Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire - How Do You Remove Asbestos From Your Home?

If you're a homeowner or landlord and have a property in Hampshire, you may be concerned about the presence of asbestos in your building. Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious health problems if it's disturbed or inhaled. In this guide, we will share some essential tips on how to remove asbestos from your home, so you can ensure a safe and healthy living environment for you and your family.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were widely used in construction materials between the 1950s and 1980s due to their fire-retardant and durable properties. Asbestos may be present in materials such as insulation board, ceiling tiles, textured coating, cement roof sheets, and pipe lagging. Although asbestos can be safe if left undisturbed, it can be dangerous if it's broken, drilled, sawed, or sanded, releasing tiny fibers into the air that can potentially cause serious lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Safety Equipment and Area Shutting

Before attempting to remove asbestos from your home, it's crucial to wear the correct safety equipment to reduce the risk of inhaling asbestos fibers. This equipment should include a respirator mask, gloves, and disposable coveralls. It's also essential to shut the area where the asbestos material is present and put something on the floor to prevent any mess.

Correct Safety Protocols

When removing asbestos, it's vital to follow the correct safety protocols. You should start by wetting the material, which will reduce the amount of dust produced when you scrape it off. Using a suitable scraper, you should remove the material whole and place it into a heavy-duty asbestos waste bag. Asbestos bags should be labeled with warnings and can only be disposed of at authorized waste sites.

Close Area After Work Completion

Once the work is complete, wait for the air to settle before removing the protective equipment. You should then clean the area thoroughly, bag all the waste into asbestos bags, and double-bag these for safe disposal. It's essential to close the area and warn others not to enter until it's safe to do so.

Material Damaged? Contact Your Council or Strengthening Agent

If you suspect that asbestos material has been damaged, it's vital to contact your council or strengthening agent immediately. They should advise you on how best to deal with the situation and arrange a professional survey to assess the risk of the damage.

Managing Properties With Asbestos

As a landlord or managing agent, you have a legal responsibility to manage any asbestos present in your building to ensure that it's safe for your tenants or occupants. This includes identifying and assessing the condition of any asbestos-containing materials in your property and taking appropriate measures to prevent potential exposure. You may also be required to keep an asbestos register and provide tenants with information about asbestos.

Insulation and Fire

Asbestos was frequently used as insulation material due to its fire-resistant properties. If you have an older property that may have asbestos insulation, it's crucial to have it checked regularly by a professional and replaced if necessary. Asbestos can be a fire hazard if it's damaged or disturbed, potentially causing a fire to spread more quickly.

Contact Your Landlord For Information And Removal

If you're a tenant concerned about asbestos in your property, you should contact your landlord or managing agent immediately. They have a legal obligation to provide you with information on the presence of asbestos in the building and any measures in place to manage the risk. If you suspect that asbestos has been disturbed or damaged, you should also inform your landlord as soon as possible.

The Risks of Asbestos

The risk of asbestos exposure depends on several factors, including the type and condition of the asbestos material, the level of exposure, and individual susceptibility. Asbestos-related diseases can take many years to develop, but they can be life-threatening. These diseases include Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and several other respiratory illnesses.

Essential Guides

If you are unsure about identifying asbestos in your home yourself, Theasbestosessentialsguides.co.uk is a free online resource that covers every aspect of asbestos, from what it is and where it can be found to how to identify, remove and dispose of it, safely.

When Should You Remove Asbestos?

If the material containing asbestos is damaged or cannot be left undisturbed, you must remove it. Trying to remove asbestos yourself is a hazardous task, so it's highly recommended that you contact a licensed asbestos removal company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire.

Types of Asbestos

There are three types of asbestos: Chrysotile (white asbestos), Amosite (brown asbestos), and Crocidolite (blue asbestos). Each type of asbestos has different properties and levels of risk, and it's crucial to identify which type of asbestos is present. As a rule, all types of asbestos should be treated the same and removed by a professional.

Never Try to Remove Asbestos Panels Yourself

Never attempt to remove asbestos panels yourself, as this is likely to cause more harm than good. Asbestos panels are heavy and brittle, and the fibers can break easily, releasing harmful dust into the air. If you suspect that asbestos panels are present on your property, it's essential to contact a licensed asbestos removal company as soon as possible.

What to Do in Hampshire, South East England?

If you're a homeowner or landlord in Hampshire, South East England, and you're concerned about the presence of asbestos in your property, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire today. Our team of experienced and licensed asbestos removal specialists will provide you with a comprehensive survey and advise you on the safest and most cost-effective way of removal.

Our Contact Information

Tel: 01962 458066 Email: [email protected] Website: affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk

Conclusion

In summary, removing asbestos from your home is not something to be taken lightly. Asbestos is a hazardous material that requires the correct safety equipment and procedures to be removed safely. If you believe that your property may be at risk of asbestos exposure, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire for professional advice and assistance.