Property Value

Asbestos is a notorious material that can lower the value of your property, especially if it's known to contain or have contained asbestos. Many potential buyers or renters will shy away from a property with a history of asbestos, even if it has been properly removed.

Environmental Impact

When asbestos-containing materials are not handled or disposed of properly, they can release fibers into the air and contaminate the soil and water. Asbestos is a hazardous waste that cannot be disposed of in regular landfills, and it requires special handling and transportation.

What Are the Asbestos Removal Procedures?

Asbestos removal is not a simple or straightforward process. It requires a series of steps that must be followed carefully and precisely to ensure a safe and effective outcome. Here are the general procedures for asbestos removal:

Step 1: Asbestos Survey

The first step in asbestos removal is to identify the presence of ACMs in your property. This can be done through an asbestos survey, which involves a visual inspection, material sampling, and analysis by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. The survey will also determine the level of risk associated with the ACMs and the appropriate removal method to use.

Step 2: Preparation

Before any asbestos removal work can begin, the work area must be prepared and secured. This involves:

• Sealing off the area with plastic sheeting and tape to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers
• Setting up negative air pressure units and HEPA filters to keep the air clean
• Installing warning signs and barriers around the work area to keep people and pets away
• Turning off any heating, ventilating, or air conditioning systems that may circulate asbestos fibers

Step 3: Asbestos Removal

The actual asbestos removal process involves:

• Wearing full protective gear, including disposable coveralls, gloves, boots, and respirators
• Wetting down the ACMs with water or a special solution to minimize dust and fiber release
• Using hand tools or power tools to carefully remove the ACMs from the structure or surface
• Double-bagging and sealing the removed asbestos waste in leak-proof containers labeled with warning signs and identification markings
• Cleaning up the work area with HEPA vacuums and wet mops to remove any remaining fibers or debris