Can I Remove Asbestos Cement Cistern Myself In Devon?

If you have an older water tank or cistern in your home in Devon that you suspect contains asbestos, you may be wondering whether you are allowed to remove it yourself. While it is possible for a homeowner to remove asbestos cement cisterns themselves, it is important to consider the potential health risks and legal requirements involved.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon are a professional asbestos removal company based in Devon and we can offer advice and guidance on your situation.

Asbestos Found in Water Tanks

Asbestos was commonly used to make water tanks up until the 1980s due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. Older water tanks made from concrete can sometimes contain asbestos, particularly if the tank was manufactured before 1985.

Generally, tanks that were used to make pre-fabricated garages, roofing sheets and draining pipes are the most likely to have asbestos. The older the tank, the more likely it is to contain asbestos.

Knowledge Necessary to Remove Asbestos Cement Cisterns

Removing an asbestos cement cistern yourself is not illegal, although it is highly recommended that specialist knowledge is required.

There are a few things you should know before attempting to remove an asbestos cement cistern yourself:

• If you do not have proper knowledge or experience, you risk exposing yourself and others to asbestos fibers that may cause severe health risks in the long run.

• Even with the appropriate knowledge, the safe removal of asbestos cement cisterns is a risky prospect. Without taking the proper precautions, you endanger yourself and others.

• Asbestos cement cisterns can be heavy and bulky, so you may require some assistance in removing the tank.

• It is important to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling asbestos cement, such as a respirator, gloves, and overalls.

• You should also make sure that the area around the cistern is clear of clutter or debris, as this can make the removal process more difficult.

Removals Professionals Properly Manage the Risk

The health risks associated with handling asbestos cement make it critical to ensure that the cistern is removed safely and professionally. Although asbestos cement cisterns can be removed, the removal process must be carried out properly to minimize health risks related to exposure to asbestos fibers.

Removals professionals have the necessary knowledge and experience to perform the required work safely and efficiently. They know how to use specialist equipment to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the environment, such as negative air pressure units and sealed booths.

Additionally, professionals are trained in the proper disposal of asbestos waste, and they are equipped to safely remove and dispose of asbestos cement cisterns.

Professionals Don't Always Carry Out the Removal

Professionals that specialize in asbestos removal must have a license to remove asbestos safely. Nevertheless, they needn't perform the removal themselves.

Some professional asbestos removal companies will offer the option of a "DIY bagging and collection service."

With this option, the professional company can provide you with the PPE required to safely remove the cistern and bag the asbestos cement for collection, while you manage the removal process.

Concrete Tanks Generally Don't Contain Asbestos

While it is possible that an older concrete water tank may contain asbestos, it is more likely that the tank does not contain asbestos.

Many older concrete tanks that havent been exploited with asbestos are likely to be made from a material known as Fibrolite, which has similar features and can look like asbestos, but doesn't contain any of the hazardous fibers.

If you suspect that your tank contains asbestos or Fibrolite, it is important to have it tested. This is something Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can do for you.

How to Know Whether Your Tank Contains Asbestos

It can be difficult to know whether a tank contains asbestos without conducting a test, as it is not always visible or distinguishable from other materials.

If you are looking for a tradesperson to replace or remove your water tank, be mindful of their claims.

It's important to ask directly if the tradesperson has experience with handling asbestos and how they intend on removing or replacing the tank if asbestos is found.

Nick's Story of Finding an Asbestos Cement Cistern

Nick shares his experience of finding an asbestos cement cistern during some renovation work in his old farmhouse in Devon.

He was using a tradesman he'd found on one of the many online sites where traders advertise themselves, and although Nick had asked the company in advance whether they could handle the removal of the old water tank, they didn't check whether it contained asbestos.

The tradesman attempted to remove the cistern without taking any precautions for asbestos. Nick quickly realized there was a problem when the old water tank was broken into numerous pieces and the tradesman was coughing.

Nick immediately called the Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon office and spoke with one of our advisors for guidance. We sent a professional team out to Nick's house to ensure that all the asbestos cement material was safely removed from the property.

We share this story as a warning from firsthand experience that having experienced asbestos removal professionals can avoid any potential hazard that could come with conducting the work yourself.

Work Carried Out by Professionals is Usually Straight Forward

Professional asbestos removal companies possess the experience and know-how to remove an asbestos cement cistern safely.

Once you call the professionals, the team will come to your property to carry out an asbestos survey, which tests whether the tank contains any asbestos pieces. If it does, the team will use specialist equipment to ensure the cistern's safe removal, minimizing the risk of asbestos fibers being released into the environment.

The team will also ensure that the tank's safe disposal is carried out appropriately and in line with any legal requirements.

Strict Health and Safety Guidelines for Asbestos Removal

When removing asbestos, strict guidelines must be followed to avoid exposure to hazardous particles.

The guidelines mentioned are necessary because asbestos, when disturbed, can release small particles into the air that can be breathed in and become trapped in the lungs. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause respiratory diseases and mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer.

The use of protective equipment and procedures ensures that the people handling the asbestos cement remain safe, and the risk of exposure is reduced or removed altogether.

Get in Touch with Us Today

If you need advice on whether your water tank or cistern contains asbestos, or if you need the tank removed, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon for professional advice and assistance.

Our team is equipped to deal with any asbestos-related issues, and we can provide a range of affordable, reliable services when you need them.

Call us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your requirements. Alternatively, visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk to learn more about our company and services.