Can You Remove Asbestos Yourself In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a dangerous material that has been used in construction for many years. It was prized for its heat-resistance and fibrous nature, which made it ideal for insulation and other applications. Unfortunately, asbestos has been linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases. Therefore, if you opt for asbestos removal, it must be done correctly.

If you are a homeowner or property owner in Hampshire, South East England, and you are wondering if you can remove asbestos yourself, read on. Here, we will discuss some essential information that you need to know before making any decisions surrounding asbestos removal.

The Risks of Asbestos

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause a range of health complications. Asbestos fibres are incredibly tiny, making them easy to inhale. Once inhaled, these fibres can become lodged in the lungs and other parts of the respiratory system, causing long-term damage.

The risk of asbestos exposure increases over time. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. These diseases can take several years (or even decades) to develop after exposure has taken place.

Asbestos Survey

If you suspect that your home or property may contain asbestos, you should have an asbestos survey carried out. An asbestos survey will determine the type of asbestos that is present, where it is located, and how severe it is. It is essential to determine the presence of asbestos so that an assessment can be made of the risk it poses.

The removal of ACMs (Asbestos-containing materials) such as sprayed coatings, pipe lagging, asbestos insulation board, and floor tiles typically requires a licensed Asbestos Removal Contractor. In place asbestos or static asbestos materials are considered lower risk but must still be managed and controlled.

Can You Remove Asbestos Yourself?

Legislation requires that asbestos removal work must be carried out by licensed professionals, even if you think that you know what you are doing. This legislation is in place to protect homeowners, property owners, and those carrying out the removal work.

However, as a homeowner, you are allowed to remove asbestos-containing materials that contain less than 10 square meters of bonded asbestos. Bonded ACMs are typically considered to be lower risk materials such as corrugated asbestos cement sheets, cement flue pipes or roofing felt containing Chrysotile (white) asbestos.

The Dangers of Removing Asbestos Yourself

Removing asbestos-containing materials can be incredibly hazardous, even if you feel confident in what you are doing. There is no safe limit of exposure to asbestos fibres, and so any work that involves the potential release of fibres must be carried out with great care.

If you decide to remove asbestos yourself without enlisting professional help, you could risk damaging the material, which may release asbestos fibres. These asbestos fibres could become airborne and become inhaled, causing long-term health complications over time.

The Importance of Hiring Professionals

As we have already noted, it is essential to hire a professional asbestos removal company to carry out any work involving asbestos. Asbestos removal professionals have the necessary training, equipment, and protective gear to remove asbestos safely and efficiently. DIY removal is simply not worth the risk to health or the environment.

Professional asbestos removal companies know how to remove asbestos-containing materials safely, including providing all the necessary equipment, carrying out air monitoring, and providing a safe site for disposal. You must dispose of asbestos safely and within the laws surrounding asbestos disposal.

Professional asbestos removal companies will also carry out an asbestos survey to determine the type of asbestos that is present, where it is located, and how severe it is. This information is necessary to determine the most effective removal strategy required.

Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

If you suspect that your home or property may contain asbestos or have had an asbestos survey conducted that highlights the presence of asbestos-containing materials, it's essential to enlist the help of a professional asbestos removal company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire. We are the leading asbestos removal service provider in Hampshire, South East, and are ready to provide our expertise to help you with your Asbestos remediation project.

Our team of experienced professionals will manage, work plan and undertake the safe removal and disposal of asbestos wherever it may be found. We strive to adopt best practices, a progressive approach, and the latest technologies to provide clients with the best asbestos-related services.

Contact us today through 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website, affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk, for more information about our services.