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

A list of common mistakes made when getting quotes for asbestos removal and how to avoid them

A summary of facts you may not know about asbestos. Including how many types of asbestos there are and why it is so dangerous.