Does Asbestos Have To Be Removed In Devon

If you own a property in Devon, South West England, that was built before the year 2000, there is a possibility that you may have asbestos-containing material (ACM) in your home or workplace. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once used widely in building and construction due to its strength, durability, and heat resistance. However, in recent decades, it has been discovered that asbestos poses significant health risks, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, when its fibres are inhaled. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the risks and regulations regarding asbestos and to take appropriate action to manage and remove it if necessary.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is the name given to a group of six naturally occurring minerals that are composed of thin, fibrous crystals. These minerals were mined for their strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties and were used extensively in construction materials such as insulation, roofing, flooring, and plaster. Asbestos-containing materials were widely used in the UK from the 1950s up until the year 2000, when their use was finally banned due to the health risks posed by their fibres.

What Are the Health Risks of Asbestos?

Asbestos fibres are extremely small and can easily become airborne when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged. When these fibres are inhaled, they can become trapped in the lungs and cause a range of health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart and is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos.

What Are Asbestos-Containing Materials?

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are any products that contain asbestos fibres. Some common examples of ACMs include:

• Asbestos insulation board (AIB)
• Asbestos cement products, such as roofing sheets and pipes
• Asbestos insulating panels
• Asbestos lagging
• Asbestos floor tiles and adhesive
• Asbestos textured coatings, such as Artex

It is important to note that the presence of ACMs does not necessarily mean that they pose a health risk. Asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and are not disturbed or damaged are generally considered to be safe. However, if you suspect that you have damaged or deteriorated ACMs in your home or workplace, it is important to take immediate action to manage and remove them.

Are You at Risk of Asbestos Exposure in Devon?

If you own a property in Devon that was built before the year 2000, there is a possibility that you may have ACMs in your home or workplace. However, it is important to note that not all buildings constructed before 2000 contain asbestos, and not all materials used in asbestos-containing buildings are dangerous.

The only way to determine whether your property contains asbestos is to have a survey conducted by a qualified asbestos consultant. This survey will identify any ACMs present in your building and assess their condition and risk level.

If asbestos-containing materials are identified in your property, you may need to have them removed to ensure the safety of your building occupants. Asbestos removal should only be carried out by a licensed asbestos removal contractor such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.

What Are the Regulations Regarding Asbestos Removal in Devon?

The regulations regarding asbestos removal in Devon are governed by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012). These regulations state that:

• All commercial properties must have a written asbestos management plan in place
• All employees who may come into contact with ACMs must be provided with asbestos awareness training
• All suspected ACMs must be sampled and tested by a UKAS-accredited laboratory
• If asbestos is present and is in poor condition or likely to be disturbed, it should be removed by a licensed asbestos removal contractor.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a fully licensed and accredited asbestos removal company in Devon. We have years of experience in managing and removing asbestos in homes and workplaces throughout Devon and the surrounding areas. Our team of professional asbestos consultants and removalists are fully trained and insured to provide safe and effective asbestos management solutions.

How Can Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon Help You?

If you suspect that your property contains asbestos-containing materials, it is important to take immediate action to manage and remove them. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can provide you with a range of asbestos management solutions, including:

• Asbestos surveys and sample testing
• Asbestos removal and disposal
• Asbestos encapsulation and repair
• Asbestos awareness training for employees.

We can help you to identify any ACMs present in your building and assess their risk level. If removal is necessary, we will provide you with a detailed and transparent quote for the job, and we will work with you to ensure minimal disruption to your building occupants.

If you have any questions or concerns about asbestos in your property, please do not hesitate to contact us. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can be reached at 01962 458066 or via email at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk to learn more about our services and to request a quote.