Disposal of asbestos waste
With national UK coverage North West Waste national asbestos waste disposal offers comprehensive support and compliance when dealing with the haulage and disposal of asbestos.
The Facts?
Exposure to Asbestos is the single biggest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, claiming more than 50,000 victims in the last 30 years.
The effects can take many years to develop but Asbestos-related illnesses can include conditions as deadly as lung cancer, asbestosis and Mesothelioma.
The diseases can extend far beyond the people working with Asbestos and often affect their families who may have come into contact with their contaminated work clothes or overalls.
A new legal ruling has just made it easier for victims to get compensation, although there are strict time limits to make a claim.
Despite being banned for several years you could still come into contact with asbestos because it was used in construction for many years and can still be found in some buildings.
Waste containing more than 0.1 per cent asbestos is classed as hazardous/special waste. You must deal with this waste as hazardous/special waste.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral that was widely used in a range of industries during the 1960s and 70s and was considered a versatile material ideal for building until the dangers were identified. There are three main varieties of asbestos all of which were used by companies for all sorts of different purposes, from construction to insulation to fireproofing. Unfortunately the mineral was used in everything from shipbuilding to textiles so thousands of workers were exposed to its potentially lethal effects. Asbestos is made of millions of tiny fibres which, if inhaled into the lungs can prove deadly. The use of Blue and Brown asbestos was banned in 1985, while White asbestos was outlawed in 1999.
Licenced removal
Work on asbestos insulation and lagging, including sealing and removing, must be carried out only by a contractor licenced by the HSE. Details of licensed contractors can be found on the ARCA website (Asbestos Removal Contractors Association) or HSE website (Health and Safety Executive). The HSE website also contains lots of useful information about the hazards associated with with asbestos removal and advice about safety precautions.
If you are unable to complete the steps as recommended by the HSE, you must arrange for collection of the asbestos waste by an asbestos removal contractor who is licensed to carry the waste. Use our online quotation page or call us on 01744 758 349 for a fast, cost-effective solution.