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How to Avoid Rogue Traders - Asbestos Removal

Local Asbestos Removal Matlock • 5 April 2022

Ensure your asbestos is dealt with safely and legally 

Whether you are renovating your old or new home , just moved into a house , selling a house or carrying out work at your business premises - in any scenario if you discover asbestos it can be daunting. 
After a search on google , Bing , Facebook , you're now stumped at the numerous companies offering all sorts of promises and offers. 
So..........Who do you use? 
Although there are many reputable companies offering asbestos removal services , there are equally many non-reputable companies. 
With over 20 years’ experience in asbestos removal , our experts offer their advice on how to avoid rouge traders:

1. Training 


Using trained companies to carry out asbestos removal is important. Fully qualified asbestos removers know the techniques and controls required to stop the spread of asbestos fibres.


Asbestos Awareness Training does NOT cover any person to remove asbestos. This type of training is to make the person aware of asbestos and where it an be found. This training is not sufficient enough to allow them to carry out the safe removal.

For more information on asbestos removal training visit the HSE Website https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/training.htm


*TIP - When appointing an asbestos contractor , request proof of training for operatives. 


Insurance for the removal of asbestos is important. It covers works carried out at your property , therefore if any issues arise you know the company you use were insured to carry out the work.


Insurance should include the removal of asbestos. Insurance for the carrying and disposal is not enough to cover removal works.


* TIP - When appointing an asbestos contractor , request proof of insurance 


3. Waste Carriers Licence


Waste carriers licences cover companies to carry your asbestos waste to a disposal point. They do not cover the removal.


However , it is your duty of care to ensure that any person you hand your waste to has a valid waste carriers’ licence.


*TIP - Checking a waste carriers licence can easily be done online here https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/index. Ask the company for a copy of their WCL or their WCL number to cross reference against Environment Agency Data. 


4. Disposal of Asbestos


Every single movement of asbestos waste should (by law) be accompanied by a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note (certificate). The Consignment note will hold a unique number which is allows your asbestos waste to be traced from you right to the disposal site.


Every person who removed asbestos is legally obliged to issue you with a consignment note (certificate) which is fully completed to show :


  • Where the asbestos waste produced (your property)
  • The type of asbestos which is being carried
  • Who carried the asbestos: their name , address , vehicle reg , driver name and WCL Number (waste carriers). This should also include the date and time the asbestos was removed from your property.
  • Where the asbestos was disposed of: The date and time it arrived at the disposal site , The Name , Address , Contact Number , Quantity of Asbestos , Type and Permit Number (Disposal Site)


The Consignment Note is a "cradle to grave" document which can traced at any point using the unique number issued to you.


*TIP - After your asbestos has been removed , you should be issued with a fully completed Consignment Note (Certificate) , if you do not receive this then request it from the asbestos removal company. 


*BONUS TIP - Before appointing a contractor , request the details of the disposal site where your asbestos will be going to. Also request the permit number. This can be checked online against Environment Agency Data https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/index



5. Accreditations


Not always a must but companies which are part of a recognised accreditation scheme have been audited , taking out a lot of work for you! 


Summary


Asbestos can be worrying if you fine it , and not knowing who to use for the removal can be daunting task. Ensure you speak to professionals like Smart Asbestos Services to ensure you asbestos is removed and disposed of legally as well as safely. 


26 March 2025
Where Can Asbestos Be Found in Non-Domestic Buildings? If your building was constructed before 2000, asbestos may be present in areas such as: • Ceiling tiles and textured coatings (e.g., Artex) • Wall panels and insulation board • Pipe lagging and boiler insulation • Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives • Roofing sheets, gutters, and downpipes • Fire doors and protective panels What to Do If You Find Asbestos at Work If you come across damaged or suspect asbestos while at work, follow these steps immediately: ❌ Do Not Touch It – Disturbing asbestos can release hazardous fibers into the air. 📢 Report It – Notify your manager, health & safety officer, or building owner immediately. 🛑 Stop Work in the Area – If asbestos is suspected, work must stop until a professional assessment is carried out. 🔬 Arrange for Testing & Risk Assessment – A licensed asbestos surveyor can determine if the material is asbestos and whether it needs to be removed. 👷 Only Use Licensed Professionals for Removal – If asbestos must be removed, it must be done by a licensed asbestos removal contractor following strict safety protocols. Why Safe Asbestos Management Matters Properly managing asbestos protects workers, customers, and visitors from serious health risks, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. It also ensures compliance with UK law, reducing the risk of legal penalties and financial liability. If you need asbestos surveys, testing, or removal in a non-domestic property, our team can help. Contact us today for professional asbestos management services!
18 March 2025
If you own a property in Matlock, Derbyshire, or are planning to buy or renovate one, asbestos testing and surveys are essential to ensure safety and compliance. Asbestos was commonly used in buildings before 2000, and disturbing it can pose serious health risks. At Matlock Asbestos Surveys, we offer professional asbestos surveys and testing to homeowners, landlords, businesses, and property managers in Matlock and the surrounding areas of Derbyshire. With over 20 years of experience, we provide reliable, HSE-compliant services to help you identify and manage asbestos safely. What Asbestos Services Do We Offer in Matlock, Derbyshire? We provide a full range of asbestos survey and testing services, including: Asbestos Management Surveys – Ideal for landlords and property owners to maintain compliance. Asbestos Homebuyer Surveys – Ensure your new home is safe before purchasing. Asbestos Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys – Required before any construction work begins. Asbestos Re-Inspection Surveys – Monitor the condition of previously identified asbestos. Asbestos Testing – Sample analysis to confirm the presence of asbestos in your property. Why Choose Us for Asbestos Surveys & Testing in Matlock? ✅ 20+ Years of Industry Experience – Trusted asbestos specialists. ✅ Fully HSE-Compliant Reports – Detailed reports for safety and compliance. ✅ Fast & Reliable Service – Quick turnaround times and expert advice. ✅ Competitive Pricing – Affordable asbestos surveys with no hidden fees. Do You Need an Asbestos Survey in Matlock? If your property was built before 2000, it may contain asbestos. An asbestos survey is crucial for safety, legal compliance, and protecting property value. Whether you’re buying a home, managing a business property, or planning renovations, we provide trusted asbestos testing and surveys in Matlock and beyond. Get a Free Quote for Asbestos Testing & Surveys in Matlock Protect your property and health with our expert asbestos survey and testing services. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and ensure your property is asbestos-safe and compliant. 📞 Call us today or 📩 Request a quote online!
11 March 2025
a once-popular building material that can pose serious health risks if disturbed. Asbestos was widely used in UK homes before 2000, so if your property was built before then, there’s a chance it contains asbestos in certain areas. This guide will help you identify where asbestos might be found and how to handle it safely. Why Is Asbestos a Concern? Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are not usually dangerous unless they are damaged or disturbed. When asbestos fibers become airborne and are inhaled, they can cause serious diseases like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer—which is why knowing where to find asbestos in your home is so important before starting any renovation work.
12 August 2024
What grade of asbestos has the most risks? Asbestos is a carcinogenic , meaning it can cause cancer. Regardless of the GRADE it is still hazardous and poses a risk. Can I sell a house with an asbestos garage? YES! There is no law against selling a house which contains an asbestos garage. If you know it is asbestos , you must declare this to the property agents/potential buyers. Can I put asbestos in a general waste skip? No , you cannot mix hazardous waste such as asbestos with non-hazardous waste. Therefore you will need to dispose of the asbestos separately and legally! Where do we take asbestos when it is removed from your property in Matlock? All asbestos removed from your property and any associated wastes (eg concrete from a garage) , goes to a fully licensed asbestos waste disposal site. You will get proof of this when you use us , so you’re fully covered! Is asbestos still used in the UK now? No! Asbestos was banned for use an import in the UK in 1999. It is important that if your property was built before the year 1999 , you get it checked for asbestos before any renovations or maintenance works. How long does asbestos take to affect you? Asbestos related illness takes between 20-50 years to develop. This is why it is named by many as the ‘silent killer’. Can asbestos be left where it is? Yes , providing it is in good condition and is unlikely to be disturbed. Asbestos becomes dangerous when the fibres are disturbed via damage or disturbance. Therefore , if you notice any changes to asbestos in your property it is best to get it checked.
14 June 2022
We are all aware that asbestos is a "hidden killer" , therefore should only be removed and handled by fully trained people. Asbestos is at it's most dangerous when broken or damaged , so knowing the correct controls and procedures to limit dust release is imperative. KEY POINTS : A contractor cannot remove asbestos without the correct training and insurance No contractor can take asbestos from your property without a Waste Carriers Licence and they must issue you with a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note (Certificate) Aside from the legalities , no one wants an untrained person taking down asbestos at their property or their neighbours. HOW TO CHECK THE CONTRACTOR Ask for a copy of their training and insurance Check they have a Waste Carriers Licence *Both of these things MUST be in place is removing asbestos from your property EXAMPLES OF ILLEGAL ASBESTOS REMOVAL : Example 1 : Asbestos Garage Roof Removal We had a customer call us to say their roofer had removed their asbestos garage roof sheets before installing the new roof. The roofer smashed off the roof sheets , leaving small pieces of asbestos littered all over the customers garden. The roofer has Asbestos Awareness Training - which does not cover them for the safe removal of asbestos. This showed by the method they used to take the roof off - Asbestos roof sheets should not be broken up unless it is in strictly controlled conditions. Our trained staff arrived on site and performed a clean up of the area as well as ensuring all asbestos was safely disposed of. Example 2 : Asbestos Down Pipe Removal A worried lady called us to tell us their neighbour had workmen in who were using a diesel powered saw to cut off an asbestos downpipe which was fixed between the two properties. The saw had created vast amounts of dust as well as leaving a large "flare" on the ladies soffit board. After asking for the details of the builder and whether he was trained to carry out the work , the lady was ignored and the builder soon left. We were called in to take a sample from the dust on the soffit board as well as the pipe (which was now left discarded , unwrapped on the garden). Both tests confirmed asbestos presence. HOW TO REPORT ILLEGAL ASBESTOS REMOVAL IN DERBYSHIRE If you suspect illegal asbestos removal is being carried out at your property or your neighbours then the follow the below steps: 1) Ask the contractor for their details , training and insurance. Any reputable company will be more than happy to provide these to you. This should clear up the matter , but if you feel that they are not acting responsibly then follow steps 2-3 2) Contact the local Derbyshire Council Environmental Department : https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/environment/environment.aspx 3) Contact the Health and Safety Executive https://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/concerns.htm 4) If the query is waste disposal related and you think asbestos waste has been disposed of where is shouldn't have been then contact the Environment Agency 24 hour Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60 For safe , professional asbestos removal - Contact Local Asbestos Matlock 01629 690 115
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