Who Should Remove Asbestos in Devon?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials in the mid-20th century. Despite being banned in the UK in 1999, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were installed in thousands of homes, offices, and public buildings before its limitations were known. Thus, people dealing with renovation and demolition works on such premises must take the risk posed by asbestos into account.

Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, pose a severe health risk as they remain stuck in the lungs, causing scarring, inflammation, and cancerous tumors. Mesothelioma and asbestosis are common ailments caused by asbestos exposure that can take years to develop. Therefore, it becomes crucial to carefully survey and manage ACMs in a building and properly remove them if necessary.

This guide covers essential information on asbestos, its risks, materials, and procedures for safe asbestos removal in Devon.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs in the earth's crust. It consists of several fibrous materials that are strong, durable, and heat-resistant. These properties made it an ideal construction material, and asbestos was used in thousands of building products, including roof tiles, insulation materials, floor tiles, textured coatings, and more.

The three primary types of asbestos are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. All three types are classified as cancer-causing substances and have been banned in many countries worldwide.

Risk of Asbestos

When asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and remain undisturbed, they pose little to no risk. However, when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, the fibers can break free and become airborne, resulting in inhalation of asbestos fibers.

Asbestos fibers are invisible, odorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without specialized equipment. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious health effects, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

It is critical to understand the risks posed by asbestos and take precautionary measures to alleviate potential health hazards.

Asbestos-Containing Materials

ACMs refer to materials that contain asbestos fibers in varying quantities. Common ACMs found in buildings include:

• Thermal insulation on boilers, pipes, and ducts
• Textured coatings, such as 'artex'
• Cement roofing and cladding sheets
• Asbestos-containing floor tiles and adhesive
• Asbestos-cement water tanks and flue pipes
• Sprayed insulation on ceilings and walls
• Loose-fill insulation

It is vital to identify and survey all ACMs before carrying out any demolition or renovation work. Failure to identify ACMs and take necessary precautions before working with them could result in fiber release, which can cause severe health problems.

Asbestos Abatement

Safe asbestos removal involves three essential steps: identification, management, and safe removal. Proper identification and management of ACMs can prevent unnecessary exposure to asbestos fibers.

The removal process includes:

1. Site Preparation: The area in question should be cordoned off to limit entry to authorized personnel only. All occupants should be moved out of the area until the asbestos removal process is complete.

2. Safe removal: The removal of ACMs must be done in strict compliance with regulations set out by the Health and Safety Executive. The removal team should wear specialized protective gear and use caution to prevent fiber release. The materials must be carefully removed and transported to an authorized asbestos waste disposal facility to avoid contamination.

3. Site Clearances: Air monitoring and sample testing should be done after the removal process to ensure that the area is safe for re-entry.

Who Should Remove Asbestos in Devon?

Asbestos removal should only be carried out by trained and licensed professionals who have undergone specialized training and hold relevant certifications. Asbestos professionals understand how to identify and manage ACMs, making them essential to any demolition or renovation project involving buildings built before 2000.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a professional asbestos removal company in Devon equipped with the required knowledge, expertise, and resources to carry out safe asbestos removal. Our team of asbestos removal experts is trained to work efficiently and ensure that occupant's health and safety are not compromised during the asbestos removal process.

Asbestos Survey

Asbestos surveys are legally required for any commercial or non-domestic property built before 2000. The purpose of the survey is to identify and manage ACMs safely, ensuring the protection of workers and occupants alike.

There are two types of asbestos surveys: Management surveys and Refurbishment and Demolition surveys.

• Management Survey: The main goal of this survey is to locate, as far as is reasonably practical, the presence and extent of any ACMs in a building, focusing on assessing and managing asbestos-containing materials during normal occupation and use.

• Refurbishment and Demolition Survey: The purpose of this survey is to identify all ACMs in preparation for demolition, refurbishment, or any works that are likely to disturb the fabric of the building. This survey is more intrusive and requires access to all areas of the building.

Once an asbestos survey has been done, the report will outline the location, extent, and risk posed by ACMs within the building. This information can then be used to plan and carry out safe asbestos removal works with industry standards.

Popular Additive

Asbestos was commonly used as a popular additive in many building materials as it increased the strength and durability of the material. It was used in thousands of building products, including roofing felt, ceiling tiles, and brake pads. It was also used as insulation for buildings and electrical components.

It is important to note that some products that contain asbestos are still in use today because they are still in good condition and pose no risk when undisturbed. If these materials need to be removed or replaced, it is essential to seek the advice of a licensed asbestos surveying and removal company.

Devon

Devon is a county located in South West England, known for its beautiful beaches, moors, and rich history. Its coastline is home to several charming coastal towns and villages such as Exmouth, Sidmouth, and Torquay. The county is also home to many industrial-era buildings containing ACMs.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is well equipped and experienced in handling all types and forms of ACMs, be it in a domestic or commercial setting. Our team of professionals takes pride in delivering exceptional customer service while ensuring that all works are done to industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a hazardous material that poses significant health risks if handled improperly. It is essential to identify, manage, and safely remove ACMs to prevent unnecessary exposure to asbestos fibers. Removing asbestos is a risky process that should only be carried out by professionals.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is an experienced and professional asbestos removal company in Devon, equipped with the knowledge, expertise, and resources required for the safe removal of ACMs. Our team of experts will guide you through the process of safe asbestos removal, ensuring that health and safety protocols are met and adhered to.

If you require our asbestos removal services or an asbestos survey, do not hesitate to call us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. Our website, affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk, has more information on our services and various asbestos-related topics.