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cutting through very thin layer of asbestos containing paint
Rank: Forum user 
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Please can anyone advise on this?
The building is a World War 2 aircraft hangar made of corrugated metal with a very thin (worn away by the elements over the last 70+ years) layer of black paint which has been identified to contain asbestos.
We want to cut a personnel doorway into the building, probably using a 9" disc grinder. It would probably take less than an hour. I've looked on the HSE website but am more confused than ever regarding
1. Can we do it or do we need a licensed contractor?
2. Is it 'notifiable'?
3. What control measures would need to be in place?
4. Would our guy need special asbestos training?
If anyone can give a few pointers it would be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Kay
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Rank: Forum user
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Kay Similar type work is covered here http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/a26.pdfNot licensed work as the sheet says and not notifiable The trickier bit is the use of an disc cutter as this will potentially generate a lot of dust/fume that you cannot control. What about removing the paint with a gel paint stripper (not DCM based obviously) where you intend to make the cut lines - if the resulting gel paint mush is less than 0.1% asbestos then it is not hazrdous waste. Just thinking aloud.....
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Rank: Forum user
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I wouldn't be quite so definite when giving advice on t'internet. That sheet is for Artex, where the material Kay is talking about sounds like Galbestos.
Now, usually low risk, but it can contain substantially more asbestos than artex and anecdotally could contain Crocidolite.
Kay: Be sure of what you're working on by getting the material analysed and if you'd feel happier get some advice from a consultant.
It may be possible to carry it out in house, but no-one can make that judgement without seeing it. However, if you don't already have staff trained to carry out non-licenced work, I would suggest in this instance it will be cheaper & easier to employ a local licensed contractor. I would prefer a less whizzy mode of cutting (perhaps a still saw or even hydraulic snips) but we should still be talking a few hundred, rather than thousand pounds.
HTH,
Chris.
PS And isn't the HSE 'guidance' on NNLW useful!
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Rank: Forum user
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Not a lot of information to go on.
However two comments:
1. You must not use any form of grinder for cutting the material if it contains asbestos.
2. The work would probably require notification to the HSE as "Notifiable Non-Licensed Work".
Therefore a "Licensed Contractor" would not necessarily be required, but a contractor who would meet the requirements of the new CAR 2012 would.
I work for an asbestos removal company not far from you, if you want to contact me we can discuss further.
Rodger Ker
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Rank: Super forum user
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Kay
Have you considered removing whole sheets in the vicinity of your new opening and replacing with new around the edges of your door.
Might be safer, quicker and prove cost effective as well.
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cutting through very thin layer of asbestos containing paint
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