Removing Plaster Walls With Asbestos in Hampshire

If you live in Hampshire, and you have an old property that still has plaster walls, there is a good chance that they might contain asbestos. Asbestos was a commonly used building material in the past because of its insulation and fire-resistant properties. However, we now know that asbestos fibres can be extremely harmful and even life-threatening if they are inhaled.

If you suspect that your plaster walls contain asbestos, it is essential to remove them as soon as possible. Asbestos fibres can cause serious lung diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis, which have no cure. However, hiring a professional asbestos removal company in Hampshire can be expensive, and not everyone can afford it.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we have developed a comprehensive guide that will show you how to remove plaster walls with asbestos in Hampshire safely and affordably.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally and was widely used in building materials before the 1980s. There are three main types of asbestos:

1. Chrysotile (white asbestos)
2. Amosite (brown asbestos)
3. Crocidolite (blue asbestos)

All types of asbestos are dangerous if they become airborne and are inhaled. However, blue asbestos is the most harmful.

Asbestos was used in building materials such as insulation, ceiling and floor tiles, piping, roofing, and plaster walls. It was banned in the UK in 1999, but any building constructed before 2000 may still contain asbestos.

Why is Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos fibres are extremely small and fragile. When they are disturbed, they can become airborne and inhaled into the lungs. Once they are in the lungs, they can cause damage and inflammation, which can lead to lung diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that usually affects the lining of the lungs and the chest wall. It can take between 20 and 50 years for the cancer to develop, and there is no cure. Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease that causes shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain. It can also lead to heart failure and lung cancer.

Plaster Walls and Asbestos

Plaster walls were a common building material in the past, and some still contain asbestos. Asbestos was used in plaster walls because of its insulating and fire-resistant properties.

An asbestos plaster wall can be recognised by its texture. Asbestos plaster walls have a rough, textured surface that looks like small pebbles or popcorn. The texture is caused by the asbestos fibres mixed with the plaster.

It is important to note that not all plaster walls contain asbestos. If your property was built after the 1980s, your plaster walls are unlikely to contain asbestos. However, if your property was built before the 1980s, the chances are that your plaster walls may contain asbestos.

How to Remove Plaster Walls with Asbestos

Removing plaster walls with asbestos is a hazardous job and should only be carried out by a licensed professional if possible. However, if you cannot afford to hire a professional asbestos removal company, you can remove the plaster walls yourself if you take the correct precautions.

Here are our step-by-step instructions for removing plaster walls with asbestos:

Step 1: Inspection

Before you start removing plaster walls, you need to determine if they contain asbestos. You can do this by taking a sample of the plaster to be tested in a laboratory.

You should wear protective clothing and a disposable mask when taking a sample. Wet the area first and then scrape a small amount of material for testing. Place the sample in a sealed container and label it correctly.

Step 2: Preparation

If your plaster walls contain asbestos, you need to take the necessary precautions before starting the removal process. You should:

• Wear protective clothing such as gloves, overalls, and a disposable mask
• Cover the floor with plastic sheeting to catch any debris
• Seal off the work area with plastic sheeting to prevent contamination of other areas of the property
• Turn off any air conditioning or ventilation systems to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres

You should also inform your neighbours of the work you will be carrying out as a courtesy.

Step 3: Removal

To remove the plaster walls safely, follow these steps:

1. Dampen the plaster walls with a water spray to minimise dust.

2. Using a scraper, carefully remove the plaster from the wall, starting at the top and working your way down.

3. Collect the debris in a bucket, making sure not to break it up any further.

4. Cut the asbestos plaster into manageable sizes and wrap it in heavy-duty plastic sheeting.

5. Dispose of the wrapped asbestos plaster in a licensed hazardous waste disposal site.

6. Wash the area down with a damp cloth to remove any residual fibres.

7. Double-bag and seal any debris, protective clothing and respirators and dispose of them in a licensed hazardous waste disposal site.

Step 4: Aftercare

After you have removed the plaster walls, you should take the following precautions:

• Decontaminate all tools and equipment used in the process
• Wash your hands and face thoroughly
• Disinfect any surfaces that may have come into contact with asbestos fibres
• Notify your local council of the asbestos removal and ensure that the waste is disposed of correctly

Conclusion

Removing plaster walls with asbestos in Hampshire is a hazardous job that should only be carried out by a licensed professional if possible. However, if you cannot afford to hire a professional asbestos removal company, you can remove the plaster walls yourself if you take the correct precautions.

It is essential to take asbestos seriously and understand the risks it poses to your health. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are committed to providing our customers with the information they need to remove asbestos safely and affordably.

If you are unsure whether your plaster walls contain asbestos or need advice on how to undertake a removal safely, don't hesitate to contact us at Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire. We are a leading asbestos removal company in Hampshire and have the experience and expertise to help you get the job done safely. Contact us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] today.