Asbestos Disposal on commercial properties: What You Need to Know

For commercial properties, asbestos disposal is typically handled by licensed or appropriately trained contractor and hazardous waste carriers. They are responsible for providing all the necessary legal documentation for safely handling, transporting and ensuring the asbestos waste gets to its final destination in the correct manner.

While you can find information online about “do it yourself” asbestos removal and waste disposal, it is highly recommended that you do not attempt to disturb asbestos-containing materials in any way without proper training and precautions.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR) is the main piece of legislation that governs the handling, removal, and preparations for disposal of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the UK. It applies to all workplaces and places where the public may be exposed to asbestos, including homes, schools, and hospitals.

THE HAZARDOUS WASTE REGULATIONS 2005

The Hazardous Waste Regulations (and Special Waste Regulations in Scotland) govern how asbestos waste is stored, moved, handled during transit and disposed of at the final waste location. The regulations apply to all asbestos waste leaving a commercial property.

Identifying Asbestos

The first step in asbestos disposal is identifying the presence of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM’S). If you own or manage a building that was built before the year 2000, there is a chance that it may contain asbestos.

The only way to be sure is to have a survey conducted by a qualified asbestos surveyor. They will take samples of suspected ACMs and send them to an UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis.

Removal vs. Management in situ

Once the presence of asbestos has been confirmed, the next step is to decide whether the ACMs need to be removed or managed in situ.

If the asbestos is in good condition and not likely to be disturbed, it can be left in place and monitored regularly for any signs of deterioration. However, if the asbestos is damaged, friable (crumbly), or likely to be disturbed, it must be removed by a licensed contractor.

Disposal of Asbestos Waste

In the UK, asbestos waste must be disposed of at a licensed landfill site that is authorized to accept hazardous waste, including asbestos. The landfill must have the appropriate permits and licenses, and it must follow strict guidelines for the handling, transport, and disposal of asbestos waste.

It's important to note that asbestos waste cannot be disposed of in household waste, and it should not be mixed with other waste streams. Asbestos waste must be transported by a licensed higher tier waste carrier and accompanied by a hazardous waste consignment note, which details the type and quantity of waste being transported, the destination of the waste, and any other relevant information.

Detailed guidelines for asbestos disposal can be found here.

Record-Keeping

It's also important to keep detailed records on the correct paper work of all asbestos-related activities, including the results of surveys, the location and quantity of ACMs, the Asbestos Management Plan, any asbestos removal and hazardous waste disposal documents, and confirmation of the final disposal site (Part E on the Consignment Note).

These records can be used to prove compliance with regulations and to track any potential issues, exposure risks, future litigation or general data for use in the AMP. These records are to be maintained as part of an Asbestos Management Plan. Any removal of asbestos should instigate an update to the asbestos management plan and site record keeping for commercial properties. Wherever asbestos removal is undertaken there should be a consignment note relevant to the works in question.

Conclusion

In conclusion, asbestos disposal is a complex and highly regulated process that requires careful attention to regulations, guidelines and associated legal documents.

Our company works tirelessly to reduce peoples exposure to Asbestos. Our teams can assist with any of the following asbestos-related works -

• Asbestos Surveys near me

•  Asbestos Removal near me

• Asbestos Sampling near me

• Asbestos in Soils

• Re-Inspection and maintenance near me

  
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