Introduction

Asbestos is a material that was widely used in the construction of buildings in the UK until the 1980s. Due to its fire-resistant properties and its ability to provide insulation, it was used in many different applications, from insulation to flooring and roofing materials. However, since it was discovered that asbestos can cause serious health problems, its use has been banned in many countries. In the UK, it is still present in many older buildings.

Testing for asbestos is an essential step in ensuring the safety of occupants of older buildings. In Devon, there are many companies that offer asbestos testing services. This article will explore how asbestos is tested for in Devon, focusing on the services offered by our company, Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials until the 1980s. It has excellent fire-resistant properties and was used in many products, such as insulation, roofing material, flooring, and cement. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can be easily inhaled. When ingested, they can cause serious health problems, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Why is Asbestos Testing Necessary?

Because of the health risks associated with asbestos, it is essential to identify whether a building contains asbestos. If asbestos is found, it can be safely removed or managed to ensure that occupants are not exposed to harmful fibers. In many cases, asbestos can be safely left in place if it is not damaged and is not likely to be disturbed. However, if a building is being renovated or demolished, asbestos removal is usually necessary.

The first step in identifying whether a building contains asbestos is to conduct an asbestos survey. This involves a thorough inspection of the building to identify any materials that contain asbestos. Once the survey is complete, samples of any suspected asbestos are taken and tested.

Asbestos Testing Services in Devon

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a company that offers asbestos testing services in Devon. We have extensive experience in identifying and removing asbestos from buildings in the South West England region. Our team of qualified and experienced professionals uses state-of-the-art equipment to test for asbestos in buildings.

We offer two types of asbestos testing services:

1. Home Asbestos Survey

Our home asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of your home to determine the presence of any asbestos-containing materials. We provide a detailed report of our findings, along with recommendations on how to manage any asbestos identified.

Our survey includes the following areas:

• Ceiling and floor tiles
• Walls and ceilings
• Roofing materials
• Insulation
• Pipework and boilers

We also provide a priority rating system to identify which materials need to be dealt with first. This allows you to prioritize the management of asbestos-containing materials based on their potential to cause harm.

2. Building Asbestos Survey

Our building asbestos survey is designed for commercial buildings, including offices, workshops, and warehouses. This survey is more extensive than our home survey and includes a detailed report that identifies the location, type, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials.

Our survey includes the following areas:

• Walls and ceilings
• Roofs and gutters
• Boiler rooms
• Insulation
• Pipe work and ducting

In addition to identifying the presence of asbestos, our report also provides recommendations on how to manage and remove any asbestos identified. We also provide a priority rating system to help you prioritize the removal of asbestos-containing materials based on their potential to cause harm.

Asbestos Testing Process

Our team of qualified and experienced professionals use state-of-the-art equipment to test for asbestos in buildings. We follow a strict testing process that ensures accurate results are obtained.

The testing process includes the following steps:

1. Risk assessment

Before we begin testing, we conduct a risk assessment to identify any potential hazards associated with the testing process. This includes identifying any areas that need to be sealed off to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers.

2. Sample collection

Once the risk assessment is complete, we collect samples of suspected asbestos-containing materials. We use a range of techniques, including visual inspection, physical sampling, and air testing, to ensure accurate results are obtained.

3. Laboratory analysis

The samples are sent to a UKAS accredited laboratory for analysis. The samples are analyzed using a technique called Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM). This technique allows us to accurately identify the presence of asbestos fibers in the sample.

4. Reporting

Once the laboratory analysis is complete, we provide a report that identifies the location, type, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials. Our report includes recommendations on how to manage and remove any asbestos identified. If removal is necessary, we provide a quote for the cost of removal.

Conclusion

Asbestos testing is an essential step in ensuring the safety of occupants of older buildings. Our team of qualified and experienced professionals uses state-of-the-art equipment to identify asbestos-containing materials in buildings in Devon. Our comprehensive survey reports provide accurate information on the presence, location, and condition of asbestos-containing materials, as well as recommendations on how to manage or remove them. Contact us at Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today for more information on our asbestos testing services in Devon.