How Do You Cleanup After Asbestos Removal In Devon?

If you are in Devon, you may have encountered asbestos materials in your home or work area. Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials back in the 20th century since it is fire-resistant and an excellent heat insulator. However, it has been known to cause serious health risks such as lung cancer and asbestosis, which is why it is now banned in more than 50 countries. If you have identified asbestos materials in your property and had them removed by a professional asbestos removal company in Devon like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, the next crucial thing to do is to clean up the area properly.

Asbestos and It's Types

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that is composed of six types: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite. Of these six, three are considered the most dangerous: chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. These types of asbestos fibers have been linked to mesothelioma, lung, and throat cancer.

Asbestos fibers past through the air, and when inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and cause tissue damage over time. Friable asbestos refers to asbestos material that is easily crumbled by hand or when exposed to low-pressure air. Friable asbestos is more hazardous than non-friable because it releases fibers into the air, where they can be inhaled. Asbestos removal companies in Devon take special measures when handling friable asbestos.

Cleaning Up After Asbestos Removal

There are several measures to take when cleaning up after asbestos removal. These will ensure that the waste, dust, and debris are contained, preventing the release of harmful materials into the air. Here are some steps to take when cleaning up after asbestos removal:

Step 1: Use a Vacuum Cleaner

After asbestos removal, it is essential to use a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuum cleaner to remove any asbestos dust and debris from the area. A vacuum cleaner is more efficient than sweeping, which can release dust into the air, making it dangerous to breathe. A HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner is designed to trap small particles and prevent them from being released back into the air, ensuring that the area is clean and safe.

Step 2: Use Bags

All asbestos waste must be placed in appropriate bags that comply with local regulations. These bags are usually made of heavy-duty plastic and will bear labeling indicating their contents. The bags must be tightly sealed to prevent any asbestos dust or debris from escaping.

Step 3: Document the Cleanup

There is a need to document the cleanup process when handling asbestos material. This is done by taking photographs before and after cleanup, documenting the measures taken to contain the waste and debris and any other relevant information that can be used to prove that the cleanup was done safely.

Step 4: Use Protective Clothing

Asbestos cleanup requires special protective clothing to minimize exposure to asbestos dust and debris. The following protective clothing should be used:

i. Overalls and Boot Covers

These are designed to cover the entire body, including the feet, making it is easy to remove any asbestos dust on the surface of the clothing.

ii. Respirator Masks

Respirator masks designed for asbestos cleanup are fitted with HEPA filters to prevent the inhalation of asbestos fibers. The mask should be worn throughout the cleanup process.

Removing Asbestos from Materials

If you want to remove asbestos from materials without the help of an asbestos removal company in Devon, there are some important precautions that you need to take. For example:

Step 1: Identify the Asbestos

Before you can remove asbestos from any material, you must first identify it. Asbestos can be found in many construction materials like insulation, roofing, tiles, and pipes. In some cases, it may not be easy to determine whether a material contains asbestos just by looking at it.

Step 2: Cover the Area

Cover the work area with a plastic sheet to ensure that any asbestos debris does not spread around. The sheet should have some overlap with the surrounding walls and be sealed tightly around the edges.

Step 3: Wet the Material

Spray the material you want to remove asbestos from with water to keep asbestos fibers from becoming airborne during the removal process. The material should be kept wet throughout the process.

Step 4: Remove the Asbestos Material

Loosen the material to be removed using a pry bar, chisel or scraper. Work carefully to avoid breaking the material, which could release asbestos fibers into the air. When the material is loosened, carefully remove it without breaking it further.

Step 5: Clean-up After Removal

After removing the asbestos material, use a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner to remove any dust and debris. Dispose of bags containing asbestos debris as directed by environmental regulations.

Ensuring Safety

Asbestos is a dangerous material that can cause long-term health problems such as cancer and asbestosis. That's why it's important to take care of the cleanup process after asbestos removal in Devon. Hiring professionals like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can help ensure that the cleanup is done the right way, minimizing the risk of exposure.

Conclusion

It's crucial to take the necessary precautions when handling asbestos, especially when cleaning up after removal. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a professional asbestos removal company in Devon committed to providing quality asbestos removal services. If you need help removing asbestos from your property, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today on 01962 458066, and our team of experts will be glad to help.