Asbestos Removal in East Central London

You might have heard about the health dangers that asbestos can cause. But what exactly is it and what is the fuss about asbestos removal?

While asbestos has been banned since 1999, it has been used prior in many building materials such as roofing, wall and pipe insulation and decorative finishes in buildings. Asbestos, a group of minerals found naturally, is a great fortifier and insulator, hence the common usage in building material.

Unfortunately, years later, people began to realise how toxic asbestos is. When building material containing asbestos is knocked down or drilled, tiny fibres of the mineral release into the air and it can be inhaled, especially by construction workers, plumbers and other contractors who are exposed to building material for prolonged periods. Because of this, asbestos is one of the most hazardous forms of waste and needs to be disposed of properly. Waste containing asbestos is not permitted to be discarded with general and recyclable waste.

East Central London is a hub for many creative and corporate activities. This is also a desirable residential area. With so many activities and opportunities, construction projects are ongoing in the area, whether commercial or residential.

When construction waste contains any building material from asbestos, this needs to be treated carefully to ensure that people do not get exposed to asbestos fibres.

There are many private companies specialising in asbestos removal in the area of East Central London, from both commercial and residential properties however the importance of hiring a professional is even more important when dealing with asbestos removals. Small amounts of asbestos may be removed from residential properties without hiring an asbestos removal company, however, it is strongly recommended that you use a professional waste disposal company who hold accreditations and can show that they have been trained in proper asbestos removal to minimise the risk and prevent any harm being caused to yourself or others.

The City of London, east of the Borough of Westminster and within the city centre is able to remove small quantities of residential asbestos for free through the Hazardous Waste Collection and Disposal Service (HWCDS). This service is available to residents within East Central London, although it may take up to four weeks for slots to become available.

This free service is only available for residents and can not be used for larger asbestos removal clearances from commercial properties, construction sites or schools.

If you choose to remove asbestos yourself, you should consult your borough council’s website for guidance and for information on where asbestos can be disposed safely as it can not be dropped off with general and recyclable waste. It is your responsibility to protect your health by wearing protective masks and eyewear, spraying the asbestos down with water or an adhesive to eliminate fibres from being released. Asbestos must be placed in properly sealed waste bags or wrapping made from heavy polythene.

Wayst can provide a full asbestos removal service from residential and commercial properties and construction sites. We take the guesswork and research out of asbestos removal and we will ensure that it is safely handled and discarded.

Need help with asbestos removal in East Central London? Do not hesitate to get in touch.

If you occupy a building which was built prior to the asbestos ban in 1999, it is likely that there might be asbestos within the property. Despite this, if the fibres remain undisturbed, they pose little to no risk.

This, however, does not mean that you should ignore any suspected asbestos in your property as pipes, wall insulation, roofing, etc might be shedding asbestos fibres. Asbestos should still be treated with care, no matter how small the risk.

Construction workers, plumbers, painters and other contractors who are exposed to broken down building materials such as roofing plates and pipes unfortunately have a higher risk for asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos can be present in several types of building material used prior to 1999. These include:

- Pipe lagging
- Roofing
- Wall and tile insulation
- Textured decorative wall and roof coatings

You can recognise asbestos by its colour, depending on the type of mineral – it will either be white, grey, brown or blue.

If you suspect that you might have asbestos in your property and that it will have to be removed due to construction, you can contact Wayst for expert advice. We can inform you of the next steps to take in identifying asbestos and where to find a licensed, trustworthy asbestos removal company. Our professional and properly trained asbestos partners will also be able to survey the source and quantity of asbestos in your property and advise you on the next steps.

Asbestos removal can either be licensed or unlicensed, depending on the quantity of asbestos removed and type of property it is being removed from (commercial or residential).

For any non-licensed asbestos removal, the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) website will provide examples of removal services that are permitted to be performed by unlicensed individuals and contractors.

Licensed work needs to be performed by any asbestos removal company accredited by Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) to ensure that the asbestos removal is carried out safely with minimal risk.

Small quantities of asbestos with a low exposure risk can be removed, ensuring that it is carefully wrapped or placed inside a lockable container or skip. It is still advised that you should seek assistance of a qualified asbestos removal service provider to ensure complete safety and to stick to all regulations.

Wayst provides asbestos removal services through trusted partners with full asbestos safety training, adhering to strict environmental and health and safety standards such as those outlined in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. We will be able to provide a full range of services, from surveying asbestos to safe asbestos removal.

The cost of asbestos removal varies greatly and depends on the type of property, as well as the quantity of asbestos removed from the premises.

Here are some examples of common asbestos removal projects and their costs. Note that this list is not exhaustive or definite and that you will only be sure of the cost once an asbestos removal company has surveyed the scope of work:

- Bungalow roof removal: £2000-£2500+VAT
- Garage roof and side panel removal: £1000-£1500+VAT
- Ventilation pipe removal: £350+VAT per meter
- Bungalow guttering and rainwater pipe removal: £1000+VA

Even though free asbestos removal is provided by the City of London Council for residents in East Central London and its surroundings, this is only for small quantities of asbestos from domestic properties. Depending on your construction project or type of removal, you will probably need to get a quote from an accredited asbestos removal company.

Asbestos awareness is not only crucial for those performing asbestos removal, but also for those who wish to attempt to do so, even when they are unlicensed and where small quantities of asbestos need to be removed.

Regulations state that all carriers collecting and transporting asbestos from commercial and residential properties must be able to show a consignment note, even when it’s a small amount that does not require a license.

When you oversee asbestos removal from a commercial property, it is your responsibility to consult a trained asbestos surveyor to ensure the safety of all employees.

Some asbestos removal projects are more high-risk than others, especially when pipe lagging is removed or when the work is prolonged, and a lot of dust is created in the process. These types of removals must be performed by a licensed, experienced asbestos removal company.

Always speak to your local council before removing asbestos yourself, no matter how small the quantity. If you are unsure of the measures you need to take, experienced asbestos removal experts are invaluable to ensure the safety of all people involved.