How To Remove Asbestos Insulation Boards In Devon

Asbestos, a naturally occurring fibrous mineral, was widely used in the UK construction industry from the 1950s until the 1980s. At this point, it was discovered that exposure to asbestos could lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other terminal illnesses.

If you have asbestos insulation boards (AIB) in your home, its essential that you have them removed by professionals. In this article, well discuss the importance of asbestos removal, how to identify asbestos insulation boards in your building and Affordable Asbestos Removal Devons services, as well as tips to minimise the risks of asbestos exposure during removal.

Why is asbestos removal important?

Asbestos fibres can become airborne if the material containing asbestos is disturbed or damaged, which could lead to inhalation of these fibres. Once inhaled, the asbestos fibres can cause health issues such as mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis, which are often fatal.

Although asbestos-containing materials are not dangerous when left undisturbed, when they become damaged, exposure to asbestos fibres becomes inevitable. It is therefore essential to have any material containing asbestos, including insulation boards, removed by professionals to minimise the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres.

How to identify asbestos insulation boards

Asbestos insulation boards are commonly found in homes and commercial buildings built before the late 1990s. The boards are made up of tightly packed asbestos fibres and a binder material, which is usually a mix of asbestos and cement.

Asbestos insulation boards can look similar to any other insulating board, but some characteristics can help you identify whether the boards contain asbestos. These include:

• They are usually grey or off-white in colour
• They are dense and heavy than regular insulation board
• They have small circular indents or perforations on the surface
• They can produce a distinctive hollow sound when tapped

It's important to note that it's not always easy to identify asbestos-containing materials without proper testing. Therefore, it's critical to hire a professional asbestos removal company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon to inspect and test the material in question.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon services

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a professional asbestos removal company that provides efficient and affordable services for domestic and commercial customers across Devon, South West England, and England as a whole.

Our team of highly trained operatives have extensive experience in the safe removal of asbestos insulation board through a range of methods, including:

Enclosure and removal

One of the most common methods we use to remove asbestos insulation board is through an enclosure system. The method involves sealing the contaminated area and ensuring that the fibres don't escape into the rest of the building during removal. The materials are then safely removed, placed in containers and disposed of correctly.

Encapsulation

In cases where removal is not feasible, we use encapsulation techniques. This method involves covering the asbestos-containing material with a sealing substance, which prevents the asbestos fibres from escaping. This method is suitable for a range of asbestos-containing materials, including asbestos insulation boards.

Desiccation

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon also uses desiccation to treat asbestos insulation board. The method involves drying the material to reduce the risk of fibres becoming airborne when removed. The desiccation process may be used alongside enclosure or encapsulation.

Waste removal

Once the asbestos insulation board has been removed, we make sure that it is safely transported to a licensed waste disposal site. We also provide a complete waste transfer note detailing the amount of waste removed and the destination for your records.

Minimising risk during asbestos removal

To ensure maximum safety during asbestos removal, its essential to follow specific safety protocols. Some tips for minimising the risks associated with asbestos removal include:

Hiring a professional

Never attempt to remove asbestos insulation board yourself. Asbestos removal involves dealing with a hazardous material, which requires specialist knowledge and experience. Therefore, you need to hire a professional asbestos removal company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon to ensure that the asbestos is safely removed.

Risk assessments

Before any removal work is carried out, it's essential to complete a thorough risk assessment. A risk assessment helps to identify hazards associated with the removal process and puts measures in place to reduce the risks.

Protective Equipment

During asbestos removal, it's critical to wear protective clothing, including respiratory masks, gloves and overalls, to minimise exposure to asbestos fibres.

Site preparation

Before removal work begins, a workspace should be set up, and necessary measures taken to keep people clear of the work area. The workspace should also be adequately sealed to prevent asbestos fibres from escaping.

Air monitoring

During the removal process, air monitoring should be used to detect any airborne asbestos fibres. Air monitoring helps to ensure the safety of people involved in the removal process.

Cost of asbestos removal in Devon

The cost of asbestos removal depends on various factors, including the amount and location of the asbestos, the removal method used and the protective equipment needed. Affordable asbestos removal Devon provides a straightforward pricing system, and we can provide you with an estimate after we've completed an asbestos survey.

Final thoughts

If you suspect that you have asbestos insulation boards in your home or building, it's important to have them removed by a professional asbestos removal company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. Asbestos removal is not a DIY task, and failure to follow proper procedures could result in significant health risks.

Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today for a professional and efficient asbestos insulation board removal service. You can reach us at 01962 458066 or via email at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk for more information.