Can I Remove Asbestos From My Own House In Devon?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used extensively in building materials such as insulation, flooring, and roofing before it was banned in the UK in 1999 due to its harmful health effects. However, many older properties still contain asbestos, and homeowners may be wondering whether they can remove it themselves. In this article, we'll examine the legal and health implications of removing asbestos from your own house in Devon.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a specialist asbestos removal company in Devon, providing cost-effective solutions for both commercial and private properties. We are fully licensed and insured, with a team of trained and experienced professionals who can handle all aspects of asbestos removal, from inspection to disposal. Our aim is to provide a safe and reliable service to our clients, ensuring that all asbestos is removed in accordance with the relevant regulations and guidelines.

Asbestos - Legal and Specialist Handling

Asbestos is classified as a hazardous material, and its removal must be carried out in accordance with strict legal and safety regulations. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, anyone carrying out asbestos removal work must hold the relevant training and certification, and must follow specific procedures for handling and disposing of asbestos.

Removing asbestos is not a job for amateurs - it requires specialist knowledge, equipment, and protective clothing. Attempting to remove asbestos without the necessary training and equipment can be extremely dangerous, and can result in serious health problems such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Asbestos Removal - It May Be Best Left to the Experts

If you suspect that your property contains asbestos, it is essential that you seek professional advice before attempting to remove it yourself. Asbestos can be present in a variety of materials, including ceiling tiles, insulation, and pipe lagging, and may not be immediately visible. An expert asbestos survey can identify the location and extent of any asbestos-containing materials in your property, and provide advice on the most appropriate course of action.

If your asbestos-containing material is undisturbed, it may not need to be removed at all - simply monitoring it on a regular basis may be sufficient. However, if the material is damaged or disturbed, it must be removed by a licensed professional.

Asbestos Must Never Be Disturbed

Asbestos is only dangerous when it is disturbed and its fibres become airborne. If you suspect that your property contains asbestos, it is essential that you do not attempt to disturb it in any way. This means that you should avoid drilling, sawing, or sanding any materials that may contain asbestos, and should never attempt to remove it yourself.

If you do need to carry out any work that may disturb asbestos, such as renovating or demolishing a building, you must ensure that a licensed asbestos contractor is employed to carry out the work. They will be able to assess the risk and carry out the necessary precautions to protect both themselves and others from the harmful effects of asbestos.

Asbestos - Legal Implications

Asbestos removal is subject to a range of legal requirements, including the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and even imprisonment.

Removing asbestos from your own property without the necessary training and certification is illegal, and can put both yourself and others at risk. Asbestos-related diseases can take many years to develop, and you may not realise that you have been affected until it is too late.

Asbestos Removal - When to Call in the Experts

If you think you may have asbestos in your property, it is essential that you seek professional advice before attempting to remove it yourself. There are many specialist asbestos removal companies in Devon who can carry out a thorough asbestos survey, identify any asbestos-containing materials, and provide advice on the best course of action.

Asbestos removal is a specialist job, and should only be carried out by licensed and trained professionals. Attempting to remove asbestos yourself can put yourself and others at risk of serious health problems, and can result in legal action being taken against you.

Asbestos - Private Property

Asbestos removal from private property is subject to the same legal requirements as commercial properties. If you are a homeowner and suspect that your property contains asbestos, you must follow the same legal procedures as a commercial property owner.

This means that you must ensure that a licensed asbestos removal company is employed to carry out any removal work, and that all legal requirements are met.

Asbestos - Builders and Health Implications

Builders and contractors who work on properties that may contain asbestos have a legal duty to ensure that they do not put themselves or others at risk. This means that they must carry out a risk assessment before starting work, and implement appropriate precautions to protect themselves and others from the harmful effects of asbestos.

Builders who carry out work that disturbs asbestos without taking appropriate precautions can be prosecuted for breaking the law, and may be liable for any resulting health problems.

Asbestos - Statutory Nuisance

Asbestos can be classified as a statutory nuisance if it poses a risk to health, or causes a nuisance to nearby properties. If you suspect that asbestos-containing materials are present in a neighbouring property, you should contact your local council's environmental health department.

The council has the power to investigate and take action to remove any asbestos from the premises if they consider it to be a statutory nuisance.

Asbestos - Non-Domestic Premises

Non-domestic premises, such as commercial buildings and industrial sites, are subject to more stringent legal requirements when it comes to asbestos removal. If you own or manage a non-domestic premises that may contain asbestos, you must ensure that a detailed asbestos management plan is in place.

This plan should include an asbestos survey, a risk assessment, and a plan for the safe removal and disposal of any asbestos-containing materials. You must also ensure that all employees and contractors who may come into contact with asbestos are adequately trained and equipped to carry out their duties safely.

Asbestos - Insurance

Asbestos removal is often excluded from standard insurance policies, as it is a hazardous material and requires specialist handling. If you are planning on carrying out asbestos removal work on your property, it is essential that you speak to your insurer and ensure that you have appropriate cover in place.

Some specialist insurers offer specific asbestos removal policies, which will cover the costs of any legal action or compensation claims brought against you as a result of the removal work.

Conclusion

Removing asbestos from your own house in Devon is not a job to be taken lightly. It requires specialist knowledge, equipment, and protective clothing, as well as strict adherence to legal and safety regulations. Attempting to remove asbestos yourself can put yourself and others at risk of serious health problems, and can result in legal action being taken against you.

If you suspect that your property contains asbestos, it is essential that you speak to a specialist asbestos removal company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. We can carry out a thorough asbestos survey, provide advice on the best course of action, and ensure that any asbestos is removed safely and legally.

Contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] for more information on our asbestos removal services in Devon, South West England, and beyond.