How Do I Dispose Of Asbestos Cement Roof Tiles In Devon?

Introduction

If you live in Devon and are faced with the daunting task of removing asbestos cement roof tiles from your property, then you need to make sure that you do it correctly. Asbestos can be extremely hazardous to your health and must be handled and disposed of with care. Fortunately, Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a professional asbestos disposal company in Devon that can help you with everything you need to know about the safe removal and disposal of asbestos cement roof tiles.

In this landing page, well cover the most important aspects you need to be aware of when dealing with asbestos cement roof tiles, including the risks involved, the type of tiles you have, the best way to dispose of them, and the local regulations you must abide by.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in construction materials between the 1950s and 1990s due to its fire resistance, strength, and durability. However, its use was gradually phased out when it was discovered that prolonged exposure to asbestos could cause serious health problems such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

As well as being used in building materials such as roofing tiles, asbestos can also be found in other household items like textured paints, insulation materials, and floor tiles.

Roof Tiles Containing Asbestos

Asbestos cement roofing is a durable and cost-effective material that was widely used in the construction industry, particularly between the 1950s and the 1980s. Asbestos cement roof tiles are composed of a mixture of asbestos fibres and cement. While the use of asbestos in building materials has been banned in the UK since 1999, many buildings still contain asbestos in some form, including roofing tiles.

If you suspect that your roof tiles may contain asbestos, it is important not to disturb them as this may release harmful asbestos fibres into the air. To determine whether your roof tiles contain asbestos, you will need to have them inspected by a professional. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon provides asbestos roof surveys to identify the type and condition of the asbestos materials in your building.

Risks of Asbestos Roof Tiles

Asbestos roof tiles are likely to pose the greatest risk to your health when they are disturbed. For instance, drilling or sawing into asbestos cement roof tiles can release thousands of asbestos fibres into the air, which you can then inhale. When these tiny fibres become trapped in the lungs, they can cause permanent damage, leading to respiratory problems and cancer.

Thus, it is crucial that you use a licensed contractor to remove asbestos cement roof tiles, as they will have specialist equipment and experience in working with asbestos safely.

How to Remove Asbestos Cement Roof Tiles

Once you have determined that your roof tiles contain asbestos, it is vital to remove them safely and correctly. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can help you remove the asbestos cement roofing, ensuring that all the necessary precautions are taken to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure.

To remove asbestos cement roof tiles properly, the following steps must be taken:

• Identify and mark the area of the roof tiles containing asbestos
• Wet the tiles with water to prevent the release of asbestos fibres
• Cover the surrounding area with plastic sheeting or other protective materials
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as disposable overalls, gloves, and masks
• Gently remove the roof tiles one by one
• Double bag the removed materials in heavy-duty asbestos waste bags
• Transport the waste to a licensed asbestos waste disposal site

Local Asbestos Tip

When disposing of asbestos roofing materials, it is important to choose a licensed asbestos waste disposal site. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon has access to several waste transfer stations that are licensed to accept asbestos-containing materials. It is illegal to dump asbestos in a local tip or anywhere else that is not licensed to accept the waste, and doing so can result in hefty fines or even criminal charges.

In Devon, the county council runs several household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) where you can take asbestos waste for disposal. However, you must first obtain an asbestos waste permit from the council and book a time slot for the disposal. Alternatively, you can contact your local council to arrange for a specialist asbestos waste removal company to collect the waste from your property.

Fly Tipping of Asbestos

Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste on public or private land, and this includes asbestos waste. Unfortunately, fly-tipping of asbestos is becoming increasingly common in Devon, as some people try to avoid paying the costs of proper asbestos disposal. Dumping asbestos is not only illegal but also poses a significant risk to public health and the environment.

It's essential to report any incidences of fly tipping of asbestos immediately to the relevant authorities. In Devon, you can contact the Environmental Health Department at your local council or the Environment Agency to report any fly-tipping of asbestos.

Conclusion

Removing and disposing of asbestos cement roof tiles from your property is a complex and potentially dangerous task. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to rely on professionals like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon for a hassle-free and safe asbestos removal experience. We have the necessary equipment, expertise, and qualifications to carry out safe asbestos removal, and we follow all Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines and regulations.

If you need help with asbestos removal, contact us today for a free inspection or quote. Our phone number is 01962 458066, and our email address is [email protected]. For more information, please visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk.