Can I Remove My Asbestos Garage Myself In Devon?

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. As such, it is essential to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are removed safely and correctly. If you have an asbestos garage on your property in Devon and you are wondering if you can remove it yourself, there are a few things you need to know.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a professional asbestos removal company operating in Devon and the wider South West England area. As a fully licensed and insured company, we are committed to providing safe, efficient, and affordable asbestos removal services to our clients. Whether you need asbestos removed from your garage, shed, roof, or any other part of your property, we are here to help.

Asbestos - What is it?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry throughout the 20th century. It was valued for its durability, heat resistance, and insulation properties, and was commonly used in roofing, flooring, and insulation materials. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibres could cause serious health problems when inhaled, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

Must Asbestos Be Removed?

In general, if asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are in good condition and not disturbed, they do not pose a significant risk to health. However, if they are damaged, crumbling or broken, they can release asbestos fibres into the air, which can be inhaled and cause serious health problems.

If you have an asbestos garage on your property in Devon, it is important to determine whether it contains ACMs, and if so, whether they need to be removed. You can do this by having a professional asbestos survey conducted.

Asbestos Removal - Can You Do It Yourself?

The short answer is yes, you can remove asbestos yourself if you follow the correct procedures and precautions. However, it is not something that should be undertaken lightly. Asbestos removal carries many risks, and if not done correctly, it can potentially expose you and others to a significant amount of asbestos fibres, which can cause serious health problems.

What Does Asbestos Removal Work Involve?

Asbestos removal work involves the removal and disposal of ACMs from a property. This can include the removal of asbestos-containing roofing, wall cladding, insulation, and other materials. The work must be carried out by a licensed and trained asbestos removal specialist who follows strict procedures and guidelines to ensure the asbestos is removed safely and correctly.

Asbestos in Your Garage

If you have an asbestos garage on your property in Devon, it is important to take steps to ensure that any ACMs are removed safely and correctly. As with any asbestos removal work, it is essential to follow the correct procedures and precautions to avoid exposing yourself or others to asbestos fibres.

Can Asbestos be Found in a Garage?

Asbestos can commonly be found in garage roofs, walls, and other structures. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that are often found in garages include corrugated or flat asbestos cement sheets, which were commonly used for roofing and wall cladding. These sheets are usually grey in colour and relatively thin (around 6mm), with an edge that is usually angled or curved.

Other types of asbestos sheeting commonly found in garages include asbestos insulating board (AIB), which can contain small amounts of asbestos, and asbestos-containing floor tiles.

Asbestos Removal - Can You Depend on DIY Removal?

If you are wondering whether to remove asbestos from your garage yourself, it is important to consider the risks involved. While it is possible to remove asbestos yourself, it is not recommended. If you do decide to undertake asbestos removal work yourself, you should be aware of the following:

• You must follow strict procedures and guidelines to ensure the asbestos is removed safely and correctly.
• You must have the correct equipment, including suitable personal protective equipment (PPE).
• You must dispose of the asbestos correctly, in accordance with the law.
• You must carry out regular air monitoring to ensure that the asbestos fibres are not released into the air.

Removing Asbestos Garage Yourself

If you decide to remove asbestos from your garage yourself, there are some essential steps to follow:

1. Ensure that you have the correct PPE, including a suitable mask, disposable coveralls, gloves, and boots.
2. Wet down the ACMs before beginning work to reduce the risk of asbestos fibres becoming airborne.
3. Use a hand saw or circular saw to cut the ACMs, being careful not to break them or create any dust.
4. Place the asbestos waste in thick plastic bags that are labeled as containing asbestos waste.
5. Dispose of the asbestos waste at a licensed hazardous waste facility.

Can You Clean An Asbestos Garage Yourself?

If you have an asbestos garage on your property in Devon, it is possible to clean it yourself. However, it is essential to take precautions to avoid exposing yourself or others to asbestos fibres. Here are some essential steps to follow:

1. Wear suitable PPE, including a mask, disposable coveralls, gloves, and boots.
2. Wet down the surfaces before beginning work to reduce the risk of asbestos fibres becoming airborne.
3. Use a damp cloth or sponge to clean the surfaces, avoiding the use of abrasive cleaning products or tools.
4. Dispose of any cleaning materials in thick plastic bags that are labeled as containing asbestos waste.
5. Dispose of the asbestos waste at a licensed hazardous waste facility.

How to Dispose of Asbestos Garage

If you have removed asbestos from your garage, it is essential to dispose of it correctly. In Devon, asbestos waste can be taken to a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility, such as the one at Hazel Court Household Waste Recycling Centre. Any asbestos waste must be wrapped in thick plastic bags that are labeled as containing asbestos waste, and it must be disposed of in accordance with the law.

Contacting Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

If you have an asbestos garage on your property in Devon and you need it removed, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today. Our expert team of asbestos removal specialists will ensure that any ACMs are removed safely and correctly, and disposed of in accordance with the law. Call us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your requirements.

Conclusion

In summary, it is possible to remove asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) from your garage yourself, but it is not recommended. Asbestos removal carries significant risks, and it is essential to follow the correct procedures and precautions to avoid exposing yourself or others to asbestos fibres. If you have an asbestos garage on your property in Devon, it is essential to have a professional asbestos survey conducted to determine whether it contains ACMs, and if so, to have them removed safely and correctly by an asbestos removal specialist. Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today to discuss your requirements.