Is It The Law To Remove Asbestos In Devon?

Asbestos is a mineral with strong, durable, and heat-resistant properties, which made it a popular construction material in the UK from the 1950s until the 1980s. However, asbestos fibers can cause serious health risks when inhaled, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

In response to the public health concerns over asbestos, the UK has introduced laws and regulations to control and mitigate the exposure to asbestos. In Devon, the Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a company that provides professional asbestos removal services. In this article, we will discuss the legal requirements for asbestos removal in Devon, how Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can help, and the risks associated with asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry for its insulating, fire-resistant, and noise-reducing properties. Asbestos fibers are strong, durable, and resistant to heat, chemicals, and electricity. Asbestos was used in building materials such as insulation, ceiling tiles, cement, pipes, roofing materials, and flooring.

Asbestos exposure occurs when asbestos fibers are disturbed and become airborne, where they can be inhaled into the lungs. Chronic exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These diseases have a long latency period, meaning they may take decades to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Legal Requirements for Asbestos Removal in Devon

In the UK, asbestos regulations apply to all non-domestic premises and common parts of domestic premises, including common corridors, lifts, and communal areas of flats. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) sets out the legal requirements for asbestos removal and management in the UK.

The duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises lies with the dutyholder. The dutyholder is the person or organization that has clear responsibility for the maintenance or repair of non-domestic premises, or anyone who has control over the building or access to it. The dutyholder's responsibility includes:

• Identify the location, type, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the premises.
• Assess the risks associated with exposure to ACMs.
• Prepare a management plan to manage the risks associated with ACMs.
• Implement the management plan, including monitoring and regular review.

The duty to manage asbestos extends to domestic premises where there is a shared responsibility for its maintenance and repair. For example, the landlord and tenant of a leased property.

The law requires that any work that may disturb ACMs must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removal contractor. Non-licensed contractors can only carry out work on asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and without damage, for example, drilling a hole in a ceiling tile to fit a light fitting.

Asbestos-related Diseases

Asbestos-related diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. These diseases can take decades to develop after exposure. The most common asbestos-related diseases are:

• Mesothelioma: a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
• Asbestosis: a lung disease that can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.
• Lung Cancer: a cancer that starts in the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body.

As asbestos-related diseases may take decades to develop, it is essential to implement measures to control exposure to asbestos in the workplace and at home. Regular health checks and screening are vital for those who have been exposed to asbestos as part of their work or home repairs.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a licensed asbestos removal contractor that provides professional asbestos removal and management services in Devon and the South West of England. The Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon team is highly trained and experienced in working with asbestos-containing materials, ensuring that all work is carried out safely and to the highest standards.

The Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon team can provide the following services:

• Asbestos surveys: to identify the location, type, and condition of any ACMs in the premises.
• Asbestos management plans: to manage the risks associated with ACMs and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Asbestos removal: licensed and safe removal of ACMs from the premises.
• Demolition and refurbishment surveys: for buildings that are due for demolition or refurbishment to identify any ACMs and plan safe removal.

Conclusion

Asbestos exposure is a serious public health issue that can cause long-term health problems. In Devon, the Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon team provides professional asbestos removal and management services to ensure compliance with legal requirements and protect public health.

The legal requirements for asbestos removal in Devon are set out in the CAR 2012 regulations. The dutyholder has a legal responsibility to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises and in shared domestic premises.

Asbestos-related diseases can take decades to develop, making it essential to implement measures to control asbestos exposure and carry out regular screening and health checks for those who have been exposed to asbestos.

For professional asbestos removal and management services in Devon, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon via phone or email. Our team is highly trained, experienced, and licensed to carry out safe and compliant asbestos removal and management.