Licensed Asbestos Removal Services

When it comes to removing high-risk asbestos materials, you need more than just experience — you need a contractor licensed by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). At Blue A Ltd, we specialise in licensed asbestos removal, ensuring every project meets the strict requirements of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

We are fully authorised to handle asbestos insulating board (AIB), pipe lagging, sprayed coatings, loose-fill insulation, and other friable materials that present the highest fibre release risk. Our approach prioritises safety, compliance, and complete peace of mind.

Licensed asbestos removal is required for materials classified as high-risk due to their friability and potential fibre release. This includes:

• Asbestos insulating board (AIB)
• Pipe lagging and thermal insulation
• Sprayed coatings and loose-fill insulation

As these materials pose significant health risks, their removal must be handled by a contractor licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). With Blue A Ltd, you're guaranteed full compliance, expert execution, and absolute peace of mind.

Understanding HSE Licensing

All asbestos removal licences are issued by the HSE. New contractors start with an initial 1-year licence and are subject to frequent inspections. If performance is consistently safe and compliant, the licence may be extended to 2 years or the maximum 3 years.

A 3-year licence is the mark of a contractor who has maintained exceptional standards over multiple licensing cycles. It’s important to note that an Environment Agency waste carrier licence is not the same as an HSE asbestos removal licence — the former only allows asbestos transport, not removal.

Blue A Ltd holds the maximum 3-year HSE asbestos removal licence, as well as an Environment Agency waste carrier licence, Constructionline Gold and CHAS Gold accreditations. Over the past 12 years, we have earned more than 16 industry awards for quality and training excellence.

What Makes a Project Licensable?

Licensed removal applies when:

• Asbestos exposure cannot be proven to stay below the legal limit (0.1 fibres/cm³ over 4 hours)
• Work is not short duration or of low intensity
• Friable or damaged materials are disturbed during removal

These projects must be notified to the HSE 14 days in advance and carried out by qualified professionals using stringent safety protocols.

When Licensed Asbestos Removal Is Required?

Licensed removal applies when asbestos exposure levels cannot be proven to remain below the legal control limit of 0.1 fibres/cm³ over a 4-hour period, when the work is not short in duration or low in intensity, or when friable or damaged materials will be disturbed.

By law, all licensed asbestos removal work must be notified to the HSE at least 14 days in advance. This ensures proper planning and regulatory oversight. We handle all notification paperwork on your behalf.

Our Licensed Asbestos Removal Process

From survey to sign-off, Blue A Ltd offers a complete licensed asbestos removal service designed to meet the most rigorous safety standards. We manage all aspects of the process to ensure your property is safe and compliant.

Licensed asbestos removal is more controlled and resource-intensive than non-licensed work. It is designed to protect everyone involved — and the wider environment — from asbestos fibre exposure. HSE-licensed companies are, by default, better equipped with frequently inspected Type H vacuums and Negative Pressure Units, and their operatives are highly trained.

1) Mandatory HSE notification

By law, licensed asbestos removal jobs must be notified to the HSE at least 14 days before work starts. This allows time for preparation and ensures the work is properly planned and compliant. Don’t worry — our company will take care of all paperwork.

2) Detailed planning and documentation

A Plan of Work is produced, covering the removal method, safety measures, risk assessments, site layout, and emergency procedures.

3) Decontamination Unit (DCU)

A mobile facility with showers and clean/dirty zones, positioned near the work area and connected to water and drainage. These shower units are legally required and allow operatives to completely decontaminate themselves before removing their respiratory protective equipment, ensuring our employees remain protected.

4) Sealed asbestos enclosure

A polythene (1000-gauge) enclosure is built around the work area, often on a timber frame, with all surfaces covered. The enclosure prevents asbestos fibres from escaping into surrounding areas.

Airlock Construction: Airlocks are attached to the enclosure for two main reasons. Firstly, they allow for one-way air movement, locking potential asbestos particles within the enclosure. Secondly, together with the negative pressure unit, the airlock system creates a narrower opening that increases airflow and pushes particles away from the entrance towards the negative pressure unit.

5) Negative Pressure Units (NPUs) with HEPA filters

NPUs maintain negative air pressure, drawing contaminated air through HEPA filters before it is safely discharged.

Negative Pressure Unit Installation: This industrial-sized ventilator with high-efficiency filters creates a negative pressure environment, pulling air from the enclosure and ventilating it outside. This keeps the air inside the enclosure dust-free within seconds, further reducing the likelihood of exposure.

6) Licensed operatives and PPE

Operatives wear tight-fitting masks, replaceable mask filters, and multiple sets of disposable overalls and gloves each day. These are considered our last line of defence against exposure, but by no means the least important.

• Respiratory protective equipment used by operatives has extremely effective filtration and is battery-powered, creating positive pressure inside the mask. Even in the event of an air leak, contaminated air will not enter the mask.
• Contaminated overalls must never leave the enclosure; they are disposed of during the 3‑stage airlock transit. Operatives remove all overalls and put on a clean set before proceeding to the decontamination unit each time they leave the enclosure.

Waste Disposal and Clearance

All asbestos waste is double-bagged, labelled, and transported by a licensed carrier to an authorised disposal facility. In nearly all cases, the waste is taken by our company to a licensed landfill in Swindon. You will receive the relevant certificates and consignment notes for your records.

4-stage clearance:
Once the work is complete, the enclosure is cleaned and — where required — an independent analyst conducts a clearance test. Due to the high-grade nature of this work, it must be signed off by an independent analytical contractor.

This is done via what is known as a 4-stage certificate of reoccupation:

• Stage 1 – The analyst checks that there is a site-specific plan of work on site and that the required notification has been issued.
• Stage 2 – The analyst performs a visual inspection of the enclosure.
• Stage 3 – An air test is carried out within the enclosure to measure the level of airborne fibre after removal is completed.
• Stage 4 – Once stage 3 has passed and fibre levels are safe, the enclosure can be taken down. The analyst then performs a final inspection before signing the area off as safe for reoccupation.

We can also arrange for air testing to be carried out during the removal process in other areas of the property if required. This helps monitor whether our working methods are effective.

Why Choose Blue A Ltd for Licensed Asbestos Removal?

Fully Licensed by the HSE

We are one of the few UK contractors authorised to conduct licensed asbestos removal. Our HSE license ensures legal compliance, professional conduct, and best-practice procedures on every site.

Experienced in High-Risk Environments

With over 10 years of experience, we’ve managed complex asbestos projects across:

• Schools and hospitals
• Industrial facilities
• Multi-residential buildings and public infrastructure

Our team is equipped to handle hazardous materials with the highest level of safety and discretion.

Complete Documentation and Support

From initial survey to final waste consignment notes, we provide all necessary paperwork, including:

• HSE notification receipts
• Waste Consignment Notes
• Clearance certificates and air monitoring results

This documentation is essential for regulatory audits, insurance, and peace of mind.

Our credentials

At Blue A, we hold the maximum 3-year HSE asbestos removal licence, reflecting years of consistent, high-quality performance under HSE inspection. We are also proud Constructionline Gold Members, meaning we are experienced contractors who can provide services for the public sector, such as schools or councils, as well as for large commercial customers.

We also hold a valid Environment Agency waste carrier licence for the legal transport and disposal of asbestos waste. In addition, we maintain several other industry accreditations, such as CHAS Gold, which demonstrate our commitment to safety, compliance, and professional standards.

Over the last 12 years, we have received more than 16 asbestos industry awards for the quality of our work and our training standards.

Book Your Licensed Asbestos Removal Today

If your property contains high-risk ACMs like pipe insulation or AIB, don’t take chances. Trust Blue A Ltd to carry out safe, legal, and fully compliant licensed asbestos removal. Contact our team today for a free consultation and quotation.