We carry out both licensed and non-licensed asbestos removal across the North East. Our experienced team assesses every project individually, recommending the safest and most appropriate approach based on the type of asbestos-containing material and the work being undertaken.
Licensed & Accredited
We are fully licensed by the HSE, CHAS Accredited and ARCA approved members.
Efficient & Committed
We are fully committed to ensuring your building is safe and asbestos free in the most efficient way possible.
High Standards of Work
Our high standards of workmanship ensure that we remain compliant with HSE and ARCA guidelines and continue to keep you safe.
Not all asbestos removal falls into the same category. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, asbestos work is divided into licensed work, notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW), and non-licensed work.
Non-licensed asbestos work generally involves asbestos-containing materials where the fibres are firmly bound within the material and the work is unlikely to cause significant fibre release, provided the material is in good condition and appropriate removal techniques are used. While these materials still require careful management, they can often be removed safely by trained contractors without the need for an HSE asbestos licence.
Examples of work that may fall into this category include the removal of asbestos cement products, certain vinyl floor tiles, certain asbestos-containing textured coatings (often commonly referred to as Artex), and other lower-risk asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), provided they remain in a suitable condition and the work can be carried out with minimal fibre release.
Every project is different, however. A material that would normally be classed as non-licensed might call for a different approach if it has deteriorated or is likely to release fibres during removal. That’s why every job should be assessed on its own before any work begins.
Many of the materials associated with non-licensed removal can still be found in buildings constructed or refurbished before asbestos was banned in the UK.
These can include:
These materials are commonly encountered during home renovations, refurbishment projects, planned maintenance works, and commercial property upgrades. While they might’ve remained undisturbed for decades, refurbishment often brings them to light.
One of the biggest misunderstandings we often see surrounding asbestos is that lower-risk automatically means low importance. Because non-licensed work doesn’t require an HSE licence, some homeowners and businesses assume that the removal process is straightforward or suitable for general contractors.
And others might be tempted to save money by treating it as part of a wider renovation project. But asbestos should never be treated as just another building material.
Even lower-risk ACMs can release fibres if they’re cut, drilled, broken, or removed incorrectly. The difference is that the level of risk can usually be managed safely by trained professionals using the right methods and equipment.
As a fully-licensed asbestos removal contractor, working with us gives you confidence that any non-licensed work will be carried out in accordance with current legislation, with just as much care as you would expect from our licensed removal work.
The fact that a license isn’t needed for some asbestos work doesn’t reduce the responsibility involved. Professional contractors understand how different ACMs behave and how to stop fibres from spreading beyond the area.
They also know when a project has moved outside of the scope of non-licensed work and needs a licensed contractor. Thankfully, our team can do both.
This knowledge comes from over 40 years of working with asbestos across a wide variety of sectors throughout the North East. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we assess each case in isolation before recommending the safest solution.
Every project we take on starts with understanding exactly what needs to be removed and how the work can be completed safely.
Our team carefully reviews the ACMs involved, the condition they’re in, the surrounding environment, and any factors that could increase the likelihood of fibre release. This allows us to determine whether the work falls within the non-licensed category or whether licensed removal is needed.
Where non-licensed removal is suitable, we follow carefully planned working methods designed to minimise disturbance throughout the project. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), controlled removal techniques, and thorough cleaning procedures all play an important role in keeping risk as low as we possibly can.
Once we’ve completed the removal, all asbestos waste is appropriately packaged, labelled, transported and disposed of at an authorised waste facility in accordance with current waste regulations. As we also provide waste collection and disposal services, you benefit from a complete solution without needing to juggle multiple contractors.
Whether a project needs licensed or non-licensed asbestos removal, choosing the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. While non-licensed work involves lower-risk ACMs, it still demands the right level of knowledge, planning, and practical experience.
A reputable contractor will be open about the type of work involved and explain why it falls within the non-licensed category. They should be able to discuss the removal methods they intend to use, how they will protect the surrounding area, and how the resulting asbestos waste will be handled and disposed of.
It’s also worth asking about their experience with similar projects. Contractors who regularly carry out asbestos removal are more likely to spot potential risks before work begins and adapt their approach to suit the property and materials involved.
Before appointing a contractor, don’t be afraid to ask a few straightforward questions:
A professional contractor will gladly welcome these questions and explain the process clearly, helping you understand exactly what will happen from start to finish.
When you’re comparing quotations, it can be tempting to focus purely on price. However, the cheapest option isn’t always the most cost-effective in the long run.
If asbestos is removed incorrectly, further remedial work might be needed before the property can be safely occupied or refurbishment can continue. Areas might need to be cleaned by specialist contractors, additional waste might have to be removed, and project timescales can very quickly increase.
For commercial clients, delays like this can affect wider construction programmes and contractor schedules. And for homeowners, it can mean renovation projects grinding to a halt while problems are solved.
The biggest cost can never be measured financially. Improper removal increases the risk of asbestos fibres being released into the air, potentially exposing occupants, tradespeople, and anyone else nearby.
Because asbestos-related diseases often develop many years after exposure, preventing unnecessary disturbance is always the safest approach. Using trained professionals helps minimise those risks from the outset.
Property owners also have responsibilities when asbestos is being managed. Commercial property owners, landlords, facilities managers, and those responsible for non-domestic premises all have legal duties relating to asbestos management.
Choosing a competent contractor is such an important part of meeting those obligations. Working with experienced non-licensed asbestos removal contractors who understand current legislation can provide reassurance that the work has been completed responsibly and in accordance with the relevant regulations.
We understand that no two asbestos removal projects are exactly alike. Whether we’re removing asbestos cement from a domestic garage or supporting a larger refurbishment project, our focus is always to carry out the work safely and with as little disruption to your life or work as possible.
Our team has extensive experience delivering both licensed and non-licensed asbestos removal across the North East, working with homeowners, landlords, local authorities, schools, construction companies, and commercial offices.
Clients choose Henderson Environmental Services because we offer:
Because we provide a range of environmental services, we can also support wider refurbishment and remediation projects, helping clients work with one trusted contractor from start to finish.
Above all, we believe in giving straightforward, professional advice. If the work can safely and legally be completed as non-licensed work, we’ll explain why. If our assessment shows that licensed asbestos removal is required, we’ll explain that, too. As an experience HSE-licensed asbestos removal contractor, we can provide the appropriate solution rather than trying to make a project fit a particular type of service.
Henderson Environmental Services provides licensed and non-licensed asbestos removal throughout the North East, including Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham, Darlington, Northumberland and Teesside.
To find out more about our non-licensed asbestos removal services or to request a quotation, get in touch today. We’re always happy to answer your questions and help you take the next step with confidence.