How To Test Asbestos Yourself In Devon

Are you a homeowner or landlord in Devon? Do you suspect that asbestos may be present in your property? Asbestos is a harmful substance that was commonly used in buildings until the 1980s, and exposure to it can cause serious health issues such as lung damage and cancer. As Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we highly recommend that you test your property for the presence of asbestos to ensure the safety of yourself and others.

Testing for asbestos is a relatively simple process that can be done yourself, without having to hire a professional. In this guide, we will cover the steps you can take to test for asbestos in your Devon property.

Who are Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a trusted asbestos testing and removal company based in Devon, South West England. We have a team of highly experienced and qualified professionals who are dedicated to helping our clients identify and safely remove any asbestos present in their properties.

We understand that asbestos removal can be a daunting task, which is why our team is trained to provide affordable and efficient services, tailored to your specific requirements. Our aim is to ensure that our clients are aware of the risks associated with asbestos and are equipped with the knowledge to properly deal with it in their properties.

Why Should You Test for Asbestos?

As mentioned earlier, asbestos is a harmful substance that can cause serious health issues when exposed to it. Asbestos was widely used in building materials until the 1980s, which means that any building constructed before this period is likely to contain asbestos in some form.

If you are planning to renovate or demolish a building, it is essential to test for asbestos. Any disturbance of the building materials containing asbestos can release dangerous fibers into the air, which can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. If you suspect that asbestos may be present in your building, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and that of others who may be working on your property.

How To Test for Asbestos

Testing for asbestos involves taking small samples of the suspected material and analyzing them to determine if asbestos is present. There are two ways you can test for asbestos in your property, namely:

Using Asbestos DIY Testing Kits

Asbestos DIY testing kits can be easily purchased online or from hardware stores. These kits usually contain everything you need to collect and send samples of the suspected materials to a laboratory for testing.

Here are the following steps for using Asbestos DIY Testing Kits:

1. Collect small samples of the suspected materials. Wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a disposable mask to avoid inhaling any asbestos fibers.
2. Label each sample with the date, location, and material name.
3. Place the samples in a sealable plastic bag and pack them up securely for posting.
4. Before sending the samples, write a note to the laboratory stating that you suspect the sample contains asbestos and that you would like it to be tested.
5. Send the samples to the laboratory for testing. The results will usually be available within 24 to 48 hours.

Using a Professional Asbestos Testing Service

If you do not feel confident in collecting and sending samples yourself or if you suspect that the samples may contain asbestos, it is best to call a professional asbestos testing service in Devon. They will have the necessary equipment and expertise to safely collect and test the samples for asbestos.

Here are the following steps for using a Professional Asbestos Testing Service:

1. Research professional asbestos testing services in Devon.
2. Contact the service provider to arrange a visit.
3. A trained professional will collect samples of the materials suspected to contain asbestos.
4. The samples will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
5. The laboratory will send the results to the professional testing service, who will then inform you of the findings.

Establishing if Asbestos is Present

Once the samples have been collected and sent to the laboratory, you will receive a report confirming whether or not asbestos is present in the material. If asbestos is found to be present, it is essential that you take the necessary steps to ensure that it is safely removed.

Knowing if asbestos is present is half the battle, the next step is to determine the extent to which it is present in your building. Given that asbestos may be found in different parts of your building and in different forms, the extent to which it is present in your building will determine how much information you will need to gather regarding the different aspects of asbestos.

Dealing with Asbestos - Professionals vs. DIY

When it comes to asbestos removal, it is generally recommended to hire a professional asbestos removal company. The removal process can be dangerous and requires a lot of expertise to be done safely and efficiently.

However, if you feel confident in tackling the job yourself, there are some things to keep in mind. Firstly, you need to ensure that you have the right equipment and protective gear, and that you follow the correct safety procedures. Secondly, you need to dispose of the asbestos properly, as it is classified as hazardous waste and cannot be disposed of in regular household rubbish.

Conclusion

Testing for asbestos is a vital step in ensuring the safety of yourself and others who may be working on your property. If you suspect that asbestos may be present in your Devon property, we highly recommend that you take the necessary steps to test for its presence.

Whether you do it yourself using a testing kit or hire a professional asbestos testing service in Devon, knowing if asbestos is present in your property allows you to take the necessary steps to ensure that it is safely removed.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we offer a range of services to help our clients identify and remove any asbestos present in their properties. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services. We can be reached on 01962 458066 or via email at [email protected].