Am I Allowed To Remove An Asbestos Roof Myself In Sussex?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry from the 1950s until the 1980s due to its insulating properties. However, it was later found out that inhaling asbestos fibres could cause serious health problems like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. That's why asbestos is now banned in the UK and stricter regulations are in place to manage its safe removal and disposal.

So, if you have an asbestos roof at your premises in Sussex that needs to be removed, can you do it yourself or do you need to hire a licensed asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex? Let's explore the essential factors that determine the answer to this question.

The Type of Asbestos

Asbestos comes in different types, and some are more hazardous than others. The three most common types of asbestos are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, is the most common type and is less dangerous than the other types. Amosite, or brown asbestos, is more fibrous and therefore more hazardous. Crocidolite, or blue asbestos, is the most deadly type of asbestos due to its needle-like fibres.

Depending on the type of asbestos in your roof, you may or may not be allowed to remove it by yourself. For example, if your roof contains chrysotile asbestos and it's in good condition, you may be able to remove it as long as you follow some strict guidelines. However, if your roof contains amosite or crocidolite asbestos, you must not try to remove it yourself under any circumstances.

The Condition of the Asbestos

The condition of the asbestos in your roof is a crucial factor that determines whether you can remove it yourself or not. If the asbestos is in good condition, meaning it is not damaged and not releasing fibres into the air, you may be able to remove it with some precautions. However, if the asbestos is damaged or crumbling, you must not touch it and hire a licensed asbestos removal company immediately.

Attempting to remove damaged asbestos yourself can release a high number of dangerous fibres into the air, which can cause serious health problems if inhaled. Only a licensed and trained asbestos professional knows how to handle damaged asbestos safely without creating unnecessary exposure to the dangerous fibres.

The Legal Regulations

Asbestos is a hazardous substance that is regulated by the law in the UK. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 states that any non-licensed asbestos removal work must be carried out by a competent person who has received the appropriate training in working with asbestos. This means that if you want to remove asbestos yourself, you must be trained and competent to do so.

However, before you even think about removing asbestos yourself, you need to think about whether you have the legal right to do so. If your premises are rented, you need to get permission from the building owner or landlord before removing asbestos. If you own the property, you need to make sure that you have the appropriate planning, legal, and insurance requirements in place to undertake such work.

The Health Risks

Asbestos fibres are tiny and invisible to the naked eye, and they can easily be inhaled into the lungs. Once inhaled, the fibres can cause damage to the lungs and other organs, leading to serious health problems like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

If you do not have the correct training, equipment, and protective clothing, you risk exposing yourself and others to asbestos fibres while trying to remove it. It is essential to take your health and the health of others seriously and ensure that you follow all the necessary protocols and legal requirements.

Hiring a Licensed Asbestos Removal Company

As mentioned earlier, if you have amosite or crocidolite asbestos in your roof or if the asbestos is in poor condition, you must not try to remove it yourself. Hiring a licensed asbestos removal company is the only way to ensure that the asbestos is removed safely and properly.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a licensed and experienced asbestos removal company in Sussex that can help you safely and legally remove asbestos from your premises. We have the necessary training, equipment, and protective clothing to handle all types of asbestos, including the hazardous ones. Our team is fully insured, and we follow all the necessary legal and safety protocols to ensure that the asbestos is removed safely and disposed of correctly.

Get a Free Survey and Quote

If you think you have asbestos in your roof, it's essential to get a survey done by a licensed asbestos professional. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex can provide you with a free survey and quote, allowing us to assess the extent of the work required and provide you with a competitive price. Contact us today on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected] to book your free asbestos survey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, removing asbestos from your roof yourself in Sussex may be possible in some cases, but it's essential to consider the type and condition of the asbestos, the legal regulations, and the health risks before attempting to do so. Hiring a licensed asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is the safest and most reliable way to ensure that the asbestos is removed safely and disposed of properly. Get in touch with us today to book your free asbestos survey and quote.