Asbestos Removal and Management

The HSE’s current approach is to manage asbestos in situ. This is suitable for many asbestos materials which are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed. If asbestos materials are poor condition, high risk or likely to be disturbed then action needs to be taken to reduce the risk of fibre release. There are two main ways to achieve this; Removal or Management.

• Removal involves completely removing the asbestos material.

• Management involves various options such as repair, labelling and encapsulation.

Generally speaking asbestos removal falls into three categories: Licensed for insulation materials like AIB and pipe insulation, Non-Licensed for bonded materials such as asbestos cement and floor tiles and Notifiable Non-Licensed Works (NNLW). Removal is often done in enclosures, using polythene, with the level depending on material type and work categorisation.

• High-risk materials require strict controls.

• Must be done by an HSE Licensed asbestos removal contractor.

• Normally requires a 14-day notification to the HSE.

• Carried out in an enclosure with negative air pressure to prevent asbestos release.

• Post removal 4-stage air clearance test ensures safe reoccupation.

• Less stringent controls but still requires careful handling.

• Full, partial, or no enclosure depending on material and conditions.

• Air tests not mandatory but should be considered for safety.

• Quality can vary, so choosing a contractor is crucial for safe removal.

• Applicable to non-licensed materials that have an increased likelihood of fibre release during removal.

• Requires notification to the appropriate enforcing authority.

• Operatives need to be suitably trained.

• Medical examinations must be carried out for all operatives every 3 years and records kept for 40 years.

Asbestos management involves leaving the asbestos material in situ and managing it. If the material is in good condition, sealed and unlikely to be disturbed then it just needs to be re-inspected on an annual basis to ensure its condition does not deteriorate. If the material requires attention then it can be encapsulated or repaired.

• The ACM remains in place.

• Involves covering or sealing the asbestos material.

• Prevents the release of hazardous asbestos fibres into the air.

• Seals asbestos to prevent it from becoming easily damaged or crumbled.

• Repair of small broken sections of the material.