What Distance is Safe If Asbestos Roof is Being Removed in Devon?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that have long been used in construction due to its fire-resistant properties. However, it has since been discovered that prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause deadly diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used in roofing materials, and if you have an old property in Devon, it is possible that your roof could contain asbestos.

If you need to have your asbestos-containing roof removed, you should hire a professional and competent asbestos removal company in Devon. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a reputable and reliable asbestos removal company in Devon that has over 20 years of experience in handling asbestos-containing materials.

Asbestos and its use in building materials

Asbestos was widely used in building materials, particularly in the UK, from the 1950s through to the mid-1980s. It was used for a range of purposes, including insulation, roofing, and flooring. In the construction industry, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were commonly used in the production of cement and other building materials.

Asbestos-containing roofing materials were popular due to their durability and fire-resistant properties. However, as time passed, it was discovered that asbestos-containing materials posed a significant health risk, leading to the UK and other countries banning its use.

The dangers of asbestos

Exposure to airborne asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos fibres can easily become airborne if asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, such as during the removal and disposal process. It is important to note that asbestos-containing materials may be present in a property without posing any immediate risk unless they are disturbed. However, if the asbestos-containing materials are crumbling, damaged, or are about to be re-constructed, this increases the risk of asbestos fibres becoming airborne.

Asbestos removal

Asbestos removal should only be undertaken by a licensed asbestos removal contractor in Devon. In the UK, asbestos removal is regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) who ensure that all asbestos removal contractors follow strict safety procedures to protect both workers and the public. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a fully licensed and insured asbestos removal company that follows all the necessary safety procedures.

Safe distance during asbestos removal

If you live close to a property where asbestos is being removed, you may be concerned about the safety of your family and neighbours. It is understandable to have these concerns, given the dangers of asbestos. However, as long as the correct safety procedures are followed, the risks can be minimized, and the process can be carried out safely.

There is no blanket answer to the question of how far away people should be from an asbestos removal site. The distance depends on a variety of factors, including the type of asbestos-containing material, how it is being removed, and the location of the work.

The HSE recommends that a distance of at least two meters should be maintained between the asbestos removal site and the nearest person. However, this is subject to change depending on the specific circumstances of the removal project. If the asbestos-containing material is friable, which means it can easily crumble, more stringent measures may be required to keep people safe.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a professional asbestos removal company that follows all relevant safety practices to ensure that the asbestos-containing material is removed safely and in a way that does not pose any significant risks to people in the vicinity.

Method of asbestos removal

The method used for asbestos removal plays an important role in determining the safe distance required during the removal process. For example, if the asbestos-containing material is wetted with a binding agent during removal, this can help reduce the release of asbestos fibres into the air, reducing the likelihood of airborne asbestos fibres. In such cases, a distance of two meters or more may be sufficient to maintain the safety of people in the area.

On the other hand, if the asbestos-containing material is dry, it can be much more difficult to control the release of airborne fibres. In such cases, more stringent measures may be needed, such as the use of air filtration systems to minimize the release of fibres. Additionally, a larger exclusion zone may need to be implemented to keep people out of the area.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon uses the most suitable method for each asbestos removal project to ensure that the work is carried out safely and to the satisfaction of our clients and the HSE.

Conclusion

If you need to have your asbestos-containing roof removed, it is essential to hire a professional and competent asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon to ensure the process is carried out safely. If you live near a property where asbestos is being removed, it is understandable to be concerned for your and your family's safety. However, by maintaining a safe distance, following the right procedures, and ensuring that the asbestos removal company is experienced and licensed by the HSE, you can reduce the risks of asbestos exposure.

Do not hesitate to contact us at Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon if you have any questions or concerns about asbestos removal in Devon. We are happy to address your concerns and advise you on the safe removal of asbestos-containing materials. You can reach us via phone on 01962 458066 or email at [email protected]. Visit our website today at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk to learn more about our services.