What Is The Most Risk Type Of Asbestos Removal In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a mineral that was extensively used in construction, manufacturing and other industries. However, it is now commonly known that exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. The removal of asbestos is therefore crucial, but it must be done in a safe and effective manner to avoid exposing individuals to the hazardous fibres.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a company dedicated to providing safe and affordable asbestos removal services in Hampshire and the South East of England. Our experienced and qualified team is equipped to handle all types of asbestos removal, but some types are more hazardous than others. In this landing page, we will discuss the different types of asbestos and highlight the most risk type of asbestos removal in Hampshire.

Asbestos Products and Materials

Asbestos was commonly used in a wide range of products and materials due to its high tensile strength, chemical and heat resistance, and insulation properties. The following are some examples of asbestos-containing products and materials:

• Cement sheets and pipes
• Insulation materials (e.g. loose-fill, blown-in or sprayed insulation)
• Flooring tiles and adhesives
• Roofing materials (e.g. shingles, corrugated panels)
• Textured coatings (e.g. plaster, paint)
• Gaskets and seals in machinery and equipment
• Brake and clutch linings in vehicles

The use of asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999, but buildings constructed before this date may still contain asbestos-containing materials. It is not easy to identify asbestos-containing materials visually, and a professional assessment by a licensed and qualified asbestos surveyor is necessary.

Asbestos Fibres and Health Risks

Asbestos is hazardous when its fibres become airborne and can be inhaled into the lungs. The fibres can then become lodged and create scar tissue that can lead to cancer and other serious respiratory illnesses. Exposure to asbestos can occur through breathing in the fibres in the workplace, in the home, or in public buildings.

There are two main types of asbestos fibres: amphibole and serpentine. Amphibole fibres are straight and needle-like and more hazardous than serpentine fibres, which are curly and spiral-shaped. The type of asbestos and the level of exposure to fibres can affect the health risks.

Types of Asbestos Removal

Asbestos removal is a delicate process that must be handled by qualified and licensed asbestos removal contractors. The process involves identifying asbestos-containing materials, assessing the risks, and then safely removing and disposing of the materials.

There are two types of asbestos removal: non-licensed and licensed. Non-licensed removal involves working with low-risk asbestos-containing materials, where the asbestos fibres are not easily airborne. This is something that can be done by a competent contractor, providing they have the necessary training and equipment.

Licensed asbestos removal is required for high-risk asbestos removal work or where the asbestos fibres are easily airborne. This type of work requires a licensed asbestos removal contractor who follows strict regulations on how asbestos should be removed, handled and disposed of.

The Most Risk Type of Asbestos Removal in Hampshire

The most risk type of asbestos removal in Hampshire is licensed asbestos removal. This is because the work involves high-risk asbestos-containing materials, such as sprayed or loose-fill insulation, which can generate large quantities of airborne asbestos fibres.

Sprayed asbestos insulation was commonly used in the UK between the 1950s and the mid-1980s. It was used to insulate walls, ceilings and roofs, particularly in industrial and commercial buildings. The insulation was often sprayed onto steelwork and concrete surfaces, forming a dense, fibrous coating that effectively kept heat in.

However, the application process was often haphazard and not well controlled, leading to the release of large quantities of asbestos fibres into the air. The widespread use of sprayed asbestos insulation means that it is still commonly found in many old buildings today, particularly in those built before the mid-1970s.

The removal of sprayed asbestos insulation is particularly hazardous and requires strict controls, including sealing off the work area, using specialised equipment to control dust and fibres and ensuring that the workers have the appropriate personal protective equipment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, asbestos removal is crucial to ensure the safety and health of individuals exposed to the hazardous fibres. Asbestos was widely used in construction and other industries, and buildings constructed before 1999 may still contain asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos removal must be handled by licensed and qualified contractors who follow strict regulations to minimise the risks of exposure.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is committed to providing safe and affordable asbestos removal services in Hampshire and the South East of England. We handle all types of asbestos removal, including sprayed asbestos insulation, which is the most risk type of asbestos removal in Hampshire.

If you suspect that your building may contain asbestos-containing materials, it is important to have it assessed by a qualified asbestos surveyor. Contact us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] for a free quote and consultation.