Asbestos Removal UK – Licensed & Non-Licensed Services

Professional Asbestos Removal Across the UK

If asbestos has been identified in your home, workplace or construction project, the next step is to decide whether it can remain safely managed or whether repair, encapsulation or removal is required.

Asbestos does not always need to be removed simply because it is present. Material that is in good condition, properly recorded and unlikely to be disturbed may sometimes be managed in place.

Removal is more likely to be appropriate when asbestos is damaged, deteriorating, exposed, preventing planned works or likely to be disturbed during refurbishment, maintenance, demolition or normal building use.

ASM provides asbestos removal for:

• Houses, flats, garages and outbuildings

• Landlords, freeholders and managing agents

• Offices, shops and commercial premises

• Warehouses, factories and industrial sites

• Schools, colleges and public buildings

• Healthcare and care-sector properties

• Construction and refurbishment projects

• Soft-strip and demolition programmes

• Housing associations and property portfolios

• Emergency and accidental-disturbance situations

If you already have an asbestos survey or laboratory result, send it to our team with photographs, measurements, the site postcode and your required timescale.

If the material has not been confirmed, we can arrange professional asbestos sampling or a suitable asbestos survey before removal is planned.

Do I Need Asbestos Removal?

Removal may be required or recommended when:

• Asbestos-containing material is damaged, broken or deteriorating

• Fibres or asbestos debris may have been released

• Refurbishment, maintenance or demolition will disturb the material

• An asbestos survey recommends removal or remedial action

• The material cannot be protected or managed reliably in place

• Access is needed to services, structure or building components behind it

• An old asbestos roof, cladding panel or outbuilding is being replaced

• A property transaction, insurance claim or redevelopment requires the risk to be resolved

• A dutyholder decides removal is the most reliable long-term management option

Removal is not automatically the only solution. Depending on the material, condition, location and future use of the building, repair, sealing, enclosure or encapsulation may be suitable.

The decision should be based on a competent assessment rather than appearance alone.

The HSE advises that asbestos repair and removal must be completed by people with the correct training and competence, with an HSE-licensed contractor used where the work is licensable.

Read the HSE guidance on repairing and removing asbestos.

Licensed, Notifiable and Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal

The legal category of asbestos removal depends on the material, its condition, the proposed work method, the likely level of fibre release and the duration of the work. It is not decided from the material name alone.

Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal

Some lower-risk work can be completed without an asbestos licence where the legal exemption conditions are met and the risk assessment supports that decision.

This may include carefully controlled work on certain firmly bonded materials in reasonable condition, such as:

• Asbestos cement roof sheets and panels

• Some asbestos cement gutters and rainwater goods

• Certain vinyl floor tiles and bitumen products

• Some textured decorative coatings

• Gaskets, ropes and other bonded products, depending on their condition and the proposed work method

Non-licensed does not mean unregulated or safe to undertake without training.

The work still requires competent people, a suitable risk assessment, a plan of work, exposure controls, appropriate PPE and RPE, decontamination arrangements, correct waste packaging and lawful disposal.

Notifiable Non-Licensed Work – NNLW

Some non-licensed asbestos work must be notified to the relevant enforcing authority and is subject to additional requirements. This is known as notifiable non-licensed work.

Whether work is NNLW depends on factors including material friability, condition and whether the work will significantly damage or break up the asbestos-containing material.

Examples can include work on damaged bonded materials or larger-scale removal of some textured coatings.

ASM will assess the proposed work and explain whether it is non-licensed, notifiable non-licensed or licensable before removal begins.

See the HSE guidance on notifiable non-licensed work.

Licensed Asbestos Removal

Higher-risk asbestos work must be completed by an asbestos contractor holding a current licence from the Health and Safety Executive.

Licensable work commonly includes:

• Work on sprayed asbestos coatings

• Most removal or repair of asbestos pipe and vessel insulation

• Work on loose-fill asbestos insulation

• Work on asbestos millboard

• Removal of significant loose or fine asbestos debris

• Work on asbestos insulation board where the risk assessment shows that the work is not short duration or the exemption conditions are not met

Licensable work requires detailed planning, strict exposure controls and notification to the appropriate enforcing authority.

In most cases, licensable work must be notified at least 14 days before it begins.

Read the HSE guidance on asbestos work requiring a licensed contractor.

Types of Asbestos We Remove

Asbestos Cement Roofs, Sheets and Cladding

Asbestos cement can be found on garages, sheds, warehouses, workshops, agricultural buildings, service yards and commercial properties.

Although fibres are firmly bound into the cement matrix, damaged or incorrectly handled sheets can still release asbestos fibres.

ASM removes asbestos cement roof sheets, wall panels, ridge pieces, soffits, rainwater goods and associated debris using controlled methods designed to avoid unnecessary breakage.

If you need an old garage or outbuilding roof removed, see our dedicated asbestos garage roof removal service.

Asbestos Insulation Board – AIB

Asbestos insulation board was used for fire protection, heat resistance and building partitions.

It may be found in:

• Ceiling tiles

• Wall linings

• Service risers

• Firebreaks

• Soffits

• Door panels

• Boxing around structural or mechanical services

AIB is more friable than asbestos cement and can release fibres when cut, broken or disturbed.

Much AIB removal is licensable, although the final classification must be determined by a suitable risk assessment, the condition of the material, the work method and whether the work meets the short-duration exemption.

Pipe Lagging and Thermal Insulation

Asbestos pipe lagging, vessel insulation and thermal insulation are higher-risk materials that can release fibres readily when damaged or disturbed.

Removal normally requires an HSE-licensed contractor, controlled enclosures, negative-pressure equipment, decontamination arrangements and independent clearance procedures.

Sprayed Coatings and Loose-Fill Insulation

Sprayed asbestos coatings and loose-fill insulation are highly friable materials.

Work on these materials is licensable and requires specialist planning and controls.

Textured Coatings and Artex

Textured decorative coatings applied to ceilings and walls before 2000 may contain asbestos.

The appropriate action depends on the material’s condition, the area involved and the planned work.

Small, intact areas may sometimes be managed or encapsulated. Larger-scale removal, damaged coatings or work that destroys the material matrix may require additional controls and can fall within NNLW.

Asbestos Floor Tiles and Bitumen Adhesive

Older vinyl floor tiles and bitumen adhesive may contain asbestos.

Removal can be required during refurbishment, floor replacement, demolition or reinstatement works.

The risk and work method depend on whether tiles can be lifted intact, the condition of the adhesive, the size of the area and whether mechanical preparation or further disturbance is planned.

Other Asbestos-Containing Materials

We can assess and remove a wide range of additional asbestos-containing materials, including:

• Soffits, fascias and external panels

• Boiler, heater and electrical components

• Fire doors and door panels

• Ceiling tiles and suspended ceiling components

• Service-riser and duct linings

• Gaskets, rope seals and compressed products

• Flue pipes and asbestos cement ducts

• Tank panels and toilet cistern components

• Debris and residues from previous work

• Asbestos materials identified during soft strip or demolition

Asbestos Removal for Domestic Properties

Homeowners commonly contact ASM after asbestos is found during a home purchase, renovation, roof replacement, kitchen or bathroom project, electrical work, heating replacement or garage demolition.

We can help determine whether you need a single sample, a targeted refurbishment survey or a removal quotation.

Common domestic work includes:

• Garage and shed roof removal

• Asbestos cement panels and outbuildings

• Floor tiles and bitumen adhesive

• Textured coatings

• AIB panels and boxing

• Soffits and external building products

• Boiler cupboards and heating-related materials

• Debris discovered during renovation

Do not drill, sand, scrape, cut or break a suspect material to identify it.

If it has not been confirmed, arrange professional asbestos sampling and testing.

Commercial and Industrial Asbestos Removal

ASM provides planned asbestos removal for individual commercial buildings, operational sites, refurbishment schemes, demolition projects and multi-property programmes.

We work with:

• Dutyholders

• Facilities managers

• Principal contractors

• Demolition contractors

• Landlords and managing agents

• Local authorities

• Education providers

• Housing organisations

• Commercial property owners

• Industrial clients

Our commercial asbestos removal services can include:

• Pre-construction planning and site assessment

• Review of asbestos surveys and registers

• Removal specifications and project scoping

• Licensed, NNLW and non-licensed removal

• Phased and out-of-hours working

• Enclosures and controlled work areas

• Access, scaffolding and associated project coordination

• Waste packaging, consignment and disposal documentation

• Liaison with contractors and client representatives

• Independent air monitoring and four-stage clearance arrangements where required

• Handover information for the asbestos register and management plan

For projects involving intrusive building work, the correct refurbishment or demolition asbestos survey should cover the full area and scope of the planned work before removal begins.

Our Asbestos Removal Process

1. Initial Review

Send us the asbestos survey or sample report, photographs, measurements, property postcode, access information and details of the planned work.

If you do not have asbestos information, we will advise whether sampling or a survey is the correct first step.

2. Site Assessment and Scope

We review the material, condition, quantity, location, access and potential for disturbance.

A site visit may be required for complex, high-risk, commercial or industrial work.

3. Work Classification

The risk assessment determines whether the work is non-licensed, notifiable non-licensed or licensable.

This affects the work method, notification, programme, welfare and analytical requirements.

4. Written Quotation

You receive a clear quotation defining the removal scope, access assumptions, waste arrangements, exclusions and any additional survey, analytical or access requirements.

5. Risk Assessment and Plan of Work

Before work begins, the removal activity is planned in detail.

Documentation may include:

• Risk assessment

• Plan of work

• Site setup arrangements

• Exposure-control measures

• Emergency procedures

• Waste route

• Notification information

• Access and welfare arrangements

6. Controlled Removal

Trained operatives remove the asbestos using methods appropriate to the material and risk.

This may include controlled wetting, enclosures, negative-pressure equipment, shadow vacuuming, carefully removing bonded products intact and strict decontamination procedures.

7. Waste Packaging and Disposal

Asbestos waste is correctly packaged, labelled and transported to an authorised waste facility in accordance with applicable hazardous-waste and carriage requirements.

Relevant waste documentation is retained for the project record.

8. Inspection, Air Testing and Handover

The required handover depends on the type of work.

Some projects require a visual inspection and statement of cleanliness.

Licensable removal completed inside an enclosure will normally require the formal four-stage clearance process and a Certificate of Reoccupation before the enclosure is dismantled.

Where air monitoring or four-stage clearance is required, the analytical appointment and reporting arrangements must preserve the analyst’s independence.

ASM can explain the requirements and provide UKAS-accredited asbestos air monitoring and four-stage clearance services where the appointment is appropriate and independent from the removal delivery arrangement.

How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost?

Asbestos removal cost depends on:

• The asbestos material

• Quantity and condition

• Access and height

• Whether the work is licensed, NNLW or non-licensed

• Waste volume

• Required timescale

• Scaffolding or access equipment

• Whether an enclosure is needed

• Air monitoring and four-stage clearance requirements

Current ASM guide prices include:

• Small, straightforward non-licensed work from approximately £280 + VAT

• Asbestos garage roof removal commonly from £420–£1,500 + VAT

• AIB removal commonly from approximately £850–£3,000+ VAT, depending on scope and controls

• Commercial and complex licensed projects priced following a detailed scope review

These are guide prices rather than fixed charges.

For current ranges, inclusions and the factors affecting price, visit our full Asbestos Removal Cost UK guide.

For an accurate quotation, send:

• The property address and postcode

• Photographs of the material and surrounding area

• Approximate measurements or quantities

• The asbestos survey or sample report

• Details of damage or deterioration

• Access, height and parking information

• Planned refurbishment or demolition work

• Your required completion date

SEND DETAILS FOR A FIXED QUOTE

Why Choose Asbestos Surveying and Monitoring Ltd?

Removal Managed from Identification to Completion

ASM can help at every stage, including asbestos surveys, sampling, removal planning, controlled removal, waste documentation and appropriate analytical services.

Correctly Classified Work

We assess whether the project is non-licensed, notifiable non-licensed or licensable rather than relying on an oversimplified material list.

Clear Scope and Pricing

Our quotations explain the planned work, assumptions, access, waste arrangements and any additional survey or analytical requirements.

UKAS-Accredited Inspection and Testing Services

Asbestos Surveying and Monitoring Ltd is UKAS accredited for defined asbestos inspection and testing activities under ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO/IEC 17025.

UKAS accreditation number: 32982

UKAS accreditation applies to the organisation’s defined inspection and testing scope. It is separate from asbestos-removal licensing and is not presented as accreditation of the removal work.

Nationwide Coverage with Regional Teams

We provide asbestos removal across the UK for domestic, commercial, industrial, construction and public-sector clients, supported by regional office coverage.

Projects Large and Small

Our work ranges from individual garage roofs, floor tiles and domestic panels to phased commercial, industrial, refurbishment and demolition projects.

Asbestos Removal Near You

ASM provides UK-wide asbestos removal with regional coverage including:

• Asbestos removal in Sunderland

• Asbestos removal in Newcastle

• Asbestos removal in Leeds

• Asbestos removal in Manchester

• Asbestos removal in Birmingham

• Asbestos removal in London

• Asbestos removal in Bradford

• Asbestos removal in Edinburgh

• Asbestos removal in Glasgow

• Asbestos removal in Gateshead

We also undertake projects across the North East, North West, Yorkshire, Midlands, Scotland, London and the wider UK.

Call 0330 433 9680 or contact ASM online to check coverage and request a quotation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos Removal

Does all asbestos have to be removed?

No. Asbestos in good condition may sometimes be managed in place if it is properly recorded, protected and unlikely to be disturbed.

Removal may be appropriate if the material is damaged, deteriorating or affected by planned work, or if it cannot be managed reliably.

How do I know whether the removal work needs a licensed contractor?

The decision depends on the asbestos material, its condition, the work method, likely fibre release and duration.

Most higher-risk work—including work on sprayed coatings, loose-fill insulation, most pipe lagging and much AIB removal—must be completed by an HSE-licensed contractor.

ASM will assess the project category before work begins.

Is all AIB removal licensed work?

Much AIB removal is licensable, but the legal decision depends on the risk assessment and whether the specific work meets the exemption conditions, including whether it is sporadic, low intensity and short duration.

AIB should not be treated as a routine low-risk product.

Can I remove asbestos myself?

DIY asbestos removal is not recommended.

Even work that does not require a licence remains regulated and requires appropriate training, planning, controls, PPE and RPE, decontamination and lawful waste disposal.

Higher-risk work must only be completed by an HSE-licensed contractor.

Do I need an asbestos survey before removal?

You need suitable information confirming what the material is, where it is and the scope of the work.

A single sample may be sufficient for one isolated material, while refurbishment, demolition or work affecting several areas may require a suitable asbestos survey.

How long does asbestos removal take?

Small, straightforward removal can sometimes be completed within a day.

Larger commercial, industrial or licensable projects can take several days or weeks. Licensable work normally requires advance notification, which affects the earliest start date.

Can people remain in the building during asbestos removal?

This depends on the material, work method, building layout and risk assessment.

Some projects can be isolated from occupied areas, while others require rooms, floors or whole buildings to be vacated.

The access and occupancy arrangements will be confirmed before work starts.

What happens to the asbestos waste?

Asbestos waste must be packaged, labelled, transported and disposed of through authorised routes.

It must not be placed in ordinary household or general construction waste. Relevant waste documentation should form part of the project record.

Is air monitoring required after every asbestos-removal job?

No. The analytical requirements depend on the material and removal method.

Licensed removal inside an enclosure will normally require four-stage clearance and a Certificate of Reoccupation.

Air monitoring may also be appropriate for reassurance, leak testing, background monitoring or sensitive projects.

What is four-stage clearance?

Four-stage clearance is a formal process used following relevant licensed asbestos work inside an enclosure.

It includes:

1. Checking the site condition and completeness of the work.

2. A thorough visual inspection inside the enclosure.

3. Clearance air monitoring.

4. A final assessment after the enclosure has been dismantled.

A Certificate of Reoccupation is issued only if all required stages are completed satisfactorily.

How much does asbestos removal cost?

Small, straightforward non-licensed work can start from around £280 + VAT, while garage roofs commonly range from approximately £420–£1,500 + VAT.

Higher-risk, licensable and commercial work can cost considerably more.

See our UK asbestos removal cost guide or send your project details for a fixed quotation.

Can ASM quote from photographs?

Photographs, measurements, the postcode and an existing asbestos report can often help us provide an initial or fixed quotation for straightforward work.

Complex, commercial, damaged or higher-risk materials may require a site assessment before the scope is confirmed.

Do you remove asbestos garage roofs?

Yes. ASM provides asbestos garage roof testing, removal and compliant waste disposal across the UK.

Visit our asbestos garage roof removal page for more information.

Do you undertake commercial asbestos removal?

Yes. We undertake asbestos removal for offices, retail premises, industrial sites, warehouses, schools, housing portfolios, construction schemes, refurbishment work and demolition projects throughout the UK.

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Request an Asbestos Removal Quote

Do not drill, cut, sand, scrape, break or move a suspect asbestos material.

Send ASM your photographs, measurements, postcode, survey or sample report and required timescale.

We will review the information, advise on the appropriate next step and provide a clear quotation where the scope can be confirmed.

Call 0330 433 9680

Email: removal@asbestosSM.co.uk

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