Should My Council Asbestos Be Removed in Devon?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for centuries due to its excellent thermal insulation and fire-retardant properties. For this reason, many buildings constructed before the 1980s contain asbestos, especially in their insulation, ceiling tiles, and floor tiles.

Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. For this reason, the UK government has set strict regulations on asbestos removal, disposal, and management.

If you live or own a property in Devon, you may wonder if your council asbestos needs to be removed and how to do it. In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know about asbestos removal in Devon, including the risks, the laws, and the best practices.

Who Are Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a licensed asbestos removal company based in Devon and serving the South West of England. Our team of certified asbestos removers has vast experience in safely removing asbestos from all types of properties, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Our goal is to provide affordable, reliable, and ethical asbestos removal services to all our clients, regardless of the size or complexity of their asbestos problem. We understand the importance of safety, quality, and customer satisfaction, and we always strive to exceed our clients' expectations.

We are fully licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to remove all types of asbestos, including blue asbestos (crocidolite), brown asbestos (amosite), and white asbestos (chrysotile). We follow the strict regulations set by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which require us to conduct a thorough asbestos survey, assess the risk of exposure, and develop a safe and efficient asbestos removal plan.

If you have any questions or concerns about asbestos removal in Devon, please don't hesitate to contact us at 01962 458066 or via email at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk for more information and testimonials.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that have been used for centuries due to their excellent thermal insulation, fire-retardant, and durability properties. Asbestos occurs in six main types, including:

• Chrysotile (white asbestos)
• Amosite (brown asbestos)
• Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
• Tremolite
• Anthophyllite
• Actinolite

All types of asbestos are hazardous when inhaled as they can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can remain in the air for a long time, making them easy to inhale and cause damage to the lungs.

Why Is Asbestos a Health Risk?

Asbestos has been recognised as a human carcinogen by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and many national health authorities, including the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Breathing in asbestos fibers can cause the following health problems:

• Mesothelioma: a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and other organs. Mesothelioma usually develops 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos, and has no known cure.
• Lung cancer: a common and deadly cancer that begins in the lung tissue. Lung cancer can be caused by smoking, pollution, and asbestos exposure, and usually develops 10 to 20 years after exposure to asbestos.
• Asbestosis: a chronic lung condition that causes scarring and inflammation of the lung tissue. Asbestosis can lead to breathing difficulties, chest pain, and other respiratory problems.

The risks of asbestos exposure depend on several factors, such as the type and amount of asbestos, the duration and frequency of exposure, the age and health status of the person, and the presence of other risk factors, such as smoking.

How to Dispose of Asbestos in Devon?

Asbestos is a hazardous waste that requires special handling and disposal. Asbestos waste must be disposed of in a licensed asbestos waste facility, which is subject to strict regulations and oversight by the Environment Agency.

If you need to dispose of asbestos waste in Devon, you should follow the following steps:

1. Obtain a waste consignment note from the licensed asbestos waste facility that will receive your waste. This note must contain all the details of your waste, including its type, quantity, origin, and destination.

2. Double-bag the asbestos waste in heavy-duty plastic bags that are at least 200-micron thick. Seal the bags with duct tape or cable ties to prevent the asbestos fibers from leaking.

3. Label the bags with a prominent asbestos warning label, which must state "Caution! Asbestos!" and other relevant information, such as the date, location, and name of the waste producer.

4. Transport the asbestos waste to the licensed asbestos waste facility using a licensed transport carrier that has the appropriate permits and insurance.

5. Ensure that the asbestos waste is safely and securely stored at the licensed asbestos waste facility until it is disposed of or recycled.

Should My Council Asbestos Be Removed in Devon?

Deciding whether to remove or manage council asbestos in Devon depends on several factors, such as the type, condition, location, and accessibility of the asbestos, the purpose of the building, and the level of risk to the occupants and the public.

Council asbestos in Devon can be found in many places, such as:

• Insulation materials, such as pipe lagging, boiler lagging, and ductwork insulation
• Ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and textured coatings, such as Artex
• Roofing materials, such as corrugated cement sheets and roofing felt
• Decorative and protective coatings, such as spray-on asbestos or asbestos-containing paint
• Structural materials, such as cement, board, and sheet materials

If the council asbestos is in good condition, undisturbed, and not likely to be damaged or disturbed, it may be safe to manage it in place by following proper maintenance and monitoring procedures. However, if the asbestos is in poor condition, deteriorating, or likely to be disturbed, it is best to remove it by a licensed asbestos removal company, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.

Asbestos removal in Devon is a highly regulated process that involves the following steps:

1. Asbestos survey: A thorough and comprehensive survey of your property to identify all potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and assess their condition and accessibility.

2. Risk assessment: An evaluation of the likelihood and severity of asbestos exposure to the occupants and the public, considering factors such as the type, quantity, location, and condition of the ACMs, as well as the level of disturbance or damage that may occur during the removal process.

3. Asbestos removal plan: A safe and efficient plan to remove the ACMs, which includes the use of appropriate equipment, PPE, and disposal methods, as well as a schedule and a contingency plan for unexpected events.

4. Asbestos removal: The careful and meticulous removal of the ACMs by a qualified and experienced team of asbestos removers, who follow all the safety protocols and regulations.

5. Asbestos disposal: The safe and licensed disposal of the asbestos waste in a licensed facility, following all the regulations and procedures.

6. Asbestos clearance: A final inspection and air monitoring to confirm that all the asbestos fibers have been removed and that the area is safe for reoccupation.

What Are the Risks of Council Asbestos in Devon?

The risks of council asbestos in Devon depend on several factors, such as the type, condition, location, and accessibility of the asbestos, the level of exposure, and the presence of other risk factors, such as smoking, age, and health status. Even a small amount of asbestos exposure can cause serious health problems, and there is no safe level of exposure.

Some of the risks of council asbestos in Devon include:

• Mesothelioma: a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and other organs. Mesothelioma usually develops 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos, and has no known cure.
• Lung cancer: a common and deadly cancer that begins in the lung tissue. Lung cancer can be caused by smoking, pollution, and asbestos exposure, and usually develops 10 to 20 years after exposure to asbestos.
• Asbestosis: a chronic lung condition that causes scarring and inflammation of the lung tissue. Asbestosis can lead to breathing difficulties, chest pain, and other respiratory problems.

The risks of council asbestos in Devon are higher for people who have been exposed to asbestos for a long time or at high levels, such as:

• Asbestos workers, such as miners, factory workers, and construction workers
• Occupants of buildings containing asbestos, such as schools, hospitals, and offices
• People living near asbestos mines or factories
• People who have renovated or demolished buildings containing asbestos
• Family members of asbestos workers or occupants

If you suspect that you or someone you know has been exposed to council asbestos in Devon, you should contact a doctor as soon as possible and inform them of your asbestos exposure history. Your doctor may recommend a medical check-up, such as a chest X-ray or a CT scan, to detect any signs of asbestos-related diseases. Early detection and treatment of asbestos-related diseases can improve your chances of survival and quality of life.

What Is the Law on Council Asbestos in Devon?

The law on council asbestos in Devon is set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which is the national regulator for workplace health and safety. The HSE has issued several regulations and guidance documents to manage the risks of asbestos, including:

• The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012: a set of regulations that require employers and duty holders to manage asbestos risks in non-domestic premises, such as public buildings, schools, and hospitals. The regulations require a risk assessment, an asbestos register, and appropriate control measures, such as removal or encapsulation.
• The Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 2012: a set of regulations that require anyone who undertakes licensable work with asbestos, such as removal or disposal, to hold a valid asbestos removal license issued by the HSE. The regulations set out the criteria, standards, and procedures for licensing, including initial and refresher training, medical examinations, and competency assessments.
• The HSE asbestos guidance documents: a series of guidance documents that provide practical advice and information on how to manage the risks of asbestos in various circumstances, such as in buildings, vehicles, and appliances. The guidance covers various topics, such as asbestos surveys, risk assessments, management plans, and emergency procedures.

If you are a council or a local authority in Devon, you have a legal duty to manage the risks of council asbestos in your premises, and to inform and protect your employees, contractors, and the public from asbestos exposure. You should follow the HSE guidance and regulations, and ensure that you use reputable and licensed asbestos removal companies, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, for any removal or disposal work.

Conclusion

Council asbestos in Devon can pose a serious health risk to the occupants and the public, and requires proper identification, assessment, and management. Asbestos removal in Devon is a highly regulated and specialized process that requires the use of licensed and experienced asbestos removal companies, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.

If you suspect that your council asbestos in Devon needs to be removed or managed, or if you have any questions or concerns about asbestos removal, disposal, or management, please contact us at 01962 458066 or via email at [email protected]. We will be happy to provide you with a free consultation and quote, and to help you protect your health and safety.