AIB was used behind a fire for its heat retaining properties
O. Downpipes and Asbestos cement Gutters were commonly used and still found.
P. Soffits and reveals – AIB or asbestos cement was often used.
Q. AIB exterior window panels were made from asbestos
R. Asbestos cement roofing is still found due to its long lasting properties.
S. Asbestos cement panels have been used in the past as cladding.
T. Roofing felt can be found on sheds and other outhouses and roofs.
Note: AIB is also referred to as Asbestos Insulating Board
Illustration Source: HSE
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