Hertfordshire County Council is dealing with a major fly-tipping incident after four abandoned trailers containing around 200 tonnes of suspected asbestos waste were discovered at locations across the county.
The incident highlights the serious risks associated with the improper handling, transportation and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.
Specialist Clean-Up Underway
Due to the potentially hazardous nature of the material, specialist contractors have been brought in to manage the waste and begin the clean-up operation.
The council estimates that the clean-up and disposal could cost up to £200,000. Two of the trailers were also found to be structurally unsafe to move, creating additional challenges for those responsible for safely managing the waste.
Hertfordshire County Council is investigating the incident and is working to identify those responsible for abandoning the waste.
The Risks of Suspected Asbestos Waste
Asbestos-containing materials can pose a serious health risk when they are damaged or disturbed, as this can release microscopic asbestos fibres into the air.
Once airborne, these fibres can be inhaled and may cause serious, potentially fatal diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.
The shredded nature of the material discovered in Hertfordshire is particularly concerning, as asbestos-containing materials that have been broken up or disturbed can present an increased risk of fibre release.
Suspected asbestos waste should not be handled or disturbed. Specialist advice should be sought to ensure that potentially asbestos-containing materials are assessed, contained and managed appropriately.
The Importance of Responsible Asbestos Waste Management
The incident is a reminder of the importance of using competent professionals when dealing with asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos waste must be appropriately contained, transported and disposed of at a suitable licensed facility. Businesses and property owners should ensure that contractors involved in asbestos-related work have the appropriate competence, experience and arrangements in place to manage asbestos waste safely.
Poorly managed asbestos waste can create risks for workers, members of the public and the environment, while also potentially resulting in significant clean-up and disposal costs.
Asbestos Risks Remain in Older Buildings
Although the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, asbestos-containing materials can still be found in many older commercial, industrial, public and residential buildings.
Before refurbishment, demolition or maintenance work takes place, it is important to establish whether asbestos may be present. Appropriate asbestos surveys can help identify asbestos-containing materials and ensure that they are properly managed before work begins.
The Hertfordshire incident demonstrates that asbestos remains an important health and safety consideration beyond the building itself. Safe management must also extend to the removal, transportation and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.
How Bradley Environmental Can Help
Bradley Environmental provides independent asbestos consultancy and project management services, helping organisations across the UK to identify and manage asbestos risks.
Our asbestos services include:
- Asbestos Removal Project Management
- Asbestos Management Surveys
- Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys
- Asbestos Reinspection’s
- Asbestos Sample Testing
- Airborne Fibre Monitoring
Our experienced project management team can support clients throughout the asbestos removal process, including developing removal specifications, assisting with the procurement and management of suitable asbestos removal contractors, auditing contractor performance and providing air monitoring where required.
This independent approach helps clients ensure that asbestos removal projects are properly planned, managed and completed in accordance with the relevant requirements.
If you are responsible for a building where asbestos has been identified, professional advice can help ensure that the risks are properly managed.
Find out more about our Asbestos Removal Project Management services.