Complete your licensed asbestos removal project with an independent asbestos 4 stage clearance

A brief overview of the asbestos 4 Stage clearance procedure is as follows:

Stage 1: Preliminary check of site condition

Full preliminary review of the asbestos work.

• Where the asbestos was removed from.
• If any materials were to remain in situ.
• What the asbestos materials removed were.
• Review of the licensed contractor's plan of works and ASB5
• Examination of the enclosure and surrounding areas to evaluate initial impression of job completeness.

Stage 2: Thorough visual inspection inside the enclosure area

A thorough visual inspection of the asbestos enclosure or work area. It is the most important part of the asbestos 4 stage clearance.

The asbestos analyst must check:

• The completeness of the removal of the asbestos materials from all surfaces;
• For the presence of any visible asbestos debris left inside the enclosure and airlocks or work area;
• For the presence of fine settled dust.

Stage 3: Air monitoring

Asbestos air testing takes place once a thorough visual inspection has been carried out and the asbestos analyst is satisfied that all the asbestos inline with the original scope of works has been removed, and there is no visible debris or layers of settled dust.

As part of this process, dust disturbance is carried out to replicate future occupational activities in the area.

Stage 4: Final assessment post-enclosure area dismantling

After the enclosure has been removed, the asbestos analyst will visually inspect the area to ensure it is clean. At this stage, the asbestos analyst is looking for obvious asbestos debris such as from the sheeting of the enclosure as it was dismantled or from debris which has been missed during cleaning. The asbestos analyst will also re-inspect the waste route and transit route for asbestos debris.

Only after satisfactorily passed can the certificate for reoccupation be issued.

An asbestos 4 stage clearance is required following licensed asbestos removal/repair/ encapsulation works.

It is a requirement that the asbestos area must be assessed to determine whether the area is thoroughly clean and fit for reoccupation.

Once the licensed asbestos contractor is satisfied that the area is clean, the area should be assessed by an independent organisation which is accredited by UKAS as complying with ISO 17025.

All air testing should also comply with the ISO 17025 standard. If the asbestos 4 stage clearance assessment is passed satisfactory, then a certificate of reoccupation is issued.

Acorn Analytical Services are UKAS accredited to ISO 17025 and are fully independent of any asbestos removal contractors.

Our general lead time for an asbestos 4 stage clearance is 14 days. This is the same period of time for which all notifiable licensed works are required to be notified to the local enforcing authority.

As such asbestos 4 stage clearances should be booked when the licensed asbestos contractor notifies their works.