Rank: Guest 
|
Posted By Smiff
It's not clear (to me, anyway) from the HSE blurb I have if removal of asbestos-containing floor tiles is a licenced contractor job? My gut feel is it is, I reckon it would be a pretty orrible job that I'd rather sub to the experts. Anyone know the exact definition of what should come under licencing? Help appreciated, thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Sally
Have you seen the HSE document HSG210 - Asbestos Essential Tasks manual. It lays out clearly the precautions required for specific tasks including removing floor tiles and also the requirements for licensed contractors. Requirement is based on how long the job is going to take ie how many tiles require removed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Dave Wilson
removal of Abestos Containg floor tiles (Thermoplastic) is not a licensed contractor requirement, it is exempt from the regulations for licensable work, however if there is a paper backing which is used for insulation then the paper removal is licensed as it is classed as 'Asbestos insulation' Weird eh!
read the aforementioned HSE Guidance and it will tell you how to do this safely.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Smiff
Thanks for that, I shall make further enquiries as to "insulation" and get HSG210
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By MarkJAWatkins
This is the problem with the asbestos industry and the reguations. Everybody has differing opinions to what is classified as works requiring a license and works not requiring a license.
I work for a asbestos consultancy (formerly for a removal contractor) and some of my clients (who are designated asbestos managers, etc.) have no idea about what materials fall under what classifications. As soon as you mention density analysis on samples (okay, not controlled by UKAS - but the HSE do ask for it) they start going all awkward and uneasy and after a few minutes of explanation they say "yeah, that's what I thought but I thought I would run it past you as that's what your paid for..."
Hopefully the CAWR regs will clear it up...or maybe not!
Regards,
Mark Watkins
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Oil Man
Why remove them? You could simply cover/seal them thus removing the need for licenced contractors
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Smiff
I need to remover them so I can remove, crush and recycle the concrete bases underneath them. It's a brownfield developement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By MarkJAWatkins
The chances of the tiles being backed with asbestos paper are pretty slim. If there was any asbestos paper below the tiles the chances are that it would have been identified when the floor tile sample was taken.
The fact that asbestos paper has now been mentioned to you, you will now have to take it into consideration (however unlikely)To keep your self right, I would ask the people removing the tiles to randomly remove a tile every couple of square metres to rule it out.
Question for you; have you had the bitumen adhesive tested? good chance that the adhesive will have Chrysotile. If that's the case you may have to consider taking up the floor/screed that it is adhered to so you can 100% confirm that all ACM's have been removed (please note that there is no harm in removing the tiles and leaving the adhesive unless you are doing any construction works that would disrupt the adhesives.
Regards,
Mark Watkins
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By MarkJAWatkins
Sorry, I was writing my previous reply when the last posting was placed! I shouldn't be such a slow typer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Adrian Watson
Let's get real folks; vinyl tiles are not a material covered by the Asbestos Licensing Regulations 1983. Furthermore they pose less of a risk than artex and are not hazardous waste.
Regards Adrian Watson
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By MarkJAWatkins
define hazardous waste? they are special waste!
Mark
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Adrian Watson
Are you in Scotland?
Regards Adrian Watson
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Phil McC
Smiff,
You will also have to consider that although the level of exposure to fibres might not be sufficient to take it above the threshold for licensable work, I believe that The Environment Agency considers that any type of asbestos in any quantity is classified as hazardous waste and the 2005 Hazardous Waste Regs ought to apply.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Robert K Lewis
Mark
No such thing as Special wastes nowadays. ACMs in this form are classed as Non-reactive Hazardous Waste and must go into a moncell site unmixed with active, ie biodegradable, waste. If mixed with active wastes they are classed as Hazardous.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Smiff
I fully understand the position wrt the waste classification thanks, my Q is just about licencing for the removal process. I can now confirm there is no asbestos backing. The tiles come up whole when scraped with a toothless trenching bucket. No dust is created and I'm happy that this does not fall within the licencing regime. We will be monitoring with frisbee gauges and dustmates, etc. Full PPE until the site is clear. Thanks for your help.
Smiffy
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Dave Wilson
Got it in one smiffy!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By MarkJAWatkins
Special waste still exists in Scotland, I wasn't even the one to bring it into question about being Special, hazardous or any other type.
Mark
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By R Wilkinson
Bear in mind that if the tile has an adhesive/bonding agent underneath, there is a likelihood that it may contain an ACM!
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.