When working on demolition or refurbishment projects there’s one risk that should never be underestimated: asbestos.
Although its use has been banned in the UK for over two decades, asbestos remains present in many older buildings. Disturbing it without proper precautions can pose serious health risks and lead to costly legal consequences.
Why Asbestos Is Still a Risk Today
Asbestos was widely used in building materials for insulation, fireproofing, and structural purposes. Common places it’s still found include:
Insulation boards- Pipe lagging
- Ceiling and floor tiles
- Cement panels and soffits
- Textured coatings
The issue isn’t just its presence—it’s what happens when asbestos is disturbed. Drilling, cutting, or demolishing materials that contain asbestos can release fine fibres into the air. Once inhaled, these fibres can lead to severe illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. These conditions can take decades to develop and are often fatal.
Legal Obligations for Duty Holders
Anyone responsible for building maintenance, refurbishment, or demolition has a legal duty to manage asbestos risks under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. This includes:
- Arranging an asbestos survey before starting any demolition or refurbishment works
- Identifying and assessing the risk of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) on site
- Ensuring safe removal by trained or licensed contractors where necessary
Failure to comply can lead to enforcement action, significant fines, and even prosecution.
Real-World Consequences
In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of contractors unintentionally exposing workers and occupants to asbestos by failing to check before starting work. These incidents often result in entire buildings being sealed off, extensive decontamination work, and major delays to the project schedule.
Simply put: overlooking asbestos can be extremely costly—not just in terms of health, but also time, money, and reputation.
How to Manage the Risk
If you’re planning a demolition or refurbishment project, especially in older buildings, take these steps to stay safe and compliant:
- 1. Conduct a Refurbishment and Demolition (R&D) Asbestos Survey
A standard management survey won’t be enough. You’ll need a more thorough R&D survey, carried out by an accredited provider. - 2. Use Licensed Contractors for High-Risk Work
Certain types of asbestos must only be removed by licensed asbestos removal contractors (LARCs). - 3. Follow Strict Removal and Disposal Procedures
Asbestos waste must be double-bagged, labelled, and taken to a licensed disposal site. It cannot go in general skips or be handled like normal construction waste. - Windsor Waste Management specialise in asbestos disposal and offer a wide range of disposal options.
- 4. Keep Detailed Records
Maintaining full documentation—from survey reports to waste consignment notes—is essential for demonstrating compliance and protecting your business.
How Windsor Waste Management Can Help
At Windsor Waste Management, we specialise in the compliant collection, transportation, and disposal of asbestos waste. We work closely with demolition and refurbishment contractors across the UK, offering:
- Dedicated asbestos waste skips and containers
- ADR-compliant transport solutions
- Access to licensed disposal facilities
- Expert guidance to support your legal duties
Whether you’re managing a small refurb or a large-scale demolition, our experienced team ensures your asbestos waste is dealt with safely, efficiently, and legally.
Benefits of Partnering with Windsor Waste Management
Quick Turnaround: Prompt delivery and collection of asbestos skips or man-in-a-van to keep your projects on schedule.
Regulatory Compliance: Full documentation to ensure you meet all legal requirements.
Flexible Solutions: Services designed to fit projects of all sizes, from small refurbishments to large-scale demolition and roofing jobs.
Get in Touch Today
If you’re planning an asbestos removal project, let Windsor Waste Management handle your disposal needs. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and request a quote. Together, we can ensure your project is completed safely, efficiently, and responsibly.
At Windsor Waste Management, we’re committed to providing top-tier asbestos disposal services for asbestos removal projects.