Can I Remove Asbestos Roof Sheets Myself In Devon?

Asbestos is a dangerous material that was widely used in the construction industry in the UK until the 1990s. Asbestos was used in various building products such as cement, insulation, roofing materials, and floor tiles because of its heat-resistant and fire-retardant properties.

However, it is now known that asbestos is a health hazard and can cause severe respiratory diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. As a result, the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999.

If you suspect that your property in Devon has asbestos-containing materials, it is essential to have them inspected and removed by a qualified professional. In this article, we will explore the dangers of asbestos, the regulations around its removal, and whether you can remove asbestos roof sheets yourself.

The Dangers of Asbestos

Asbestos exposure can cause severe diseases that can take decades to develop. Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to a range of respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. It is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which become lodged in the lining of these organs and cause inflammation and scarring. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.

Lung cancer is also a common disease associated with asbestos exposure. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause changes to the DNA in the lung cells, leading to the development of cancer.

Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which results in scarring of the lung tissue. Symptoms of asbestosis can include shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness.

It is important to note that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and even brief exposure can be dangerous.

The Regulations Around Asbestos Removal

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 sets out the legal requirements for asbestos removal in the UK. The regulations aim to protect workers and the general public from the harmful effects of asbestos exposure.

Under the regulations, you must have a licensed contractor remove asbestos-containing materials if they:

• Are in poor condition and likely to release fibers into the air
• Are in a location where they are likely to be disturbed, such as during demolition or renovation work
• Are friable, which means they can be crumbled by hand pressure

If you suspect that your property has asbestos-containing materials and you plan to carry out any renovation or demolition work, you must have the materials inspected by a qualified professional before starting the work.

If asbestos-containing materials are identified, you must have them removed by a licensed contractor before starting any work that could disturb them.

Can You Remove Asbestos Roof Sheets Yourself?

If your property in Devon has asbestos-containing roof sheets, you may be wondering if you can remove them yourself. While it is not illegal for homeowners to remove asbestos-containing materials from their own properties, it is highly discouraged.

Removing asbestos roof sheets is a dangerous and complex task that requires specialized equipment and training. Asbestos fibers can become airborne during the removal process, putting anyone in the vicinity at risk of exposure.

If you choose to remove asbestos roof sheets yourself, you must follow strict safety protocols to minimize the risk of exposure. You should wear protective clothing, including a respirator, gloves, and a disposable coverall, and use appropriate tools to carefully remove the sheets without damaging them.

All waste materials must be disposed of in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which requires that waste material must be double-wrapped in heavy-duty polythene bags and labeled as asbestos waste. Asbestos waste must be disposed of at a licensed disposal site.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

If you suspect that your property in Devon has asbestos-containing materials, it is essential to have them inspected and removed by a qualified professional.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a trusted and experienced asbestos removal company in Devon. We provide a range of asbestos removal services for both residential and commercial premises, including the safe removal and disposal of asbestos-containing roof sheets.

We have a team of fully trained and licensed professionals who are well-able to safely remove asbestos-containing materials from your property, ensuring that your safety and the safety of others are never compromised.

Our services are affordable, and we always strive to deliver the highest standard of work, even on tight budgets. We offer a free, no-obligation quote, and we are always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Contact Our Customer Services on 01903 297818

If you suspect that your property in Devon may have asbestos-containing materials, do not hesitate to contact us at Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. Our team of experts will be well-able to help you identify, remove, and dispose of any asbestos-containing materials safely.

We are committed to providing our customers with the highest standard of service and workmanship, and we take pride in delivering good customer service. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to find out how we can help you safely remove asbestos-containing materials from your property.