How To Properly Remove Asbestos Ceiling Tiles in Devon

Asbestos is a mineral that was commonly used in construction materials until it was banned in the UK in 1999. Although asbestos has been banned for over two decades, it is still very present within many buildings and properties. Asbestos ceiling tiles are a common source of asbestos in homes and commercial buildings, and their removal requires the services of professionals.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a professional asbestos removal company located in Devon. We offer affordable and efficient asbestos removal services for residential and commercial properties. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about asbestos ceiling tiles and their proper removal.

What are asbestos ceiling tiles?

Asbestos ceiling tiles are a type of ceiling tile that contains asbestos. They were widely used in buildings constructed between the 1950s and 1980s, mainly due to their availability, durability and fire resistance. Asbestos ceiling tiles were also considered a cost-effective option.

Asbestos ceiling tiles are usually made of a combination of asbestos and other materials such as cement, fibreglass or cardboard. The asbestos fibres are mixed with these materials to create a hard and durable ceiling tile.

What are the dangers of asbestos ceiling tiles?

Asbestos ceiling tiles can be dangerous if they become damaged or disturbed, releasing asbestos fibres into the air. When asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma, which can take decades to develop.

It is important to note that asbestos ceiling tiles are not dangerous if they are intact and left undisturbed. It is only when asbestos fibres are released into the air that they become a serious health hazard.

How to identify asbestos ceiling tiles?

It is difficult to identify asbestos ceiling tiles just by looking at them. Asbestos ceiling tiles can look like any other ceiling tile, and sometimes the only way to confirm whether a ceiling tile contains asbestos is to have it tested in a certified laboratory.

Asbestos ceiling tiles are usually grey, white or beige in colour and may have a rough texture. They are often 9x9 inches in size and have a hard, brittle feel to them.

It is important to note that not all ceiling tiles that were installed in the 1950s to 1980s contain asbestos. There are some non-asbestos ceiling tiles that resemble asbestos ceiling tiles, so it is best to have a professional inspect and test the ceiling tiles to confirm whether they contain asbestos.

How to remove asbestos ceiling tiles?

Removing asbestos ceiling tiles is a delicate process that requires the assistance of a licensed and certified asbestos removal company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. Here is the proper process of removing asbestos ceiling tiles:

Step 1: Prepare the work area

The first step in removing asbestos ceiling tiles is to prepare the work area. This involves sealing off the area to prevent any asbestos fibres from escaping. The work area should be isolated from the rest of the building and all ventilation systems must be turned off.

Step 2: Prepare the worker

The worker must be prepared before removing the asbestos ceiling tiles. The worker must wear protective clothing that covers the entire body, including a respirator mask that filters out asbestos fibres. The worker's clothing should be disposable to avoid contaminating other areas of the building.

Step 3: Wet the tiles

Once the worker is properly prepared, the ceiling tiles must be wetted with water. Wetting the tiles will prevent the release of asbestos fibres into the air during removal. The worker must be careful not to soak the tiles as this can make them harder to remove.

Step 4: Remove the tiles

The worker must carefully remove the ceiling tiles one at a time, making sure not to break or damage them. The tiles must be removed in small sections to avoid disturbing any asbestos fibres. The worker must also be careful not to step on any tiles that have been removed.

Step 5: Dispose of the tiles

Once the ceiling tiles have been removed, they must be carefully placed in properly labelled disposal bags. The bags must be sealed tightly and disposed of in accordance with local regulations.

Step 6: Clean the area

After the ceiling tiles have been removed and disposed of, the work area must be cleaned thoroughly. All surfaces must be vacuumed and wiped with damp cloths to remove any remaining asbestos fibres.

Conclusion

Asbestos ceiling tiles are a common source of asbestos in many buildings, and their proper removal is crucial to avoid any health risks. Removing asbestos ceiling tiles is not an easy process, and it requires the proper equipment, training and licensing.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are dedicated to providing affordable and efficient asbestos removal services in Devon and the South West of England. Our team of licensed and certified professionals can safely and effectively remove asbestos ceiling tiles from your property.

Contact us today at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment. Dont put your health at riskleave it to the professionals at Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.