How To Safely Remove Asbestos Artex In Devon

Asbestos is a mineral that was used extensively in building materials during the mid-20th century due to its flame-resistant properties. Artex was a popular textured coating that contained asbestos and was used on walls and ceilings during this time. Today, asbestos is known to be a dangerous substance that can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, which is why it is essential to know the proper way to remove it.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is an asbestos removal company in Devon that provides affordable and safe services for the removal of asbestos-containing materials. In this article, we will discuss the dangers of asbestos and how to safely remove asbestos Artex in Devon.

What Is Artex?

Artex is a textured coating that was introduced in the 1930s as a way to create art and patterns on walls and ceilings. It was produced by Artex Ltd., and its popularity rose in the 1960s and 1970s. Artex was made from a variety of materials, and many of the early formulas contained asbestos.

Asbestos was added to Artex because it was flame-resistant and made the coating more durable. However, in the 1980s, it became clear that asbestos was a hazardous substance, and its use was banned in the UK. Although Artex is no longer manufactured with asbestos, buildings constructed before the 1980s may still have Artex coatings containing asbestos.

Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos is dangerous because it consists of microscopic fibres that can be inhaled and cause damage to the lungs. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, these fibres can be released into the air and breathed in. Once inside the body, the fibres can cause scarring, inflammation, and eventually lead to the development of serious illnesses such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

It is essential to note that asbestos-related diseases may take years or even decades to develop after exposure. This is why it is crucial to identify and remove asbestos-containing materials as early as possible.

How to Identify Asbestos Artex?

If you suspect that your Artex coating contains asbestos, it is essential to have it tested by a qualified professional. Asbestos fibres are invisible to the naked eye, so it is impossible to identify the presence of asbestos by looking at the coating.

A qualified professional will take a sample of the Artex coating and test it in a laboratory to determine if it contains asbestos. It is crucial to remember that disturbing the coating to take a sample can release asbestos fibres into the air, which is why it is crucial to have a professional carry out the testing.

How to Safely Remove Asbestos Artex in Devon?

If your Artex coating contains asbestos and needs to be removed, it is essential to hire a qualified asbestos removal company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. Attempting to remove asbestos-containing materials yourself can be very dangerous and can result in serious health risks.

Here are the steps that should be taken to safely remove asbestos Artex:

Step 1: Planning

Planning is essential when it comes to removing asbestos-containing materials. The area should be cordoned off, and warning signs should be posted to make sure that no one enters the area while the removal process is taking place.

Before the removal process begins, it is also essential to identify the location of any electrical outlets, radiators, and pipes in the room. These should be sealed off to prevent the release of asbestos fibres.

Step 2: Protective Clothing and Equipment

All personnel involved in the removal process should wear appropriate protective clothing, including a disposable overall, gloves, and a respirator that is specifically designed to filter out asbestos fibres.

The removal equipment should also be carefully selected to ensure that it is capable of removing the Artex coating without disturbing the asbestos fibres. A non-powered scraper should be used to avoid creating dust and releasing fibres into the air.

Step 3: Removing the Artex Coating

The removal process should begin by wetting the Artex coating with water and then using the non-powered scraper to remove the first layer of coating. The coating should be scraped away gently to avoid disturbing any asbestos fibres.

Once the first layer has been removed, a second coat of water should be applied to the area to saturate the underlying plaster or cement. This helps to prevent the release of asbestos fibres during the subsequent removal process.

After the underlying plaster or cement has been saturated, the remaining Artex coating can be removed using a non-powered scraper. All removed material should be moistened with water and placed in sealed bags for disposal according to local regulations.

Step 4: Cleaning the Area

Once the Artex coating has been removed, the area should be thoroughly cleaned, and any waste material or debris should be removed. All surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and floors, should be vacuumed with a vacuum cleaner fitted with an appropriate filter to ensure that any remaining asbestos fibres are removed.

It is essential to remember that proper disposal of asbestos-containing materials is essential to prevent the release of fibres into the environment. All waste should be disposed of according to local regulations.

Conclusion

Asbestos-containing materials, including Artex, can be very dangerous if not removed correctly. The removal process should only be carried out by qualified asbestos removal companies such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. Attempting to remove the coating yourself can be very dangerous and can result in serious health risks.

If you suspect that your Artex coating contains asbestos, it is essential to have it tested by a qualified professional before removal. Remember, asbestos-related diseases can take years or even decades to develop, which is why it is crucial to identify and remove asbestos-containing materials as early as possible.

Do not hesitate to contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon at 01962 458066 or [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns about asbestos Artex removal in Devon or throughout South West England, England. Our team of professionals is trained and experienced in the safe removal of asbestos-containing materials and can provide affordable and reliable services.