How to Choose the Right Asbestos Removal Contractor 3/3

This is part 3 of a blog series called The Asbestos Journey for homeowners. Part 1 here. Part 2 here.

You have had your asbestos survey done, you understand the results, and you know that removal is the right course of action. Now comes the next challenge: finding the right asbestos removal contractor to carry out the work safely, legally, and to a standard that protects everyone involved.

This is not a decision to take lightly. Asbestos removal is a highly regulated process, and the consequences of getting it wrong can be severe, both for health and for legal liability. Here is what you need to know before you choose the right asbestos removal contractor.

Licensed vs non-licensed asbestos removal

One of the first things to understand is the difference between licensed and non-licensed asbestos removal work. Not all asbestos removal requires a contractor licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), but certain types of work do.

Licensed work

Licensed removal is required when working with the most hazardous types of asbestos, or when the work involves high-risk activities such as removing asbestos insulation, asbestos insulating board, or sprayed asbestos coatings. Any contractor carrying out this type of work must hold a current HSE licence. They are also required to notify the relevant enforcing authority before work begins and follow strict procedures throughout.

Non-licensed work

Some lower-risk asbestos removal tasks, such as the removal of asbestos cement sheets or floor tiles in certain conditions, can be carried out by a non-licensed contractor. However, this does not mean the work is unregulated. Non-licensed contractors still have legal obligations, including notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW), which requires them to notify the relevant authority and maintain medical records for workers involved.

ACS is a non-licensed asbestos removal contractor with the qualifications and experience to carry out a wide range of removal work. We also facilitate licensed removal contracts, acting as Designer or Principal Designer to ensure all projects meet their required standards and KPIs.

Questions to ask any asbestos removal contractor

Before appointing a contractor, there are some important questions you should ask:

• Are your operatives trained and qualified?

All workers involved in asbestos removal should hold recognised qualifications. Ask for evidence of training and certification before any work begins.

• How will the waste be disposed of?

Asbestos waste is classified as hazardous and must be disposed of at a licensed facility. Your contractor should be able to explain their waste disposal process and provide documentation. ACS holds an Environment Agency Waste Carriers Licence and operates its own licensed Asbestos Waste Transfer Station, which means we can pass on cost savings to clients while maintaining full compliance.

• Will you provide a written plan of work?

Any reputable contractor should produce a written plan of work before removal begins. This document sets out how the work will be carried out, what controls will be in place, and how risk will be managed throughout the job.

• Are you insured?

Make sure the contractor holds appropriate public liability and employers’ liability insurance. Do not accept verbal assurances on this point; ask to see documentation.

• Will you provide a clearance certificate?

Once the removal is complete, a four-stage clearance procedure should be carried out to confirm the area is safe. This includes a thorough visual inspection and air testing by an independent analyst. A clearance certificate should be issued before the area is re-occupied.

Why the cheapest quote is often the wrong choice

It is understandable to want to keep costs down, but asbestos removal is one area where cutting corners can have serious consequences. A contractor offering a significantly lower price than others may be skipping mandatory procedures, using untrained workers, or failing to dispose of waste correctly. All of these create legal liability for you as the property owner, not just for the contractor.

Equally, a higher price is not automatically a guarantee of quality. What matters is that the contractor can demonstrate compliance at every stage of the process, from the plan of work through to waste disposal documentation and the final clearance certificate.

What proper compliance looks like

A properly compliant asbestos removal job will include a clear and documented plan of work, appropriately trained and equipped operatives, correct containment and enclosure procedures during removal, properly packaged and labelled asbestos waste, licensed disposal with full documentation, and a four-stage clearance procedure with air testing by an independent analyst.

You should expect to receive documentation at every stage. If a contractor is reluctant to provide paperwork or cannot demonstrate any of the above, that is a significant red flag.

Why ACS is the right choice

At Asbestos Compliance Solutions, we have built our reputation on delivering thorough, compliant, and fairly priced asbestos removal services to clients across the East Midlands, South Yorkshire and the North East. Our team is highly qualified, our processes are fully documented, and we never cut corners.

We operate our own purpose-built vehicles and licensed Asbestos Waste Transfer Station, which means we control the entire process from collection through to disposal. You receive full documentation at every stage, and our team is always available to answer questions and provide clear guidance.

Whether your job is large or small, residential or commercial, we bring the same level of care and professionalism to every project.

Ready to appoint a contractor you can trust? Contact the ACS team today for a free estimate and straightforward advice on your asbestos removal project.

Frequently Asked Questions