7 Key Ways to Save on Asbestos Removal for Public and Private Buildings

Asbestos removal is not just a legal requirement for public and private building owners—it’s an essential process to ensure the safety of building occupants, workers, and the surrounding environment. However, the cost of such projects can be significant, especially for facilities directors, school administrators, and property managers.

By becoming an informed buyer and understanding the process thoroughly, you can effectively manage the costs of asbestos removal without compromising the safety of those involved. This guide will explore seven key ways to save on asbestos removal while ensuring compliance with safety regulations and protecting workers, the public, and the environment are prioritised at every step.

1. Start with a Comprehensive, Bespoke Asbestos Survey

A detailed and bespoke asbestos survey is the cornerstone of any asbestos removal project. Many companies offer generic, low-cost surveys, which can lead to significant risks and additional costs if they fail to report correctly on asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that pose a hazard.

A detailed asbestos survey does more than identify whether asbestos is present. It provides a comprehensive overview of its condition, the type of asbestos, and the locations where it could pose a threat. This thorough inspection is essential for safeguarding workers and the public from accidental exposure during removal and ensuring that the removal complies with regulatory standards.

Compliance and safety: A thorough asbestos survey is not just about identifying asbestos; it’s also about ensuring that your building complies with legal requirements. Many regions require a comprehensive asbestos management plan, and an accurate survey is the first step towards ensuring your building fully complies with safety regulations. Skipping this critical step can lead to hefty fines, legal issues, and potential health risks.

Safeguarding workers and the public: A thorough survey prevents accidental exposure during routine operations or renovation work. By identifying the exact locations of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), you reduce the risk of disturbing hazardous materials, protecting the removal team and anyone who may use the building during or after the project.

Why this is important: A complete asbestos survey ensures you know exactly where it is located, what type it is, and how to manage its removal safely. A professional and tailored survey also gives you the confidence that all safety regulations are being followed, helping you avoid compliance issues.

2. Plan Removal During Low-Use Periods to Minimise Disruption

Timing is significant in approaching asbestos removal, especially in public buildings like schools or hospitals. Coordinating asbestos removal during periods of low occupancy—for example, during school holidays or after business hours—can significantly reduce disruption and lower the project's overall costs.

This approach also directly contributes to the public's safety, as fewer people will be in the building during removal. By working with an asbestos consultancy that offers flexible scheduling, you can ensure that the removal process aligns with your building’s operational needs, ensuring minimal risk to the building's users and the surrounding environment.

Safeguarding the public: Removing asbestos when fewer people are present reduces the chance of accidental exposure. It also allows workers to operate without the pressure of working around building users, reducing the likelihood of mistakes or rushed procedures.

How this helps: Scheduling asbestos removal during low-occupancy periods minimises the chance of disrupting daily activities and helps protect building users. At the same time, it lowers the project's overall cost by allowing workers to operate more efficiently and safely without time pressures.

3. Utilise Phased Removal Where Appropriate

In some cases, asbestos may be found in multiple areas of a building, making a phased approach to removal a practical and cost-effective option. Phased asbestos removal allows you to focus on high-risk areas first, while lower-risk materials and areas can be addressed later, spreading the cost over time.

This approach benefits more significant buildings or complexes where asbestos is not immediately dangerous in certain areas. By prioritising removal based on the level of risk, you not only save money but also ensure that the most hazardous materials are dealt with first, safeguarding both workers and occupants.

Safeguarding workers and the environment: A phased approach allows for more controlled and measured removal of asbestos, ensuring that workers are not exposed to higher levels of asbestos fibres than necessary. It also reduces the environmental impact, as the removal process can be managed more carefully, with containment and disposal methods tailored to the level of risk in each phase.

Why it’s cost-effective: Phasing the project allows you to address the most critical areas first, spreading the financial burden over a more extended period while ensuring safety and compliance. It also enables more targeted use of resources, reducing waste and minimising environmental harm.

4. Consider Encapsulation for Non-Critical Areas

In some cases, asbestos doesn’t need to be removed entirely if it isn’t posing an immediate threat. Encapsulation is sealing asbestos materials to prevent fibres from becoming airborne. It is a cost-effective and safe alternative to removal, particularly in non-critical or low-use areas of your building.

Encapsulation is often a more environmentally friendly option, as it reduces the amount of asbestos waste that needs to be disposed of. By containing the asbestos, you also minimise the risk of exposure to workers and the public while avoiding the costs associated with complete removal.

Safeguarding the environment and public: Encapsulation is less disruptive and prevents the release of asbestos fibres into the air, making it a safer option for both the environment and building users. Workers can carry out encapsulation more quickly and with fewer containment measures, reducing the risk of accidental exposure.

How it saves money: Encapsulation is typically cheaper than complete removal and can significantly reduce costs when the asbestos is stable and in a location with low human interaction. However, it’s essential to ensure that encapsulated areas are monitored regularly to ensure the integrity of the containment remains intact over time.

5. Understand the Different Control Measures for Licensed and Unlicensed Asbestos Removal

Not all asbestos-containing materials are the same, and it’s crucial to understand the different control measures required for removing licensed and unlicensed materials. This knowledge helps ensure that you are not overpaying for removal services and that all removal is carried out by health and safety regulations.

Licensed materials include higher-risk asbestos products, such as thermal insulation or asbestos insulating boards, and many products which contain blue asbestos (crocidolite). These require stringent control measures, including fully enclosed workspaces, negative air pressure units, and highly trained, licensed removal teams.

Unlicensed materials, such as asbestos floor tiles or some cement-based products, are lower risk and can often be removed with basic protective measures, such as dust suppression and personal protective equipment (PPE). It is essential to work with a consultancy that understands these differences and can advise on the appropriate control measures for each type of material.

Compliance and safeguarding: Ensuring that the correct control measures are in place for licensed and unlicensed materials is essential for compliance with legal and safety regulations. Licensed asbestos removal requires adherence to strict guidelines, protecting both workers and the environment from exposure. Understanding these regulations ensures that all removal is carried out safely and within the law, protecting everyone involved.

Why this is important: Understanding the difference between licensed and unlicensed asbestos materials allows you to make informed decisions and avoid overpaying for services. It also ensures that all removal is carried out in compliance with health and safety regulations, safeguarding workers and the environment from unnecessary exposure to hazardous materials.

6. Ensure Air Quality Testing and Obtain a Reoccupation Certificate

Once asbestos removal is complete, ensuring that the air quality in the building is safe is critical before reoccupation. Air quality testing is necessary to confirm that there are no lingering asbestos fibres, and this step is often required by law before a building can be reopened.

After the air quality test, you must also obtain a Reoccupation Certificate to confirm that the building is safe. Both steps are essential in safeguarding future occupants' health and preventing asbestos exposure post-removal.

Safeguarding workers, the public, and the environment: By testing air quality after removal and obtaining a reoccupation certificate, you ensure the building is safe for every one entering. This step also protects the surrounding environment, as any lingering asbestos fibres could become airborne and contaminate nearby areas if not properly managed.

Compliance and safety: Ensuring that air quality testing and reoccupation certification are part of the removal process guarantees that your building complies with health and safety regulations. These critical steps protect your organisation from legal consequences, the public, and your employees from exposure to harmful asbestos fibres.

Why this is important: Without air quality testing and a reoccupation certificate, you risk leaving asbestos fibres in the air, which could lead to long-term health risks and potential legal action. These steps ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, protect building occupants, and help prevent costly legal consequences.

7. Work with a Specialist Asbestos Consultancy

Rather than opting for a large, impersonal firm, consider working with a specialist asbestos consultancy with a tailored, hands-on approach. Large firms may offer generic solutions, but a smaller consultancy is more likely to take the time to understand your building’s specific needs, offering flexible and targeted advice.

A specialist consultancy will also be better equipped to provide detailed advice on safeguarding your workers and the environment throughout removal. They are more likely to offer bespoke solutions that ensure the safety of all those involved and minimise environmental impact.

Compliance, safeguarding, and flexibility: A smaller consultancy is often more focused on ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations because it takes a more hands-on approach to each project. This means fewer corners are cut, and there’s a greater focus on protecting workers, the public, and the environment. Additionally, a specialist firm will be more flexible, working with you to develop a solution that fits your building’s specific compliance needs while prioritising safety.

Why this is important: A specialist consultancy is more likely to understand the unique challenges of your building and provide flexible, tailored solutions that balance safety, compliance, and cost. Working with a knowledgeable partner helps ensure that no corners are cut and that every aspect of health and safety is covered, helping you maintain full compliance with regulatory requirements.

Conclusion: Become an Informed Buyer

Asbestos removal is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution to protect workers, building occupants, and the environment. By becoming an informed buyer, you can ensure that the removal process is safe, cost-effective, and, most importantly, compliant with safety regulations.

Start with a comprehensive asbestos survey tailored to your building’s specific needs, and work with a consultancy that ensures compliance, offers flexibility, and prioritises the long-term safety of all involved. Whether you’re managing a school, hospital, or commercial property, having an asbestos management plan that includes air quality testing, reoccupation certification, and phased removal where appropriate will help you stay compliant while controlling costs.