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Asbestos removal is a carefully regulated process that must only be carried out by trained, competent professionals. Whether dealing with a commercial property or a private home, the goal is always the same: ensure that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are identified, handled and disposed of safely and in full compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012).
In brief, here's what you need to know:
Please be aware that this article is for your general information only and should not be used as a guide to remove asbestos yourself. Always consult a qualified asbestos professional.
EMS delivers non-licensed asbestos removal in-house and facilitates the removal of licensable asbestos-containing materials, such as sprayed coatings, pipe lagging and asbestos insulating board, through licensed, trusted partners. We provide independent oversight, project management and accredited air testing where required.
So, how is asbestos removed and what is the process? The exact method will vary from location to location, depending on the type of asbestos-containing material (ACM) being removed, its condition and location within the structure and whether the removal is classed as licensed, notifiable non-licensed (NNLW) or non-licensed work, depending on the likely amount of fibres that could be released in the process. EMS manages each project accordingly, ensuring every removal is safe, legally compliant and tailored to the site.
Before any asbestos can be removed, it must first be located and assessed. This is done via a formal asbestos survey, which determines the presence, type and condition of ACMs. EMS provides this as part of its end-to-end service, with surveys aligned to HSG264 guidance. The survey type – management, refurbishment or demolition – will depend on the nature of the planned works.
If there is a particular material you have identified as potentially asbestos containing, it will be possible to get this material sampled and analysed at our laboratory.
Following the asbestos survey, a risk assessment identifies the most appropriate way to manage or remove the asbestos safely and legally. This information is used to form a Plan of Work (PoW), a core part of the asbestos removal process and a legal requirement, to ensure the removal is planned correctly and undertaken safely.
EMS supports this stage by providing project management of asbestos removal, with procurement of remedial works, supervision of works and by also undertaking remedial works internally. EMS can also assist with large projects by writing tailored specifications and tender documentation. This ensures the removal strategy is appropriate to the site, ACM type and regulatory requirements.
The plan of works for removal projects should clearly set out the following things:
EMS also provides accredited analysts for air testing and four-stage clearance procedures, helping ensure every step is carried out in accordance with health and safety legislation such as HSG248.
When dealing with Licensed Asbestos Removal, the site must be prepared to ensure asbestos fibres cannot spread into the wider environment. This typically involves:
Operatives must wear appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and personal protective equipment (PPE), in full compliance with HSE guidance.
For non-licensed work, the same enclosure is not always required; it depends on the risk of fibre release. However, the work area should still be segregated and clearly signed to prevent unauthorised access.
Once all preparation is complete, how is the asbestos removed? Again, the removal process differs depending on the type of ACM and its risk classification:
Non-Licensed Asbestos Materials: EMS removes non-licensed asbestos (which covers almost all ACMs) such as cement sheets, vinyl tiles, textiles and textured coatings using safe, compliant procedures.
Licensed Asbestos Materials: Licensed ACMs such as pipe lagging, asbestos insulating board and sprayed coatings must be removed by licensed contractors. EMS facilitates and oversees these works through trusted, HSE-licensed partners.
All asbestos is handled in accordance with legal requirements, with correct PPE, site controls and waste disposal processes applied at every stage.
How is asbestos disposed of? All asbestos waste is handled and disposed of in line with applicable legal and health and safety requirements. EMS are a licensed carrier for hazardous waste. All asbestos is wrapped and identified correctly as required by the legislation. All asbestos waste is then disposed of at suitably licensed facilities, with full traceability provided with waste consignment notes.
We hope this post helped you better understand how asbestos is removed, and how vital it is to use professional services to do so.
EMS is a market-leading asbestos consultancy with over 20 years of experience supporting clients across the UK. With offices in Hereford, Worcester, London and Cardiff, and qualified asbestos professionals based nationwide, EMS delivers a responsive, expert-led asbestos removal service, including in the following locations:
Need advice on how to remove asbestos, or a quote for removal? Call 0800 358 1100, email info@emsgroupuk.com or use our contact form to speak to the EMS experts today.
