Asbestos can pose significant health risks if it is damaged or disturbed. Managing these risks safely and effectively is vital in order to protect yourself, your staff and other visitors from the life-changing impact of asbestos exposure. And with regulatory measures continuing to tighten, failure to do so could lead to significant legal repercussions.
Here at ACT, we’ve helped businesses and organisations across the Wirral to implement effective asbestos management strategies, including asbestos removal and encapsulation. With 25 years of experience and an ongoing commitment to safety, we’re the Wirral’s most trusted asbestos removal experts.
The challenges of asbestos abatement
For more than 100 years, asbestos was used extensively in construction thanks to its flame-proof and insulating properties. Unfortunately, asbestos also poses a significant health risk. If disturbed or damaged, it releases fibres that can cause a range of serious illnesses, including asbestos-related cancers.
Since the introduction of the Control of Asbestos Regulations in 2012, every non-domestic building must now have a duty holder who is responsible for ensuring that proper precautions are taken to prevent asbestos exposure. Failure to do so can lead to significant repercussions, from substantial fines to imprisonment.
Don’t take risks when it comes to your asbestos management strategy – work with asbestos experts for a safe and effective solution.
Asbestos on the Wirral
Like much of the North West, Wirral has a proud industrial history, covering everything from shipbuilding and manufacturing to oil refining. Unfortunately, this means that the region made extensive use of asbestos in its construction and infrastructure works, benefitting from its fireproof and insulating qualities.
As with Liverpool and Manchester, Wirral now faces a legacy of ageing buildings requiring renovation or rejuvenation, many of which are harbouring extensive amounts of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). If these materials are disturbed or damaged, this can pose a significant threat to public health.
That’s why it’s essential that businesses across the region take a proactive approach to asbestos removal and remediation.
Work with Wirral’s asbestos experts
Whether you’re looking for a safe, effective asbestos removal solution or a more comprehensive asbestos management strategy, ACT are your regional experts. We offer a range of asbestos services, covering the full process from initial surveying to reinstatement works and disposal.
We’ve helped organisations of all sizes to manage their asbestos issues, from government bodies to global manufacturers. With a highly trained team capable of tackling the most complex multi-site projects, we’re the Wirral’s number one choice for asbestos removal and remediation.
Our asbestos services
Asbestos encapsulation
Asbestos disposal
Reinstatement works
Industrial cleaning
Emergency call-outs
Our Wirral Case Studies
Grade II listed civic hall
Works were required within the historic Civic Hall to remove asbestos spray coating insulation to sections of the ceiling and walls.
Find out how we can help your business
FAQs
What asbestos regulations do I need to consider?
The key legislation covering asbestos in industrial, commercial or public buildings is the Control of Asbestos Regulation 2012. This regulation stipulates that anyone responsible for the maintenance or repair of a non-domestic building – usually the owner – has a duty to assess the presence of asbestos on the premises.
If asbestos is present, the dutyholder must have a plan in place to manage the risk that this entails, including the risk of the asbestos being disturbed if repair or refurbishment work takes place. This may include arranging for the asbestos to be removed or encapsulated in order to prevent it being damaged during the work.
How can I tell if there is asbestos in my building?
Unfortunately, asbestos-containing materials (ACM) cannot generally be identified by sight, particularly as most non-asbestos substitutes look very similar. This means that, in order to be certain whether asbestos is present, you will need to consult a specialist who can survey the site and perform the necessary tests.
However, as a general rule, a property built prior to 1999 (when asbestos was fully banned in the UK) stands a strong chance of containing asbestos in some of its building materials. Common places where asbestos may have been used include:
- Insulating boards
- Roof and floor tiles
- Pipe and boiler lagging
- Cavity insulation
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, non-domestic building owners have a duty to take reasonable steps to find out if their building contains asbestos. If you are unsure, it is essential that you contact an experienced asbestos management company.
Who can remove asbestos?
Asbestos removal is an extremely sensitive process, given that it involves disturbing and potentially damaging asbestos-containing materials. On this basis, it is highly likely to lead to those in the vicinity being exposed to asbestos fibres if they are not wearing the appropriate protective equipment.
With this in mind, it is imperative that asbestos removals are carried out by trained professionals using appropriate protective equipment. This is not just a question of safety, but also a legal requirement – the vast majority of work related to the removal or abatement of asbestos requires a licence from the Health and Safety Executive.
Are there alternatives to asbestos removal?
Asbestos removal can be an invasive process and requires significant precautions, especially for public or commercial buildings. Thankfully, removal is not always necessary. Depending on the location and nature of the asbestos-containing material, it may be possible to encapsulate it rather than removing it.
Asbestos encapsulation involves sealing the material off in such a way that it is not at risk of being disturbed or damaged. This can be the preferred option if the ACM is in good condition and is not likely to be directly impacted by any refurbishment or repair works. However, it’s important to note that the ACM will need continued monitoring and may require further treatment in future.
Are there different types of asbestos?
Yes, there are six different types of asbestos, though only three were regularly used as part of construction materials. Chrysotile (white asbestos) was the most commonly used type of asbestos, but Crocidolite (blue asbestos) and Amosite (brown asbestos) were also used extensively throughout the 20th century.
Brown and blue asbestos are significantly more dangerous than white asbestos, and have been banned in the UK in 1985. White asbestos, which is safer but which can still pose significant health risks, was banned in 1999. If your building was built or refurbished prior to 2000, there is a high likelihood that asbestos is present.
How much does asbestos removal cost?
If you’re planning refurbishment or repair works that may require asbestos removal, you’ll understandably want to be able to factor this into your budget. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to give a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The cost of asbestos removal will depend on a variety of factors, including:
- The quantity and location of the asbestos-containing material. A larger quantity of ACM in a more difficult-to-reach area will usually lead to a higher cost.
- The type and condition of the material. If the material contains the more dangerous types of asbestos (brown or blue asbestos) or if it is in a damaged state, this may also add to the overall cost.
- The safety measures required to protect employees or members of the public. If the asbestos is located in areas regularly used by employees or the public, this may require additional safety measures.
As you can see, there are a range of factors involved in the cost of asbestos removal. Additionally, you may want to consider reinstatement works to replace the material that has been removed and return your premises to top condition.
Finally, it’s also worth noting that asbestos encapsulation can be a cheaper alternative to removal, if the ACM is in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed.
What parts of the Wirral does ACT cover?
At ACT, we’re proud to be based in the North West, with our head office in Liverpool. We offer asbestos removal and abatement services across Wirral and the surrounding region, including:
- Liverpool
- Manchester
- Birkenhead
- Wallasey
- Ellesmere Port
- Bromborough
- Runcorn
- Chester
Though our home is in the North West, ACT is a national company that operates throughout the UK. Wherever you are based, our expert asbestos technicians can help tackle your most challenging asbestos problems. Contact us today to find out how we can help.