Are You Allowed To Remove Asbestos Yourself In Devon?

If you suspect asbestos is present in your property in Devon, it is essential to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones. Asbestos is a highly hazardous material commonly found in building materials and other products from the 1930s to the 1990s. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, among other serious health conditions.

Asbestos is known for its heat-resistant and insulating qualities, making it a popular building material in the past. Unfortunately, the health risks associated with asbestos have been widely recognized since the 1960s, and its use has been significantly restricted in the UK since the 1980s.

Despite this, many buildings and properties in Devon still contain asbestos, posing a significant risk to occupants and visitors alike. To protect your health and safety, it is important to know when it is safe to remove asbestos yourself and when to call in the professionals.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that consists of six different silicate minerals, each with individual properties. Its fibrous structure made it ideal for reinforcing materials like concrete, insulation, and roofing tiles.

Asbestos fibers can be broken down into tiny particles and release into the air, which are easily inhaled. Once inside the lungs, the body cannot expel the tiny fibers, leading to lung damage and chronic illnesses like asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs)

Many building materials contain asbestos, most of which were commonly used until the 1990s. In older buildings and properties, it is likely that an asbestos-containing material (ACM) will be present.

ACMs are generally safe as long as they remain intact or undisturbed. They are only hazardous when they are damaged, degraded or disturbed, as this will release asbestos fibers into the air. Therefore, asbestos must be handled with great care to minimize exposure to people or the environment.

ACMs can be found in various forms, such as:

• Insulation
• Pipe lagging
• Ceiling tiles
• Floor tiles
• Soffit boards
• Roofing sheets
• Guttering
• Cement board
• Artex plaster
• Textured coatings

It is not always easy to detect asbestos with the naked eye, as it can look identical to non-asbestos materials. Therefore, the only way to know for sure if a material contains asbestos is to get it professionally tested.

When is it Safe to Remove Asbestos Yourself?

It is essential to check the legal requirements before removing ACMs to ensure you comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, and other relevant legislation.

You can remove ACMs yourself if the material is:

• Non-friable
• Crumbling or likely to become damaged by a tradesperson

Non-friable (bonded) ACMs are materials that contain asbestos but are firmly bound in a bonding agent, such as cement, and are unlikely to release fibers unless damaged or disturbed.

You can remove non-friable ACMs yourself, but you must follow the correct safety procedures and use the right protective equipment.

If you plan to remove asbestos yourself, ensure you have:

• A protective mask with an approved filter against asbestos
• Protective clothing that covers your whole body
• Gloves
• Goggles or safety glasses
• A HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner
• A spray bottle with water to keep the asbestos damp

It is crucial to wet the asbestos before removal as this will prevent it from releasing fibers into the air.

Once you have removed the asbestos, it must be disposed of correctly at a licensed UK landfill site.

When to Call in the Professionals

It is generally advisable to leave the removal of ACMs to the professionals. This is mainly because professionals have experience and knowledge of dealing with asbestos-containing materials safely.

You should contact a licensed asbestos removal company in Devon if:

• The ACM is friable (loose or crumbly)
• There is a significant amount of asbestos present
• You are unsure whether the material contains asbestos

If you suspect there is asbestos in your home or property, contact a professional asbestos surveyor who will test any suspect materials and advise you on the next steps to take.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a professional asbestos removal company in Devon, providing a comprehensive range of asbestos management services.

Our team of specialists has decades of experience in asbestos removal and management, ensuring a safe and efficient asbestos removal service in your home or business.

We are licensed to work with all types of asbestos and ACMs, including:

• Amosite (brown asbestos)
• Chrysotile (white asbestos)
• Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
• Any other type of asbestos

Our asbestos removal in Devon services include:

• Asbestos surveying
• Asbestos removal and disposal
• Asbestos encapsulation
• Asbestos testing and analysis

As a licensed asbestos removal company, we follow strict procedures and guidelines set out by the Health and Safety Executive to ensure your safety and comply with all legal requirements.

We provide a fast, reliable, and affordable asbestos removal service in Devon and the South West of England.

If you suspect asbestos is present in your property, call us today on 01962 458066 or visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk for more information.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a hazardous material and should be treated with great care. It is not always easy to know when it is safe to remove asbestos yourself, which is why we recommend contacting an asbestos removal professional in Devon to ensure your safety.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we provide a fully licensed asbestos removal service, ensuring your property is safe from asbestos exposure. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk for an asbestos survey and removal services in Devon and the South West of England.