How to Safely Remove Asbestos Sheets from Roofs in Hampshire

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing until the 1980s due to its fireproofing and insulating properties. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibers can cause serious respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. As a result, asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999.

Many older properties in Hampshire and the South East of England still contain asbestos, particularly in roofing materials such as asbestos cement. If you are a property owner or manager in Hampshire, it's essential to know how to identify asbestos and how to remove it safely if it is present on your property.

In this landing page, we'll discuss the key areas to consider when removing asbestos sheets from the roofs of garages and sheds in Hampshire. We'll explain what asbestos is, the hazards it poses, and how you can protect yourself from exposure. We'll offer practical advice on how to remove asbestos from your property using the right equipment and techniques, and we'll introduce you to Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, a local company that can help you with your asbestos removal needs.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that can be separated into thin, strong fibers. These fibers are resistant to heat, fire, chemicals, and electricity, which made asbestos a popular material in many industries, including construction, shipbuilding, and automotive engineering.

The three most common types of asbestos are:

• Chrysotile (white asbestos) - which accounts for around 95% of all asbestos used in the UK
• Amosite (brown asbestos)
• Crocidolite (blue asbestos)

All forms of asbestos are dangerous when inhaled, but blue and brown asbestos fibers are considered the most hazardous due to their needle-like shape, which makes them more likely to penetrate deep into the lungs and cause damage.

The Hazards of Asbestos

Asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems when inhaled into the lungs. Asbestos-related diseases can take many years, even decades, to develop, and symptoms may not appear until years after exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and cause inflammation, scarring, and damage to lung tissue.

Some of the most common diseases associated with asbestos exposure include:

• Mesothelioma - a rare form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or other organs.
• Lung cancer - asbestos-related lung cancer is similar to other types of lung cancer but has a higher incidence rate in people who have been exposed to asbestos.
• Asbestosis - a chronic lung disease that can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and lung scarring.

The risk of developing an asbestos-related disease depends on several factors, including the type of asbestos fibers, the duration and intensity of exposure, and individual susceptibility. However, all forms of asbestos are considered dangerous and should be handled with extreme caution.

Identifying Asbestos

Before removing any roofing materials or other construction products, it's essential to determine whether they contain asbestos. Asbestos fibers cannot be seen with the naked eye, so it's important to seek advice from a qualified professional.

If you suspect that your home or commercial property contains asbestos, you should contact a licensed asbestos assessor to carry out a survey of your property. The assessor will take samples of any materials that may contain asbestos and send them to a laboratory for testing.

It's important to note that the presence of asbestos does not necessarily mean that it must be removed. If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition, not damaged, and not likely to be disturbed, they may be left in place and monitored. However, if the asbestos is damaged or deteriorating, it must be removed as soon as possible to prevent fibers from becoming airborne.

Asbestos removal safety

Asbestos removal is a hazardous and complex task that should only be carried out by licensed contractors. The risk of exposure to asbestos fibers during removal is high, so it's essential to take all necessary precautions to protect yourself, your family and your neighbors.

Here are some key safety tips to consider before attempting any DIY asbestos removal:

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as disposable coveralls, gloves, shoe covers, and a respirator mask.
• Keep the area well-ventilated by opening windows and doors, and use a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner to clean up debris and dust.
• Do not use power tools or abrasive materials to cut, sand or drill asbestos-containing materials, as this can release fibers into the air.
• Ensure that anyone who may be exposed to asbestos fibers during the removal process, such as neighbors or passers-by, is kept well away from the area.

It's important to note that not all asbestos-containing materials are subject to the same regulations. Some materials, such as asbestos-cement roofing sheets and concrete products, can be removed with less stringent controls than other forms of asbestos, such as insulation materials.

Always seek professional advice before starting any asbestos removal work to ensure that you are following the correct procedures.

Asbestos removal equipment

Asbestos removal professionals use a range of specialized equipment and tools to remove and dispose of asbestos safely. This equipment is designed to minimize the risk of fiber release during the removal process and to protect workers from exposure.

Some of the most commonly used tools and equipment for asbestos removal include:

• Negative pressure units - these devices create a negative pressure environment within the work area to prevent fibers from escaping into the air.
• HEPA filtered vacuums - these vacuums are specifically designed to capture asbestos fibers and other hazardous materials.
• Respirators and masks - workers must wear appropriate respirators and masks to protect their lungs from asbestos dust.
• Disposable coveralls and boot covers - workers should wear protective coveralls to prevent asbestos fibers from attaching to their clothing.
• Plastic sheeting - plastic sheeting is used to seal off the work area and prevent fibers from spreading.
• Warning signs - warning signs should be displayed around the work area to alert others to the potential hazards of asbestos.

Asbestos removal from roofs

If you own or manage a property with asbestos-containing roofing materials such as asbestos cement, you must arrange for professional removal by a licensed contractor.

Asbestos cement roofs are generally removed using the following steps:

1. Preparation: The work area is prepared with warning signs, plastic sheeting, and negative pressure units to create a safe working environment.

2. Removal of fixings: The fixings holding the roofing sheets in place must be carefully removed to avoid damaging the asbestos-containing sheets.

3. Roof removal: The asbestos-containing sheets are carefully removed and placed into sealed containers for safe transport and disposal.

4. Disposal: The asbestos waste is transported and disposed of in a licensed landfill site.

5. Decontamination: The work area and workers must be decontaminated before leaving the site.

It's important to note that if you have any concerns regarding asbestos removal work, or if you suspect that your property contains asbestos materials, you should contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire for advice and support.

About Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a licensed and experienced asbestos removal company based in Hampshire. They provide a comprehensive range of asbestos-related services, from asbestos surveys and testing to safe and efficient asbestos removal.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, they understand the importance of safe asbestos removal and the potential risks associated with exposure to asbestos fibers. Their team of trained and qualified technicians use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure that all asbestos removal work is carried out to the highest possible standards and in compliance with all relevant legislation.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding asbestos removal in Hampshire, you can contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire on 01962 458066 or fill out the contact form on their website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk/contact-us/. Their team of experts will be able to offer you advice and support to help you manage any asbestos-related concerns you may have.

Conclusion

If you suspect that your property contains asbestos, it's essential to seek professional advice and support. Asbestos removal is a hazardous and complex task that should only be carried out by licensed and trained professionals. By following the correct procedures and using the right equipment, you can ensure that asbestos removal is carried out safely and in compliance with all relevant regulations.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a local company that can help you with your asbestos-related concerns. They offer a range of services, from asbestos surveys and testing to safe and efficient asbestos removal. If you have any concerns about asbestos materials in your property or need advice on asbestos removal, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire on 01962 458066 or fill out the contact form on their website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk/contact-us/.