What Equipment Do You Need To Remove Asbestos In Devon

If you live in Devon or the South West of England and you suspect that there is asbestos in your property, you may want to consider removing it. Asbestos is a dangerous material that was once widely used in the construction industry due to its insulating properties. However, research has shown that asbestos can cause serious health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Therefore, it is important to remove it in a safe and efficient way. In this guide, we will discuss the equipment you will need to remove asbestos in Devon.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are committed to providing safe and affordable asbestos removal services to our clients in Devon and the surrounding areas. With over 15 years of experience, we have the knowledge and expertise necessary to ensure that asbestos is removed from your property in a safe and efficient way.

We are a licensed asbestos removal company in Devon, and our team of professionals has the necessary training and qualifications to carry out asbestos removal work. Our team uses only the latest equipment and adheres to all regulatory and safety standards to ensure that every job is done right. If you suspect that there may be asbestos in your property, don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to help, and we offer a free quote for all our services.

What is Asbestos?

Before discussing what equipment is necessary for asbestos removal, it's important to understand what asbestos is. Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were widely used in the construction industry in the 20th century. Asbestos was used in a variety of building materials due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. It was commonly used in materials such as:

• insulation
• flooring
• roofing
• ceiling tiles
• cement
• adhesives

Asbestos fibers are dangerous when inhaled because they can become trapped in the lungs and cause serious health issues. Asbestos exposure can lead to respiratory problems, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Respirator

The first and most important piece of equipment needed for asbestos removal is a respirator. A respirator is a protective device worn over the face to protect the user from inhaling dangerous materials such as dust, vapors, and fumes. A respirator is necessary when removing asbestos because it filters out airborne particles that can cause health problems.

When selecting a respirator for asbestos removal, it's important to choose one that is designed specifically for this purpose. The respirator should have a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which is designed to filter out small asbestos particles that may be present in the air. Make sure the respirator is properly fitted to your face to ensure maximum protection.

Protective Equipment

In addition to a respirator, it is also important to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during asbestos removal. PPE is designed to protect the user from exposure to hazardous materials. PPE for asbestos removal includes:

• Disposable coveralls - these are worn over clothing and protect the wearer's skin from asbestos fibers.
• Gloves - disposable nitrile gloves should be worn to prevent skin contact with asbestos fibers.
• Shoe covers - disposable shoe covers should be worn to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers.
• Safety glasses - protective eyewear should be worn to prevent asbestos fibers from entering the eyes.
• Head covering - disposable head covers should be worn to cover the hair and scalp.

All PPE should be properly disposed of after use to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers.

Equipment

In addition to PPE and a respirator, there are several types of equipment that are necessary for asbestos removal. These include:

• Wetting agent - a wetting agent is a chemical solution that is used to dampen asbestos fibers before removal. This helps to prevent the release of fibers into the air.
• HEPA vacuum - a HEPA vacuum is used to clean up asbestos debris after removal. The vacuum should have a HEPA filter to ensure that all asbestos particles are trapped.
• Asbestos waste bags - asbestos waste should be placed in special bags that are labeled as containing asbestos. These bags should be properly disposed of at a licensed waste facility.
• Plastic sheeting - plastic sheeting is used to create a barrier around the work area to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers.
• Hand tools - hand tools such as scrapers, shovels, and knives are used to remove asbestos-containing materials.

All equipment should be properly maintained and checked for defects before use.

Removal

Asbestos removal is a complex process that should only be carried out by licensed professionals. The process typically involves the following steps:

• Site preparation - the work area should be cleared of all items that are not necessary for the removal process. Plastic sheeting should be used to create a barrier around the work area, and a negative air machine should be used to keep the air in the work area under negative pressure.
• Wetting - all asbestos-containing materials should be sprayed with a wetting agent to dampen the fibers and prevent their release into the air.
• Removal - Asbestos-containing materials should be removed using hand tools or power tools. The debris should be placed in asbestos waste bags and sealed for disposal.
• Clean-up - The work area should be thoroughly cleaned using a HEPA vacuum and wet cleaning methods.
• Disposal - All asbestos waste should be disposed of at a licensed waste facility.

Conclusion

Asbestos removal is a complex and dangerous process that should only be carried out by licensed professionals. If you suspect that there is asbestos in your property, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. Our team of professionals has the necessary training and qualifications to carry out asbestos removal work and we use only the latest equipment to ensure that every job is done right. Remember, wear the right PPE and respirator before embarking on the asbestos removal process to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Contact us today for a free quote at 01962 458066.