HSE/NE/245/08 26 June 2008

HSE grants able UK LTD an exemption to import asbestos contained in French ship Q790

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has granted Able UK Ltd of Teesside an exemption under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, to allow them to import asbestos into the United Kingdom contained in the French ship Q790 (formerly the Clemenceau). The company applied for the exemption in order to dismantle the ship at their Teesside Environmental Reclamation and Recycling Centre (TERRC), in Hartlepool. HSE has imposed strict conditions governing the removal of asbestos from the vessel. The exemption does not come into force until the company has been granted a Waste Management Licence by the Environment Agency for the site.

Notes for Editors:

1. The company is required to apply for an exemption because Regulation 27 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 (CAW) prohibits the importation of asbestos into the UK.
2. Regulation 32 (1) of CAW allows HSE to issue an exemption certificate which permits the importation of asbestos in particular circumstances. The exemption may be subject to conditions (as in this case) and may be varied or revoked by a further certificate at any time.
3. The Regulations also require HSE to satisfy itself that the granting of an exemption will not prejudice the health or safety of persons who are likely to be affected by the work.

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