Is It Safe To Remove Asbestos Yourself In Hampshire?

Introduction

Asbestos is a hazardous material that was commonly used in building construction until the 1990s. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. As a result, asbestos should only be handled by trained and licensed professionals who are equipped to deal with the risks associated with handling and removing it.

In this landing page, we will discuss the implications of asbestos as well as the best approach to take when it comes to removing it safely. We are Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, a leading asbestos removal company in the South East of England, and we are committed to providing affordable and professional services that ensure the safety of our clients and the environment.

Asbestos: The Risk of Exposure

Asbestos was used extensively in building construction until the 1990s because of its strong, durable and fire-resistant properties. However, over time, it became clear that exposure to asbestos could cause severe health problems. The risk of exposure to asbestos fibres occurs when the asbestos-containing materials become damaged or disrupted, causing the fibres to be released.

The presence of asbestos-containing materials in a building can be dangerous since the fibres can become airborne and inhaled, leading to the onset of the aforementioned health conditions. Therefore, it is essential to understand the dangers of asbestos and take appropriate measures to ensure that it is safely and professionally removed from your property.

Types of Asbestos

There are six different types of asbestos, each of which has a distinct set of properties and uses. These types include chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite. The most commonly used form of asbestos in building construction was chrysotile, which is also known as white asbestos.

Asbestos Management

Asbestos management is the process of identifying and assessing the presence of asbestos-containing materials in a building, as well as taking the necessary measures to ensure that they do not pose a risk to the health and safety of the occupants. Asbestos management should only be conducted by trained and licensed professionals who have experience in dealing with hazardous materials.

Asbestos management is essential for both commercial and private properties to ensure that the occupants are not exposed to the hazards associated with asbestos.

Asbestos Removal

Asbestos removal is the process of safely and professionally removing asbestos-containing materials from a building to eliminate the risk of exposure to its hazardous fibres. Asbestos removal can only be conducted by licensed professionals who adhere to the strict guidelines and regulations set out by the Health and Safety Executive.

It is crucial to note that the removal of asbestos should never be undertaken by homeowners or building managers, as it could lead to serious health consequences. Only licensed professionals who have the experience and training required to safely remove asbestos should conduct asbestos removal.

Asbestos Regulations

In the UK, there are regulations that govern the handling and removal of asbestos from buildings. Some of these regulations include the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983.

These regulations set out the requirements for the safe handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. It is essential to hire a licensed asbestos removal company in Hampshire that adheres to these regulations to ensure that the asbestos is removed safely and in accordance with the law.

The Professional Approach to Asbestos Removal

The safest and most professional approach to removing asbestos from a property involves several stages, including testing, removing, and disposing of the hazardous material. Therefore, it is essential to hire a licensed asbestos removal company that has the expertise and experience to handle each of these stages safely and efficiently.

Asbestos Testing

Asbestos testing is the initial stage of asbestos removal and involves identifying the presence of asbestos-containing materials in a building. An asbestos survey is required to identify where asbestos is located and in what form.

There are two types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment and demolition surveys. A management survey is used to locate asbestos-containing materials that pose a risk to the occupants of a building. On the other hand, a refurbishment and demolition survey is conducted before any refurbishment or demolition work to identify asbestos-containing materials that may be disturbed during the construction work.

Asbestos Removal

Once the asbestos-containing materials have been identified, the next step is to remove them safely from the building. Asbestos removal should only be undertaken by licensed professionals who are trained to minimise the risks associated with asbestos exposure.

During asbestos removal, it is crucial to ensure that the hazardous material is handled and disposed of safely and in compliance with the regulations. Licensed professionals often use special equipment and clothing to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

Asbestos Disposal

After the asbestos-containing materials have been successfully removed from the building, they must be disposed of in a safe and compliant manner. Asbestos waste must be transported and disposed of by licensed and authorised asbestos waste carriers. It is essential not to put asbestos waste in ordinary dustbins since it is illegal and dangerous due to the health risks associated with asbestos exposure.

Conclusion

In summary, asbestos is a hazardous material that should only be handled and removed by trained and licensed professionals. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a leading asbestos removal company in Hampshire, with an expert team of professionals who have the expertise and experience required to handle all aspects of asbestos removal safely and efficiently.

The health implications associated with asbestos exposure are severe and could lead to serious health complications. Therefore, it is imperative to treat asbestos seriously and ensure that it is removed safely and professionally from your property.

If you are thinking of removing asbestos from your property in Hampshire, contact us at Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to take a professional and safe approach.