Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire: How to Safely Remove Asbestos Flooring in Hampshire

Asbestos flooring was widely used in the UK before the early 1980s, and many old homes and buildings still have asbestos tiles and backing adhesive. The problem with asbestos flooring is that once its damaged or disturbed, it releases hazardous fibers into the air, which can cause serious health problems when inhaled. Therefore, if you have asbestos-containing flooring in your Hampshire property, its essential to remove it safely and professionally to protect yourself and others from exposure to asbestos fibers.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we provide reliable and affordable asbestos removal services for homeowners, businesses, and local authorities in Hampshire and the South East of England. In this landing page, well guide you through the process of asbestos floor removal, including how to identify asbestos tiles, how to prepare the work area, how to remove the tiles safely, and how to dispose of asbestos waste properly. Well also explain why its crucial to hire professional asbestos removal companies like us to handle your asbestos problem.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing until the late 1990s. Its durable and heat-resistant properties made it ideal for insulation, roofing, pipes, and flooring. However, asbestos fibers are extremely small and can easily become airborne when disturbed, such as during demolition, renovation, or repair work. When inhaled, the fibers can cause respiratory diseases, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, which can take years to develop and are often fatal.

How to Identify Asbestos Tiles

Asbestos tiles were mainly used in the UK from the 1950s to the 1980s, and they look very similar to non-asbestos tiles. Therefore, its not always easy to tell whether your flooring contains asbestos or not. However, there are some signs you can look for:

• Age: If your property was built or renovated between the 1950s and 1980s, theres a high chance that your flooring contains asbestos.

• Color: Asbestos tiles were usually available in a limited range of colors, such as gray, brown, or white.

• Texture: Asbestos tiles have a slightly granular or sandy texture, whereas non-asbestos tiles feel smoother.

• Size: Asbestos tiles were commonly produced in 9 x 9 squares, while non-asbestos tiles were available in various sizes.

However, the only way to confirm whether your tiles contain asbestos is to have them tested by a qualified and accredited asbestos surveyor.

How to Prepare the Work Area

Asbestos removal is a hazardous job that requires careful planning and preparation. Before starting any work, you need to take the following steps to ensure that the work area is safe and free from hazards:

• Isolate the work area: Close all doors and windows leading to the work area and warn others to stay away from the area.

• Wear protective gear: Asbestos fibers can be harmful to your health, so make sure you wear personal protective equipment, such as disposable overalls, gloves, and a respirator.

• Switch off air conditioners: Asbestos fibers can spread easily through the air, so its essential to switch off any air conditioning or ventilation systems that could circulate the fibers to other parts of your property.

• Cover the floor and nearby objects: Spread polythene sheets over the floor to catch any loose asbestos fibers, and cover any nearby objects, such as furniture or equipment, with polythene sheets to protect them from contamination.

How to Remove Asbestos Tiles Safely

Removing asbestos tiles is a delicate and dangerous process that should only be carried out by trained and licensed professionals. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we follow a strict protocol to ensure the safe and complete removal of asbestos-containing materials in your property. Heres what we do:

• Dampen the tiles: Before removing the tiles, we spray them with a fine mist of water to prevent the asbestos fibers from becoming airborne.

• Remove the tiles intact: We lift the tiles whole without breaking them, as this can release fibers into the air. We use special tools and techniques to loosen the tiles and pry them off the floor.

• Remove the backing adhesive: The backing adhesive of the tiles often contains asbestos as well, so we remove it carefully using scrapers and wetting agents.

• Clean the area: Once weve removed all the tiles and adhesive, we clean the area thoroughly using a HEPA vacuum cleaner to ensure that no asbestos fibers are left behind.

How to Dispose of Asbestos Waste Properly

Asbestos waste is hazardous and cannot be disposed of like regular waste. The legal requirements around asbestos disposal are strict and require specialized knowledge, training, and equipment. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we adhere to all the regulations and guidelines set by the Environment Agency and HSE to ensure safe and legal disposal of asbestos waste. Here are the steps we take:

• Seal the waste: Once weve removed the asbestos-containing materials, we double-bag them in thick polythene bags and seal them tightly with duct tape to prevent any fibers from escaping.

• Label the bags: We label each bag with a warning label that indicates that the contents contain asbestos, so that anyone handling the bags can take appropriate precautions.

• Transport the waste: We transport the waste to a licensed asbestos disposal site in a sealed, marked, and tracked vehicle that meets all the legal requirements.

• Provide a waste consignment note: We provide a waste consignment note that details the amount and nature of the waste, the transport route, and the final disposal site.

Why Hire Professional Asbestos Removal Companies Like Us?

Asbestos removal can be a risky and complex job that requires specialist skills and equipment. Attempting to remove asbestos yourself can put you and others at risk of exposure to asbestos fibers, which can have severe health consequences. Therefore, its important to hire professional asbestos removal companies like us to handle your asbestos problem. Here are some reasons why:

• Safety: We prioritize safety and follow strict protocols to ensure that asbestos fibers are contained and not released into the air. We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to minimize the risk of exposure to asbestos fibers.

• Expertise: We are fully licensed and qualified asbestos removal specialists with years of experience in safely removing asbestos-containing materials from all types of buildings.

• Compliance: We adhere to all the regulations and guidelines set by the HSE and Environment Agency to ensure that our work meets legal requirements and is carried out safely and properly.

• Professionalism: We provide a prompt, friendly, and reliable service that is tailored to your specific needs and budget. We keep you informed throughout the process and provide clear and transparent pricing.

Contact Us for Affordable Asbestos Removal Services in Hampshire

If you have asbestos flooring in your Hampshire property, dont hesitate to contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire for a safe and affordable solution. We offer free on-site consultations and asbestos surveys to assess your asbestos problem and provide a customized quote. We also provide 24/7 emergency asbestos removal services for urgent situations. Call us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to speak to our expert asbestos removal team. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk for more information about our services, testimonials from satisfied customers, and frequently asked questions. Let us help you protect your health and property from the dangers of asbestos.