How To Test For Asbestos In Devon

If you're a homeowner, landlord or business owner in Devon, it's important to know how to test for asbestos. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon are a specialist asbestos testing company in Devon, and we can provide you with information on how and why you may need to test for asbestos.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of microscopic fibres, which can be dangerous if inhaled. Asbestos was commonly used in construction, insulation and other building materials from the 1950s to the 1980s in the UK. It is now banned in the UK, but many older buildings still contain asbestos.

Asbestos Testing

Asbestos testing involves taking samples of materials in a building and sending them to a laboratory to test for the presence of asbestos fibres. There are various types of asbestos, but the most common types in the UK are chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite.

We recommend that you use a professional asbestos testing service like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. Our experts can provide sampling and testing services for a variety of materials, including:

• Roofing and cladding
• Insulation
• Flooring
• Pipe lagging
• Textured coatings
• Artex and other textured finishes
• Cement products
• Electrical switchgear

DIY Asbestos Testing

DIY asbestos testing is a possibility, but we strongly advise against it. Asbestos has to be handled with great care and should only be done by skilled and properly trained professionals. Asbestos fibres can be easily disturbed when sampling and can pose a risk to the person collecting the sample and anyone around them.

Asbestos Risk

Asbestos can cause serious health problems if inhaled, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. These diseases can take up to 30 years to develop, and there is no cure for them. Asbestos-related diseases are responsible for around 5000 deaths each year in the UK.

Why Test For Asbestos?

Asbestos was extensively used in buildings in the UK until the mid-1980s, so if your property was built before this, it may contain asbestos. Testing for asbestos is important, as the material is often hidden away and is not always obvious. It's important to know if your property contains asbestos as it can pose a risk to anyone who comes into contact with it or disturbs it.

Testing For Asbestos In The UK

Asbestos is a problem across the UK, and many people are unaware that they may live or work in a building that contains asbestos. Asbestos was used in a wide range of buildings, from homes to factories, and it was used extensively in the construction of public buildings such as hospitals, schools and council buildings.

Asbestos Testing In Devon

Devon is a large county in South West England, and there are many properties that may contain asbestos. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can provide asbestos testing services across Devon, such as Exeter, Plymouth, Torquay and Barnstaple.

Asbestos Sampling

Asbestos sampling involves taking a small piece of a material suspected of containing asbestos and analysing it in a laboratory. Sampling needs to be done carefully to avoid disturbing asbestos fibres, and samples must be taken from all areas of a building where asbestos may be present.

Full Asbestos Survey

A full asbestos survey involves a comprehensive inspection of a building for the presence of asbestos. The survey will identify where asbestos is located, the type of asbestos present and the condition it is in.

Asbestos Training

Asbestos training is essential for anyone who may come into contact with asbestos, such as builders, electricians, plumbers and decorators. Training courses teach participants how to safely identify, handle and dispose of asbestos.

Asbestos Testing Kits

Asbestos testing kits are available on the market, but they are not recommended as they are often unreliable and can give false negative results. It's best to use a professional asbestos testing company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.

Asbestos Testing Guide

If you're unsure about how to test for asbestos, our team of experts can provide you with a comprehensive asbestos testing guide. The guide will teach you everything you need to know about why, when and how to test for asbestos to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Skilled Asbestos Testing

Asbestos testing is a specialised job that requires skilled professionals with the right equipment and training. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon have years of experience in asbestos testing and can provide a high-quality service that is tailored to your specific needs.

Undisturbed Asbestos

If asbestos is not damaged or disturbed, it is generally considered safe. However, it's important to know if asbestos is present in your building, even if it's undisturbed, as it can pose a risk if it needs to be disturbed or removed.

High Risk Asbestos

Some types of asbestos are considered more dangerous than others. For example, crocidolite (blue asbestos) is the most dangerous type of asbestos and should only be handled by trained professionals.

What If Asbestos Is Found?

If asbestos is found in your building, you will need to take steps to manage or remove it. This should only be done by experienced asbestos professionals to ensure that the asbestos is removed safely and correctly. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can provide a full asbestos removal service if required.

Conclusion

If you think your property may contain asbestos or you know that you need to test for asbestos, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today. Our team of experts can provide you with the information, advice and testing services that you need to keep you and your loved ones safe. Contact us on 01962 458066 or at [email protected] for more information.