Do I Have To Remove Asbestos In Devon?

Asbestos is a highly hazardous material that has been used for many years in the construction industry as a fire-resistant and insulating material. It was extensively used in buildings and homes in the 20th century, but due to the devastating health impacts associated with it, asbestos is now banned and the law requires that any asbestos-containing materials in buildings be safely removed. This is where Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon comes in as a professional and local removal company in Devon.

About Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are committed to providing our customers with safe and affordable asbestos removal services in Devon and the surrounding areas. With over 20 years of experience in the asbestos removal industry, our team of highly trained professionals knows how to safely remove and dispose of all types of asbestos materials.

Asbestos - General Information

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were once widely used in the construction industry due to their strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties. When inhaled, asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious respiratory diseases. Asbestos is often found in insulation, roofing materials, floor tiles, pipes, and other building materials.

What Type of Asbestos Material is a Problem?

Any asbestos-containing material is a problem when it is in poor condition or is being disturbed. Asbestos-containing materials that are friable (easily crumbled or reduced to powder), such as insulation and ceiling tiles, pose a high risk of releasing asbestos fibers into the air. Non-friable materials, such as roofing materials and vinyl floor tiles, can become friable if they are damaged or are being removed, posing a risk of asbestos exposure.

Do I Need to Remove Specific Products That Contain Asbestos?

Yes, any asbestos-containing material that is in poor condition, damaged, or friable should be removed to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers. Some common materials that may contain asbestos include:

• Insulation
• Roofing materials
• Floor tiles and adhesive
• Wallboard
• Ceiling tiles
• Pipe insulation
• Siding and soffit materials

Asbestos Containing Material - What should you do?

If you suspect that a material in your building contains asbestos, you should have it tested by a qualified professional. If the material is confirmed to contain asbestos and is in poor condition, damaged, or friable, you should consider having it safely removed by a licensed and trained asbestos removal contractor such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.

What are the Risks if I Dont Remove Asbestos?

Exposure to asbestos dust and fibers can cause serious respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. The risk of developing these diseases increases with the amount and duration of exposure to asbestos. Even low levels of exposure to asbestos over a long period can eventually cause disease.

How is Asbestos Removed?

Asbestos removal should only be carried out by trained and licensed professionals. The process involves several steps, including:

• Sealing off the work area with plastic sheeting and warning signs
• Wearing protective clothing and respirators
• Wetting down the asbestos-containing material to prevent fiber release
• Carefully removing the material without disturbing it
• Disposing of the material in special asbestos waste containers
• Cleaning the area with special vacuums and wet mops

Can I Remove Asbestos Myself?

No, unless you are a trained and licensed professional, you should not attempt to remove asbestos-containing materials yourself. DIY asbestos removal carries a significant risk of asbestos exposure and is illegal in many countries.

Is Special Training Required to Sweep Vacuum Asbestos?

Yes, sweeping or vacuuming asbestos can release asbestos fibers into the air, which can be extremely hazardous to health. Special training and equipment are required to safely clean up asbestos.

Can Asbestos be Added Positively to Fiber or Other Products?

Yes, asbestos can be added positively to fibers and other products to increase their strength and heat resistance. However, this practice is now banned in many countries due to the health hazards associated with asbestos.

Asbestos and Employers

Employers have a legal duty to protect their employees from exposure to asbestos at work. This includes providing appropriate training and equipment to handle and dispose of asbestos-containing materials safely.

Past Asbestos Heat Insulation

Many older buildings may contain asbestos insulation around pipes and boilers. If you have an older building, you should have it checked by a qualified professional to ensure that any asbestos insulation is safely removed.

Special Identifying Asbestos Products

Some asbestos-containing materials may be difficult to identify, such as asbestos-containing drywall joint compound or spackling. It is always better to err on the side of caution and have any suspect material tested for asbestos by a qualified professional.

About Devon

Devon is a county in South West England. It has a rich history and many stunning landscapes, including the rugged cliffs and sandy beaches of the Devon coastline. With a population of over 1 million people, Devon has a thriving economy and a diverse range of businesses and industries.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a highly hazardous material that poses a significant health risk when it is disturbed or deteriorating. If you suspect that a material in your building contains asbestos, you should have it tested and, if necessary, safely removed by a licensed and trained asbestos removal contractor such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing safe and affordable asbestos removal services in Devon and the surrounding areas. Call us today at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to learn more about our services.