Can Builders Remove Asbestos in Devon?

Asbestos is a hazardous material that was commonly used as a building material in the UK until the 1990s. It was used for its fire-resistant properties and was also widely used as insulation. However, asbestos has been linked to a number of diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, so it is important that it is removed safely and properly.

If you are a builder or contractor in Devon, you may be wondering whether you are able to remove asbestos from sites that you are working on. In this article, we will explore whether builders can remove asbestos in Devon, and if so, what precautions they should take.

Asbestos in Building Materials

Asbestos was banned from use in the UK in 1999, but any buildings constructed before this date may contain asbestos in some form. Asbestos was particularly popular as a building material in the mid-20th century, so it is common in buildings constructed between the 1950s and 1980s.

Asbestos was used in a range of building materials, including insulation, roofing, flooring, and walls. It was particularly useful as a fire-resistant material, so it was commonly used in areas such as fire doors and fireproof partitions.

The Dangers of Asbestos

Asbestos is a hazardous substance that can cause a number of serious illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. It can take years for these illnesses to develop after exposure to asbestos, so it is important to take precautions to protect yourself and others from exposure.

Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis, such as construction workers, are particularly at risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses. However, even low levels of exposure over a long period can be dangerous, so it is important to take precautions when working with asbestos.

Asbestos Removal in Devon

In Devon, it is legal for builders and contractors to remove asbestos from sites that they are working on. However, there are strict regulations in place that must be followed to ensure that the asbestos is removed safely and properly.

Builders and contractors must be licensed to remove asbestos, and they must follow strict guidelines for the disposal of asbestos waste. Asbestos waste must be disposed of at a licensed waste facility, and it must be double-bagged and clearly labelled to ensure that it is not inadvertently mixed with other waste.

Precautions for Asbestos Removal

If you are a builder or contractor who is planning to remove asbestos from a site in Devon, there are a number of precautions that you should take to protect yourself and others from exposure to asbestos.

Firstly, it is important to conduct a thorough risk assessment of the site to determine the level of asbestos present and the potential risks. This should be carried out by a qualified asbestos surveyor, who will be able to advise on the best course of action for removal.

Once you have identified the level of risk, you should ensure that all workers involved in the removal of asbestos are properly trained and equipped with the necessary safety equipment, including respirators and protective clothing.

You should also ensure that the work area is properly sealed off to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres. This may involve sealing doors and windows or using temporary partitions to create a containment area for the asbestos.

Finally, it is important to properly dispose of all asbestos waste in accordance with regulations. This may involve sending the waste to a licensed waste facility or arranging for a specialist asbestos disposal company to collect it from the site.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a licensed asbestos removal company in Devon that specialises in the safe and proper removal and disposal of asbestos. Our team of qualified professionals have years of experience in handling asbestos removal projects across Devon and the South West of England.

We are committed to providing our clients with a safe and efficient asbestos removal service, and we take every precaution to ensure that our work is carried out in accordance with regulations. We also provide our clients with advice and guidance on the best course of action for asbestos removal, as well as offering ongoing support and advice.

If you are a builder or contractor in Devon who needs to remove asbestos from a site, or if you are a property owner who is concerned about the presence of asbestos in your property, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to provide advice and guidance on the safe and proper removal of asbestos. You can contact us on 01962 458066 or by email at [email protected].