Will My Local Council Remove Asbestos in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a natural mineral widely used in building materials because of its insulating properties, resistance to fire, and affordability. However, asbestos fibers are very hazardous to human health, causing lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Therefore, the UK government banned the use and importation of asbestos in 1999, and now there are strict regulations for asbestos management and removal.

If you live in Hampshire, a local council in the South East of England, you may wonder if your council is responsible for removing asbestos from your property or neighborhood. In this landing page, we will discuss the role of the local council in asbestos removal, the risks of asbestos exposure, and the services of Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, a licensed and experienced asbestos removal company in Hampshire.

Does the Local Council Remove Asbestos in Hampshire?

The local council in Hampshire has a legal duty to manage asbestos within its premises and properties, such as council housing, public buildings, and schools. However, the council is not responsible for asbestos in private homes or commercial properties, which are under the owners' responsibility to manage and remove.

The council's duty to manage asbestos involves identifying and assessing the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), creating an asbestos register and management plan, training staff and contractors on asbestos awareness and safety, and monitoring the ACMs' condition and removing or repairing them if necessary.

The council must also inform tenants, employees, and visitors about the potential presence of asbestos and the precautions to take when working or living in ACMs' proximity. The council must not put anyone at risk of asbestos exposure, which can occur when ACMs are disturbed, damaged, or deteriorating, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.

However, the council's duty to manage asbestos does not include removing asbestos, except in emergencies or when the ACMs pose an immediate risk to health or safety. The council may also remove asbestos from its properties during renovations or demolition, using licensed and qualified asbestos removal contractors.

Therefore, if you have asbestos in your private home, you need to contact a licensed asbestos removal company in Hampshire, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, to safely and legally remove the asbestos and dispose of it in accordance with regulations.

Why is Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos is dangerous because its fibers are microscopic and can be easily inhaled and ingested, causing long-term damage to the lungs and other organs. Asbestos-related diseases usually take decades to develop and can have severe and fatal consequences, such as:

• Mesothelioma: a rare cancer of the thin lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart
• Lung cancer: a common cancer that can spread to other organs
• Asbestosis: a chronic lung disease that impairs breathing and can cause heart failure.

Anyone exposed to asbestos fibers can develop asbestos-related diseases, regardless of age, gender, or smoking history. However, the risk increases with the amount and duration of exposure, the type of asbestos fibers, and the individual's genetic susceptibility.

Asbestos exposure typically occurs during the handling or processing of raw asbestos, the installation or removal of ACMs, or the maintenance and repair of buildings with ACMs, such as roofing, insulation, walls, floors, or pipes. Asbestos fibers can also be released into the air during natural disasters, such as earthquakes or hurricanes, or by human activities, such as drilling, sanding, cutting, or scraping.

Therefore, it is crucial to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials appropriately, avoid disturbing or damaging them, and contact a licensed and experienced asbestos removal company in Hampshire if you suspect or find asbestos in your property.

The Services of Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a reputable and reliable asbestos removal company in Hampshire, operating throughout the South East of England, including Portsmouth, Southampton, Basingstoke, Aldershot, and Petersfield. Our team of licensed and trained asbestos removal specialists can safely and legally remove asbestos from your property, whether it is a residential, commercial, or industrial building.

Our services include:

• Asbestos surveys: we can inspect your property for the presence of asbestos, take samples of suspected ACMs, and test them in a licensed laboratory to confirm the type and level of asbestos.
• Asbestos removal: we can use various methods to remove asbestos, depending on the location, type, and condition of the ACMs. We can isolate the area, use protective equipment and clothing, and safely dispose of the asbestos in accordance with regulations.
• Asbestos encapsulation: we can apply a sealant or coating to the ACMs to prevent the release of fibers and prolong the life of the materials. Encapsulation is a cost-effective alternative to removal when the ACMs are in good condition and not likely to be disturbed.
• Asbestos management: we can help you develop an asbestos management plan, including an asbestos register, risk assessments, training, and monitoring. We can also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices.

We are committed to providing a high-quality and affordable service to our clients, using the latest equipment and techniques to ensure the safe and efficient removal of asbestos. We are fully licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency, and we follow the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the Waste Management Regulations 2011.

Our phone number is 01962 458066, and our email is [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk to learn more about our services, read our testimonials, and request a free quote.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the local council in Hampshire has a duty to manage asbestos within its properties but is not responsible for removing asbestos from private homes or commercial properties. Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious and fatal diseases, and its proper management and removal require a licensed and experienced asbestos removal company in Hampshire.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire offers a comprehensive and affordable service to safely and legally remove asbestos from your property, as well as provide asbestos surveys, encapsulation, and management solutions. We are fully licensed and qualified to handle all types and amounts of asbestos, and we prioritize your health and safety.

Contact us today for a free quote and peace of mind!