Asbestos Removal Contractors

Domestic asbestos and commercial asbestos removal.

Fibretech Services Ltd apply best practice to all our asbestos identification and asbestos removal works and before commencing a project we supply a detailed works method statement and site specific risk assessment document for the project. Our aim is to ensure we not only meet but exceed legislative requirements, giving you complete peace of mind.

Asbestos removal requires the utmost attention to safety and Fibretech have the credentials in this field of expertise:

Asbestos removal professionals.

Fibretech are a fully qualified and highly professional asbestos removal company based in Northampton.

Fibretech credentials:

• Full membership of A.R.C.A. (The Asbestos Removal Contractors Association)
• The stringent A.R.C.A. Site Audit Accreditation Scheme (S.A.A.S) has recognised us for our excellence in site standards, safe working methods and management systems.
• ARCA Membership No: FC4119
• Licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for all asbestos removal and asbestos encapsulation work. Licence No 4960703933
• Environment Agency Certificate of Registration Under the Control of Pollution (Amendment) ACT 1989
• NTH/619150
• BS EN ISO 9001: 2000 Quality Systems
• Cert. No 6003020645
• Building Register Approved & member Cert. No 0000191385
• Construction line approved & member Reg. No 52285
• Member of Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce

Our fully scaled services for business include:

• Asbestos Removal
• Asbestos Encapsulation
• Asbestos Disposal
• Asbestos Consultancy & Surveys

Asbestos removal and encapsulation often fall under HSE licensing regulations. This requires the Duty Holder to provide the HSE with a written plan of work and an ASB 5 notification form at least 14 days prior to work commencement. All works relating to ACM's must be in accordance with The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006 (CAR 2006).

If ACM's are to remain in situ and be managed in accordance with CAR2006, they must be encapsulated or encased to ensure they are protected from damage and cannot release airborne fibres. Fibretech use specialist products to seal ACM surfaces and where necessary, we will put physical barriers in place for added safety.

What is asbestos and where is it found?

Asbestos is a term used to describe certain fibrous silicates. It is a natural mineral, occurring in rocks all over the world. At low natural levels it is not dangerous, but it has many useful properties when fibres are compacted, not least insulation and fire resistance. It was widely used in buildings for 150 years, and remains in place in forms such as asbestos cement cladding, gutters and rainwater pipes, fireproof sprays, insulating boards, ceiling and floor tiles, and textured ceiling finishes.

Health hazard

However, it was discovered in the 1930s that when the microscopic fibres (100 times finer than human hair) become airborne they can become inhaled. These are so inert that they cannot be dispelled from the lungs, and can cause cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma between 15 and 60 years after first exposure. However, strict controls on use were only introduced comparatively recently - it has been illegal to use asbestos-containing materials since the introduction of the Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1992. There is no "safe level" of exposure. Asbestos remains the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, and is thought to kill up to 3000 a year and expected to rise to 10,000 by 2010.

Do not disturb!

All asbestos is now subject to strict control; waste asbestos is Special Waste. There are three "colours", white (Chrysotile), brown (Amosite) and blue (Crocidolite) This is misleading, as no colour is visible to the naked eye, so treat all types as equally hazardous. Two forms have great practical significance - these are asbestos in board form and fibrous asbestos. If in good condition, its presence does not pose a risk. But as asbestos can cause harm when breathed in, the fibrous form is far more hazardous, and sawing, drilling or sanding asbestos board or sheet can release fibres. When accidentally damaged or disturbed, asbestos materials can be reduced to dust by relatively light pressure: that is when the fibres separate and become airborne and dangerous. If material is disturbed it can be coated by expert contractors, which keeps it safe for five years, after which a further coating may be required. Asbestos should only be removed if it is very friable (crumbly) or if renovation or demolition work is scheduled.

Selling and fixing asbestos containing products was banned in the UK in 1999, but over one million tonnes of processed asbestos remain in buildings in Britain. The European Union states that if material contains over 0.1% (1000th) part of asbestos, it is designated as dangerous. The risks, however, should be put in proportion. Experts rate the risk to the general public from their homes and workplaces, as very small. Nevertheless the material should be treated with great respect. Asbestos materials should never be sawn, scrubbed or disturbed.

To undertake any work with asbestos without a licence may breach the Health and Safety at Work (etc) Act 1974.

The HSC (Health and Safety Commission) has been reviewing procedures and drawing up the new Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations. This will place a "duty to manage" asbestos-containing materials in the workplace, the duty holder being the "employer in control of the premises which they occupy and in which persons work". This may include the landlord or building owner, tenants and other parties such as managing agents. It is advised that management strategies are prepared now, which should identify and record location and condition of any asbestos-containing materials, carry out risk assessment, plan how to manage the risk, and to implement the plan. The new duties apply to non-domestic properties only, but the HSC is consulting with relevant authorities to consider extending the duties to cover flats or social housing.

Arrange an asbestos survey.

To arrange an asbestos survey, and determine how our asbestos removal services can help you plaease contact us today.