Asbestos removal requires specialist expertise and equipment. It should only be carried out by highly trained and monitored operatives.

At NIC, we adopt a considered approach to asbestos removal. Our projects are carried out carefully within controlled conditions and in accordance with various Asbestos Regulations and Health and Safety regulations.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral, used for its strong and incombustible properties. Due to its thermal stability and high heat resistance, this durable material was widely used in the past for the fireproofing and insulation of buildings.

Asbestos is no longer allowed due to health risks as it can pollute air or water. Loose silica dust, when inhaled or swallowed, has the potential to cause chronic lung disease including asbestosis, mesothelioma and cancer.

According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), asbestos is the greatest single cause of work related deaths in the UK. It is likely that up to 1.5 million commercial, industrial and public buildings in the UK contain asbestos materials. Asbestos was used in hundreds of different products and buildings from the 1950s to the mid 1980s. Asbestos cement was used up until 1999 in a variety of different premises and materials.

Any building either commercial or industrial that was constructed or had major refurbishment between the 1950s and mid 1980s is likely to contain some type of asbestos containing material. Use of asbestos peaked in the 1960s and early 1970s - premises built or refurbished during this time are the most likely to contain some form of asbestos.

Three main types of asbestos were commercially mined for their useful properties:

• Crocidolite (blue)
• Amosite (brown)
• Chrysotile (white)

Asbestos contains properties that enable it to be mixed with other materials such as cement and take the form of a number of products including:

• Insulation
• Asbestos Insulation Board (AIB) - Ceiling and wall panels
• Sprayed coatings
• Fire protection to steelworks

NIC has been operating since 1981 and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the asbestos removal industry. We can offer advice and provide solutions to all your asbestos related problems. Our management team offers advice regarding asbestos issues and we can provide packages tailored to suit individual requirements at low cost. Using a range of techniques and specialist equipment, our experienced and fully trained team reduces the risk of asbestos by removing it or making it safe. We are committed to excellence and are dedicated to providing a high quality service. Our sites are audited both internally and independently. This helps us to strive for the highest quality standard of work possible.

NIC employs some of the most highly trained and competent staff in the industry. We are fully dedicated to offering comprehensive training programmes to all staff from top management right across the board to field-based operatives.

Asbestos Encapsulation

Encapsulation is a less costly method of overcoming asbestos issues. Whilst this option safely encapsulates the asbestos, it is vital to remember that the asbestos will still be present and can be disturbed by future works; and it is therefore essential that asbestos is appropriately managed on an ongoing basis.

Over time, it may still be necessary to completely remove any material containing asbestos.

Following completion of any project, we undertake independent testing by an UKAS accredited laboratory. Only when the building is certified as safe will it be released for occupation or demolition.

Scaffolding

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 require that a scaffolding contractor holds a licence from the Health and Safety Executive if their employees erect, alter, maintain or dismantle scaffolding:

• which will form the framework from which an enclosure will be built for the purpose of working with asbestos or
• to provide access for work (or any other purpose) where it is foreseeable that asbestos is likely to be disturbed.

Within our group of companies we can offer a fully licensed and insured scaffolding service, enabling us to offer a turnkey solution to our clients for asbestos projects.

Together we can create a safer working environment.

Managing Asbestos

The Health & Safety Exectutive (HSE) is now focusing on enforcing its ‘duty to manage’ regulation (Regulation 4 - The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006). You could face prosecution and a fine if you do not comply in full with your duties. NIC can help you avoid this. We can arrange professional and competent surveys and can then assist in managing any asbestos issues. We believe Health & Safety comes first.

All aspects of asbestos containing materials in non-domestic buildings and common areas of residential rented properties are regulated by The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, which came into force on 13th November 2006. These regulations stipulate the duty holder is anyone responsible for maintaining and repairing all or part of a property, or who has control of the building e.g. occupier or owner. The duty to manage covers all non-domestic premises. Such premises include all industrial, commercial or public buildings such as factories, warehouses, offices, shops, hospitals and schools.

If asbestos is evident, it is important to contact a specialist who can fully assess the situation.

NIC can provide advice about the particular site and has the means to correct any risks. Please contact us to discuss your exact requirements. We can work to suit your precise needs and timescales. It is vital asbestos is managed effectively to save lives in the future.