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Asbestos removal is not a DIY task. If you’re asking yourself, “Can I remove asbestos myself?”, it’s important to understand the risks before taking any further action.
Even when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) appear minor or undisturbed, disturbing them without proper training and equipment can pose serious risks to health and safety. EMS Asbestos strongly recommends that all asbestos removal be carried out by trained, competent professionals in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012).
In brief, here's what you need to know:
EMS works with duty holders, building facilities teams and property professionals to manage asbestos safely. Read on or learn more about our asbestos removal services.
According to CAR 2012, only trained, competent individuals should carry out asbestos removal. Some materials, such as sprayed coatings and pipe lagging, can only be removed by licensed contractors due to their higher fibre release risk. Other materials, like asbestos cement or floor tiles, may be removed by those with appropriate training if the work is non-licensed or notifiable non-licensed (NNLW).
EMS Asbestos delivers non-licensed asbestos removal directly and manages the removal of licensable asbestos-containing materials through trusted, HSE-licensed partners, ensuring all work is fully compliant, safe and independently overseen from start to finish.
Several key HSE (Health and Safety Executive) publications set the standards and regulations for working with asbestos. When it comes to how to remove asbestos safely and compliantly, these documents set out the framework for professional asbestos removal processes:
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012): This sets out the legal duties for anyone working with or managing asbestos. It defines what is considered licensed, notifiable non-licensed (NNLW) or non-licensed work, and who is permitted to carry it out.
HSG264 The Survey Guide: This guide outlines how asbestos surveys must be planned, carried out and reported. It supports duty holders in identifying asbestos and managing it correctly under CAR 2012.
HSG248 The Analyst Guide: This publication provides procedures for air monitoring, four-stage clearance and sampling during asbestos works. It outlines the procedures required for safe clearance, helping ensure asbestos sites are ready for reoccupation post-ACM removal.
Removing asbestos without the correct tools, methods and expertise can create serious risks for both individuals and businesses. These can include:
Health Risks: Disturbing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can release fibres into the air, which, when inhaled, may lead to serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and asbestos-related lung cancer.
Legal and Compliance Risks: Improper handling or removal of asbestos can result in breaches of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which can lead to fines, enforcement and improvement notices or even legal action.
Wider Contamination: Incorrect removal methods can spread asbestos fibres throughout a building and nearby area, not only increasing overall remediation costs but also creating serious exposure risks.
Those asking, ‘Can you remove asbestos yourself?’, must understand that professionally managed asbestos removal services from trained specialists are the only way to ensure safe, compliant ACM removal that protects people and property.
Asbestos was used in a wide range of building materials and can still be found in many structures, as it wasn’t completely banned until 1999. In addition to the common uses of asbestos, such as roofs, insulation, fire protection and pipe insulation, other locations can include:
If you’re unsure, EMS can help identify and manage these materials safely, and you can click through the above page links for more information on each potential location.
EMS provides market-leading ACM removal across the West Midlands and beyond. Our key service areas include:
EMS also operates nationwide, with consultants and surveyors located throughout the UK, and offices in Cardiff, London, Hereford and Worcester.
With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to regulatory compliance, EMS Asbestos offers:
You can also explore our case studies for more information or get in touch with us today to discuss your needs for a fully tailored solution.
Removing asbestos Artex yourself is not recommended. While Artex coatings fall under non-licensed work, safe removal still requires proper training, respiratory protective equipment (RPE), personal protective equipment (PPE) and professional waste handling processes. EMS can assess the material and advise on the safest, most compliant removal route for your premises.
Removing asbestos roof tiles involves significant risk. Cement-based tiles may seem low risk, but breaking, sawing or drilling them can release harmful fibres. Only trained professionals should handle this type of asbestos removal to ensure safety, regulatory compliance and proper disposal.
If you’re still wondering, “Can you remove asbestos yourself?”, remember that safe, compliant asbestos removal depends on expert knowledge, equipment and procedures – there is no shortcut.
EMS Asbestos provides a range of ACM removal services, backed by over 20 years of experience. Our team supports duty holders, building owners and commercial sites with licensed and non-licensed asbestos removal, management plans, project management and asbestos surveys.
To understand more about how effective asbestos removal can be, or how asbestos is removed, explore our latest guides, or contact EMS for tailored advice. Call 0800 358 1100, email info@emsgroupuk.com or use our contact form to contact the market-leading experts today.
