Do You Need To Remove Asbestos In Hampshire?

If you're based in Hampshire, it's not uncommon to come across asbestos in older buildings. Asbestos was often used as insulation and strengthening material in buildings before its harmful effects were fully understood. In fact, asbestos-containing products were only banned in the UK in 1999. As a result, many properties in Hampshire and other parts of the country still contain asbestos, putting the health of residents and workers at risk.

If you suspect that your property may contain asbestos, it's essential to arrange for a survey to assess the situation. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a leading asbestos removal company in Hampshire, providing safe, affordable, and efficient removal services for all types of asbestos-containing materials.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry from the 1950s to the 1990s. It was valued for its heat-resistant and insulating properties and was used in a variety of products, including insulation, roofing, floor tiles, and cement products.

Asbestos is made up of tiny fibers that, when inhaled, can cause lung scarring and cancer. It's estimated that asbestos exposure is responsible for around 5,000 deaths each year in the UK. The substance is particularly dangerous because the effects may not be noticeable immediately. It can take several years and even decades for symptoms to develop, making it difficult to link them to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos and the Government

The UK government has taken significant steps to regulate asbestos and protect citizens from the harmful effects of exposure. Legislation such as the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 sets out strict guidelines for the management, removal, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.

However, the fact remains that many properties in Hampshire and other areas still contain asbestos. This is particularly true for buildings constructed or refurbished before the 1990s. Asbestos-containing materials can take many forms, including insulation, pipe lagging, floor tiles, textured coatings, and roofing, among others. It can be challenging to tell whether a material contains asbestos just by looking at it, which is why it's essential to arrange for a professional survey.

The Dangers of Asbestos

Asbestos exposure can have severe consequences for health, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen and is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition that can cause shortness of breath and coughing. There is no known cure for asbestosis, and the condition can be fatal in severe cases.

The risks associated with asbestos exposure are highest for those who work in industries where asbestos is commonly found. This includes the construction sector, shipyards, and other manufacturing processes. However, there is still a risk to others who may come into contact with asbestos-containing materials, such as homeowners, tenants, and tradespeople.

Asbestos-Containing Products

Many asbestos-containing products are still present in buildings today. These products were durable, long-lasting, and fire-resistant and were used in a wide variety of applications. Some of the most common products that may contain asbestos include:

• Insulation: Asbestos-containing insulation was commonly used for pipes, boilers, and other heating equipment.
• Roofing: Asbestos-containing cement was often used in roofing products to provide strength and durability.
• Flooring: Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives may contain asbestos, particularly those manufactured before the 1980s.
• Textured coatings: Asbestos-containing coatings were often used to provide a decorative finish on walls and ceilings.

If you suspect that your building contains asbestos, it's essential to have a professional survey carried out. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire can provide a comprehensive survey to help identify any asbestos-containing materials and provide advice on the best course of action.

The Importance of Asbestos Removal

If you have identified asbestos-containing materials in your building, it's crucial to have them safely removed as soon as possible. Leaving asbestos-containing materials in place poses a significant risk to health and can lead to exposure to harmful fibers. Even if the material is not damaged, it can still release fibers into the air over time, exposing occupants to a potential risk.

Asbestos-containing materials that are damaged or friable (crumbly) pose an even greater risk. When these materials are disturbed, they can release a significant amount of fibers into the air, increasing the risk of exposure. In these cases, it's essential to arrange for immediate removal.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a leading asbestos removal company in Hampshire, providing safe and efficient removal services for all types of asbestos-containing materials. Our team of experts has extensive experience and training in the safe removal and disposal of asbestos, ensuring that all work is carried out to the highest standards.

We understand the risks associated with asbestos exposure and take every precaution to protect our clients and workers. All our work is carried out in line with HSE guidance and legislation, giving you complete peace of mind that you're in safe hands.

Our Services

We offer a range of asbestos removal services, including:

• Asbestos surveys: We provide comprehensive surveys to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials in your building.
• Asbestos removal: Our team can safely remove and dispose of all types of asbestos-containing materials, including those that are damaged or friable.
• Asbestos encapsulation: In some cases, it may be possible to encapsulate (seal) asbestos-containing materials rather than removing them outright.
• Asbestos testing: We offer professional asbestos testing services to help you identify whether a material contains asbestos before carrying out any work.

Whatever your situation, we can provide the expert advice and services you need to ensure the safe removal of asbestos from your building.

Our Process

Our team follows a strict process for the safe removal of asbestos, ensuring that all work is carried out to the highest standard:

1. Survey: We carry out a thorough survey to identify any asbestos-containing materials in your building.
2. Risk assessment: We assess the risks associated with the asbestos-containing materials and develop a plan to safely remove them.
3. Removal: Our team removes the asbestos-containing materials, taking every precaution to minimize the risk of exposure to harmful fibers.
4. Disposal: We dispose of all asbestos-containing materials in line with HSE guidelines and legislation, ensuring that they are safely and responsibly disposed of.

Contact Us Today

If you suspect that your building contains asbestos, don't delay in arranging a survey. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire can provide a comprehensive survey and advice on the best course of action. We offer competitive prices and a fast, efficient service. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your situation and arrange a survey.