Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials for insulation, fire protection, and strength until it was banned in 1999. When disturbed, asbestos releases fine airborne fibres that can be inhaled, leading to serious health conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. At Innov8 UK Group Limited, our teams are fully trained and licensed to manage and remove asbestos safely, in strict accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Asbestos can be found in thousands of building products used prior to 2000, particularly in domestic, commercial, and industrial properties. Common asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) include: • Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) – walls, ceilings, bulkheads • Thermal insulation to pipework and boilers • Sprayed coatings on beams, ceilings, and ductwork • Textured coatings (e.g., Artex) • Asbestos cement products (roof sheets, soffits, gutters, flues) • Vinyl floor tiles and bitumen adhesives • Sink pads and backing boards • Electrical fuse boards and flash guards • Gaskets, rope seals, and insulation wraps • Fire doors, panels, and partitions • Ceiling tiles and composite panels If your property was built or refurbished before the year 2000, asbestos may still be present. Innov8 UK Group can arrange for asbestos surveys, sampling, and removal to identify and manage these materials safely

The cost of asbestos removal depends on several key factors, including: • Type of asbestos material (e.g., cement sheet, AIB, insulation, floor tiles) • Condition and accessibility of the material • Location and size of the area • Whether the work is licensed, notifiable, or non-licensed • Waste transport and disposal distances • Required safety measures (e.g., enclosure setup, negative pressure, decontamination units) To give an indication: • Small asbestos cement removals (e.g., garages or sheds) may start from £350–£1,000+ • Floor tile and adhesive removal typically ranges from £10–£20 per m² • Licensed asbestos insulation or AIB works involving full enclosures generally start from £1,500–£3,500+ for small-scale jobs Every project is site-specific, and Innov8 UK Group provides free, no-obligation quotations following review of your survey or site inspection. We always ensure costs are transparent and fully inclusive of all HSE compliance, labour, air testing, and waste disposal

Asbestos removal is often more costly than standard construction work because it involves high-risk operations, strict legal controls, and specialist safety systems. Key reasons include: • Specialist Equipment – Negative Pressure Units (NPUs), Decontamination Units (DCUs), Type H vacuums, RPE, and PPE are all mandatory and costly to maintain. • Highly Trained & Licensed Staff – All operatives, supervisors, and managers require HSE licences, medicals, and regular refresher training. • Air Monitoring & Analytical Testing – Independent UKAS-accredited analysts carry out background, leak, reassurance, and clearance tests throughout. • Containment Systems – Licensed removals require full polythene enclosures, airlocks, and negative pressure environments. • Hazardous Waste Disposal – Asbestos waste can only be transported by registered carriers and disposed of at authorised hazardous waste facilities, which charge premium gate fees. • Regulatory Compliance & Documentation – All works must comply with HSE Regulation 9, include ASB5 notification, and generate full audit trails. Although the process is resource-intensive, it ensures complete safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection — giving clients peace of mind that all asbestos risks are fully managed.

The classification depends on the type of asbestos material, its condition, and the work being undertaken: • Licensed Work – Higher-risk materials such as thermal insulation, AIB (Asbestos Insulating Board), or sprayed coatings. These works must only be carried out by an HSE-licensed asbestos contractor, such as Innov8 UK Group. • Non-Licensed Work – Lower-risk materials such as asbestos cement sheets, floor tiles, bitumen, or textured coatings. These may sometimes fall under Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW) depending on the extent and method of disturbance. Our Contracts Managers will assess and confirm the correct classification following a site inspection or asbestos survey, ensuring all works are compliant from the outset.

Encapsulation is a control technique used when full removal isn’t necessary or practical. The process involves sealing the asbestos surface with a specialised coating, such as ET150 encapsulant, to prevent fibre release and deterioration. This is common in boiler rooms, plant areas, and service ducts, where materials remain in good condition and can be safely managed in situ under a formal asbestos management plan.

For non-licensed asbestos removal, Innov8 UK Group follows a strict, controlled sequence: 1. Site setup and segregation of the working area. 2. Pre-clean and damping down (where appropriate). 3. Controlled removal of asbestos materials using hand tools. 4. Bagging, double-wrapping, and labelling all asbestos waste in UN-approved packaging. 5. Decontamination of operatives and equipment. 6. Environmental clean and visual inspection prior to handover. Even for lower-risk materials, our teams maintain HSE-approved working methods and full documentation for every project.

An ASB5 is the formal notification submitted to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for all Licensed Asbestos Works. It must be submitted at least 14 days before work commences, unless a waiver is granted. An ASB5 includes details such as: • Site address and description of works • Type and condition of asbestos • Start and completion dates • Method of work and enclosure details • Waste handling and disposal arrangements Innov8 UK Group manage the entire notification process as part of our project management procedures, ensuring total compliance with Regulation 9 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

A Waiver is an official dispensation granted by the HSE that allows licensed asbestos works to begin before the 14-day notification period has elapsed. Waivers are only issued in urgent or emergency circumstances, such as: • Damage to asbestos posing an immediate health risk • Essential maintenance required to keep a site operational • Unexpected discovery of asbestos during live works or demolition Each waiver request must provide full justification and demonstrate that all licensed safety measures, enclosures, and controls will remain in place. Innov8 UK Group only apply for waivers in genuine emergency situations, maintaining full transparency with the HSE and ensuring compliance throughout.

When appointing a licensed asbestos removal contractor, it’s essential to verify their competence, compliance, and current licensing status. You should check for the following: Valid HSE Asbestos Licence – Ensure the contractor holds a current licence (and check expiry date on the HSE database). Current Insurance Certificates – Public and Employers’ Liability cover, specifically including asbestos removal activities. Training Records – Evidence of UKATA/ARCA Category C training for all site staff and supervisors. Health & Safety Policies – Up-to-date policies, risk assessments, and method statements aligned with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Air Monitoring & Analyst Arrangements – Confirmation that all analytical work is carried out by a UKAS-accredited independent company. Waste Carrier Licence & Consignment Notes – To ensure lawful waste transport and disposal. Track Record & References – Evidence of previous compliant projects and HSE audit history. Choosing a competent, transparent, and safety-focused contractor like Innov8 UK Group ensures your project meets all legal and best practice standards from start to finish.

Licensed asbestos removal involves a highly controlled and regulated process: 1. HSE Notification (ASB5) submitted by Innov8 UK Group. 2. Site setup including DCU (Decontamination Unit), enclosure construction, and Negative Pressure Units (NPUs). 3. Air monitoring and leak tests by an independent UKAS-accredited analyst. 4. Controlled removal using wet injection, surfactant spraying, or scraping under negative pressure. 5. Fine clean and supervisor visual inspection. 6. Four-Stage Clearance (4SC) by the independent analyst. 7. Issue of Certificate of Reoccupation prior to re-use of the area. All waste is handled under the Hazardous Waste Regulations, with full traceability from site to disposal.

All asbestos waste handled by Innov8 UK Group is: • Double-bagged and labelled with the correct UN codes. • Transported by our registered hazardous waste carriers. • Disposed of at licensed hazardous waste facilities. • Accompanied by a Waste Consignment Note – copies of which are issued to our clients for compliance records.

Yes — every Innov8 UK Group project concludes with a Completion Pack, including: • ASB5 Notification (if applicable) • Plan of Work (PoW) • Air Monitoring Certificates • Waste Consignment Notes • Four-Stage Clearance Certificate (licensed works) • Project Completion Summary and photographs This ensures our clients maintain full traceability and compliance evidence for future audits or management plans

If asbestos-contaminated soils are disturbed during groundworks, excavation, or redevelopment, they can release fibres into the air, creating a serious health and compliance risk. Work involving asbestos in soil may fall under: • Non-Licensed Work (NLW) • Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW) • or Licensed Work, depending on the type, condition, and concentration of ACMs present.

Asbestos-related land contamination occurs when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) have been disturbed, buried, or spread into soil or made ground, often as a result of historic demolition, poor waste disposal, or previous building works. When soil or rubble contains asbestos fibres, it presents a potential exposure risk if disturbed or allowed to become airborne. Common Sources of Asbestos in Land • Buried demolition waste from old buildings (roof sheets, AIB, insulation, etc.) • Fly-tipped asbestos waste • Residues from historic uncontrolled removals • Contaminated made ground used as backfill or landscaping material • Fire sites or demolition burn pits where ACMs were present

How It’s Managed 1. Site Assessment & Sampling – Trained personnel collect soil or debris samples for UKAS-accredited lab analysis. 2. Classification – Results determine if asbestos is loose fibre, debris, cement-bound, or another form. 3. Control Measures – Dust suppression, zoning, and PPE/RPE used to prevent fibre release. 4. Removal or Remediation – Contaminated soil is safely excavated and disposed of at licensed facilities under controlled conditions. 5. Validation & Documentation – Air monitoring, waste consignment notes, and clearance records confirm safe completion. Innov8 UK Group Limited is experienced in managing asbestos-contaminated soils, from initial sampling and risk assessment to full remediation and waste disposal, ensuring compliance with: • Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 • CAR-SOIL Guidance (HSE, 2021) • and all relevant EA Waste Classification and Hazardous Waste Regulations. If you suspect asbestos contamination in the ground — stop works immediately and contact Innov8 UK Group for safe investigation and management.