Friable vs. Non-Friable Asbestos Explained

WESTCOUNTRY ASBESTOS REMOVAL

Choosing Accredited & Qualified Asbestos Contractors in the UK

Westcountry Asbestos Removal Ltd is proud to hold UKATA Registered Industry Associate status under registration number IA/077. This accreditation reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining recognised asbestos industry standards, ongoing training awareness and compliant asbestos working procedures throughout all areas of operation.

The accreditation covers areas including asbestos sampling, asbestos surveying, asbestos waste collection & disposal and non-licensed asbestos removal, demonstrating a broad commitment towards safe asbestos-related services across domestic, commercial and industrial environments.

What is UKATA?

UKATA, formally known as the United Kingdom Asbestos Training Association, is one of the UK’s leading asbestos training and competency organisations. UKATA works to promote high standards of asbestos awareness, training and safe working practices throughout the asbestos industry.

The organisation helps ensure companies, operatives and associated professionals remain informed on current legislation, safe asbestos handling methods and ongoing responsibilities surrounding asbestos-containing materials.

Being associated with UKATA demonstrates a commitment towards recognised industry guidance, safe working standards and maintaining professionalism within asbestos-related services.

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Our UKATA Listing

UKATA TRAINED OPERATIVES

NATIONWIDE ASBESTOS REMOVAL

Environment Agency registered

What Does Industry Associate Mean?

UKATA Industry Associate status is designed for businesses operating within asbestos-related sectors that wish to demonstrate a commitment towards recognised industry standards, training awareness and compliant working procedures.

This status reflects involvement within the asbestos industry while supporting continual awareness surrounding asbestos safety, risk management and regulatory compliance. It also helps reinforce confidence for homeowners, landlords, contractors and commercial clients seeking asbestos-related services from a company focused on responsible working practices.

Westcountry Asbestos Removal Ltd became a registered UKATA Industry Associate on Friday 8th May 2026.

UKATA TRAINED ASBESTOS REMOVAL

Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012)

All asbestos-related work is carried out with consideration towards the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), which forms the primary legislation governing asbestos work within the UK.

CAR 2012 places legal duties on those responsible for asbestos-containing materials to ensure risks are properly identified, assessed and controlled. The regulations cover areas including asbestos training, risk assessments, exposure prevention, safe working procedures, waste handling and appropriate control measures when working with asbestos materials.

Maintaining awareness of CAR 2012 forms an important part of ensuring asbestos-related projects are approached safely and responsibly.

NON-LICENSED ASBESTOS SPECIALISTS

Safe Systems of Work

Westcountry Asbestos Removal Ltd follows structured safe systems of work designed to minimise disturbance and reduce potential asbestos fibre release during asbestos-related activities.

Every asbestos project presents different site conditions depending on the type, location and condition of the material involved. Safe systems of work may include site-specific risk assessments, controlled removal techniques, safe waste handling procedures, dust suppression methods where appropriate and careful planning prior to removal activities commencing.

These procedures help maintain safe working environments for operatives, occupants and neighbouring properties throughout asbestos-related projects.

PPE & RPE Standards

The correct use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) forms an essential part of asbestos safety procedures.

Westcountry Asbestos Removal Ltd follows recognised guidance relating to the selection and use of suitable PPE and RPE during asbestos-related work. Appropriate protective equipment helps reduce the risk of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres during handling, dismantling, waste packaging and disposal procedures.

Protective equipment is used alongside controlled working methods and safe handling practices designed to support safe asbestos removal and management procedures.

Asbestos Waste Compliance

Asbestos waste is classified as hazardous waste and must be handled and disposed of in accordance with strict environmental regulations.

Westcountry Asbestos Removal Ltd follows compliant asbestos waste collection, packaging, transportation and disposal procedures designed to ensure asbestos-containing materials are managed safely from removal through to authorised disposal facilities.

This includes the careful handling and containment of asbestos waste to help prevent unnecessary contamination risks while supporting environmental compliance and responsible waste management practices throughout all asbestos-related projects.

Talk to an Asbestos Specialist

Accreditation & Compliance FAQs

What is UKATA?

UKATA stands for the United Kingdom Asbestos Training Association. It is a recognised asbestos training organisation that promotes high standards of asbestos awareness, training and safe working practices across the asbestos industry.

What does UKATA Industry Associate mean?

UKATA Industry Associate status is for businesses operating within asbestos-related sectors that want to demonstrate a commitment to recognised industry standards, training awareness and compliant asbestos working procedures.

What areas does the UKATA Industry Associate accreditation cover?

Westcountry Asbestos Removal Ltd is registered as a UKATA Industry Associate for asbestos sampling, asbestos surveying, asbestos waste collection and disposal, and non-licensed asbestos removal.

Why is training important for asbestos work?

Training helps ensure asbestos work is approached with the correct knowledge, planning and safety awareness. It supports safe handling methods, risk reduction, correct use of control measures and compliant working practices.

What is CAR 2012?

CAR 2012 refers to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. These regulations set out legal duties for managing asbestos risks in the UK, including risk assessment, training, exposure control, safe systems of work and asbestos waste handling.

What are safe systems of work?

Safe systems of work are planned procedures used to reduce risk during asbestos-related activities. This can include site-specific risk assessments, controlled removal methods, dust control, safe handling procedures and correct waste management.

Why are PPE and RPE important during asbestos work?

PPE and RPE help protect operatives when working with asbestos-containing materials. PPE refers to personal protective equipment, while RPE refers to respiratory protective equipment designed to reduce the risk of inhaling airborne asbestos fibres.

How is asbestos waste handled compliantly?

Asbestos waste is classed as hazardous waste and must be correctly packaged, labelled, transported and disposed of at authorised facilities. It cannot be mixed with general building waste or placed in standard skips.

Asbestos Removal Branch Areas

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Tracy A 
 02/09/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From my 1st contact to the complete removal of our asbestos cement wall panels, we were delighted with the team at Westcountry Asbestos Removals. I received a quick and clear reply to all my enquiries and the quote was transparent. When we were ready to proceed, the team were easy to contact and make the arrangements to suit our schedule. Ella made a courtesy call the night before and Kevin arrived exactly at the given time the next day. The work was completed very efficiently and we were very pleased that the affected room was left in a immaculate condition, minus the wall panels. In addition to our obvious safety concerns, we were impressed with the care and concientiousness towards us and our home. We cannot recommend the team highly enough.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nicola L 
 17/07/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Expert service. Competitive pricing. From my initial phone enquiry, I knew I was in great hands. Ella was knowledgeable, professional and extremely helpful in assessing my query. Bryn was down to earth, prompt and efficient during his visit. Five star service all round. I highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jonathan H 
 08/07/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really professional, and great customer service. Thanks so much!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Boo 
 31/05/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kevin came and removed some boarding above our fireplace. He was very polite, efficient and left everywhere extremely clean and tidy.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   J R 
 26/05/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great communication before and during, great work completed, and left it cleaner than when they arrived!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Crista B 
 22/05/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very efficient friendly service carried out by Kevin. Everything left pristine and tidy and everything disposed of correctly. No hesitation in recommending this company.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sophie G 
 02/04/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Westcountry Asbestos called us the same day we enquired and asked all the right questions which meant they quoted correctly for the job. They double checked our testing and were really helpful with items that needed to be moved and cleaned. They were polite, professional and friendly, explaining everything along the way and doing a great job. They removed the offending material and cleaned up to a high standard. Hopefully we won't need to but we would definitely use them again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alan E 
 27/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seriously lovely people, dealing with seriously nasty stuff. Found some old cementitious tiles that were ‘left’ from some previous building work… rather than being dealt with…. Grrr. I contacted WAR on a Sunday, got a response, and arranged over email when someone would collect the tiles. Fortunately a very quick job, and a fair price - especially when you consider the cost of properly dealing with the disposal. Yes - it’s annoying that you have to pay, …and yes, it’s annoying that some ‘builders’ think its okay to just leave things in a corner, rather than dealing with them…. But it’s nice to get it sorted. Thanks WAR.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kean H 
 27/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Unbelievable service from Kevin and bryn. They were on time and worked very efficiently, making sure everything was carried out in a safe and professional manor. Highly recommend:))
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   T E 
 18/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely recommend this family run company. Our experience was efficient and informed right from the first email. The response to my, (many) emails was always prompt and nothing was too much trouble. The work itself was carried out in such a way that I felt reassured and confident that it would all be taken care of, and it was! First class workmanship & very thorough. Really lovely people to do business with. Thank you so much Westcountry Asbestos Removal!