When Did Building Regulations Remove Asbestos In Devon

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that's been used in various industries for its heat and fire-resistant properties. However, it wasn't until the late 20th century when researchers discovered the link between asbestos exposure and health conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Since then, the use of asbestos has been gradually phased out, and regulations regarding its disposal and management have been created to protect the public from its harmful effects.

In Devon, the removal of asbestos has been a long and ongoing process. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a local asbestos removal company in Devon that helps commercial and residential property owners safely remove and dispose of asbestos. In this landing page, we will discuss when building regulations removed asbestos in Devon, how it affects property owners, and why it's crucial to work with a licensed asbestos removal company.

What is Asbestos?

As mentioned, asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that's mainly composed of fibers that are heat and fire-resistant. It has been used in various industries, such as construction, shipbuilding, and automotive, for its durability and insulating properties.

Asbestos has been divided into six types: Amosite, Crocidolite, Chrysotile, Tremolite, Anthophyllite, and Actinolite. Out of these six, chrysotile is the most commonly used type and is found in a majority of construction materials in buildings constructed before the 1990s.

Asbestos in Buildings

Most buildings constructed before the year 2000 were likely to contain asbestos materials in some form or another. Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials such as floor tiles, ceiling tiles, insulation, pipe lagging, and more.

Asbestos is harmless when left undisturbed. However, if it's damaged or disrupted, it can release asbestos fibers into the air. These fibers are invisible to the naked eye and can be easily inhaled. When inhaled, they can become trapped in the lungs, leading to various respiratory diseases.

Asbestos Ban in the UK

Asbestos-related diseases were a serious health concern in the UK in the late 20th century. As a result, the UK government fully banned asbestos in all forms in November 1999. Today, it's illegal to manufacture, import, and sell asbestos or any products that contain asbestos.

Asbestos Regulations in the UK

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 is one of the most recent asbestos regulations to be put into place in the UK. This legislation sets out the requirements for the management of asbestos in non-domestic premises.

The regulation's primary aim is to protect workers from the risks of asbestos exposure by putting measures in place that ensure any asbestos present in a property is managed and monitored in a safe manner.

Asbestos Removal and Disposal

If you suspect that your property contains asbestos, it's crucial to work with a licensed asbestos removal company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. Our team is fully trained and equipped to conduct an asbestos survey, identify any asbestos-containing materials, and develop a plan to remove and dispose of the affected materials safely.

Asbestos removal is not a DIY project, and proper personal protective equipment and training are necessary. Once removed, asbestos must be disposed of in a hazardous waste landfill site as per government regulations.

When Did Building Regulations Remove Asbestos in Devon?

Prior to the full ban in 1999, there were regulations put into place surrounding the use and management of asbestos in properties. However, it wasn't until April 2012 that building regulations officially banned the use of asbestos products in the construction of new buildings.

The regulations require that newly constructed buildings be free of asbestos-containing materials. Any use of asbestos-containing materials in new buildings is strictly prohibited as per the building control regulations.

Why Work With Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we understand the dangers associated with asbestos exposure and have seen first-hand the impact it can have on individuals and their families. That's why we are here to help you safely remove and dispose of asbestos from your property.

Our team is fully licensed and trained, and we have over 20 years of experience in the asbestos removal industry. We follow all government guidelines and regulations, ensuring that your property is treated with the utmost care and attention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, asbestos was once commonly used in construction materials, but has since been fully banned in the UK due to its harmful effects on health. The removal of asbestos in Devon has been an ongoing process, with building regulations banning new constructions from containing asbestos as of April 2012.

If you suspect that your property contains asbestos, it's crucial to work with a licensed, experienced asbestos removal company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. We are here to help keep you and your property safe and ensure that all asbestos-containing materials are safely removed and disposed of.

If you require our services, please do not hesitate to call us at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. You can find more information about our services and company at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk.