Do It Yourself Asbestos Survey In Sussex

Asbestos is a material that was commonly used in construction until the late 1990s. Although it was known for its heat-resistant properties, it was eventually discovered to be hazardous to health. If asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can cause serious respiratory problems and even cancer. To avoid risks and ensure the safety of your premises and all its occupants, it is essential to ascertain if there are any traces of asbestos in your property.

In order to do that, you can always hire a professional surveyor to come to your place and take samples, but this can be expensive. Instead, you can do it yourself by following some simple steps. In this post, we'll go through the key concepts of asbestos, the steps you need to follow, and how Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex can help you achieve a safe asbestos-free environment in Sussex.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of microscopic fibers. Because of its unique properties, it was commonly used in the construction industry until the 1990s. It provided excellent insulating properties, made products more heat resistant, and added strength and durability to materials. However, when asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can cause serious health problems such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Sampling and Testing for Asbestos

If you are planning to do the testing yourself, you will need to obtain samples of suspect materials and send them off to an accredited laboratory for analysis. Before you start, it is important that you follow certain guidelines to avoid risking the release of asbestos fibers into the air. You should wear protective clothing, including disposable gloves, a dust mask, and coveralls that you can dispose of safely later.

It is recommended to take samples of materials that are likely to contain asbestos. Some examples are textured coatings, floor tiles, roof sheets, pipe insulation, etc.

Step-by-Step Guide

To get started, we have prepared an easy-to-follow guide that outlines the whole process step-by-step.

Step 1: Identify areas within your property that you suspect may contain asbestos

If you are unsure about what materials might contain asbestos, it is best to get a professional surveyor to do this job. However, you can look for clues like the age of the building (if it was built before 2000), the type of construction, and any previous renovation work that has been done.

Step 2: Gather the materials for sampling

You will need the following items:

• Disposable gloves
• Coveralls
• Dust Mask
• Spray bottle containing water and a few drops of detergent
• Plastic bags with zip-lock seal
• Marker pen

Step 3: Preparation

The preparation stage is essential. Make sure that you isolate the area you will be working in and put up warning signs to alert other people. Cover any furniture or other items with plastic sheets or remove them from the area.

Step 4: Take Samples

Spray the area you will be testing with the water and detergent solution. Wait for a few minutes to allow the water to soak the material. Then, scrape a small sample of the material with a knife or a similar tool into a plastic bag. Place the bag into another plastic bag, and seal it tight.

Step 5: Lab Testing

Label the bag with the date, location, and material sampled, but do not include any personal information like your name or address. Contact an accredited laboratory to get the samples tested.

Step 6: Results

Once you receive the results, you will find out if there is any asbestos present within the sample. If asbestos is identified, you will need to take appropriate steps to manage or remove the asbestos safely.

Presenting Your Results

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex can provide professional advice on what steps you should take should asbestos be present in your survey. We understand that managing asbestos can be difficult, which is why Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex offers a range of services, including asbestos removal and management Plans.

Full Asbestos Services

Our company offers a comprehensive range of asbestos services. We can provide a full asbestos survey, asbestos testing and sampling, and safe asbestos removal.

Air Testing

Take note that asbestos is most hazardous when it is airborne. We offer air testing to ensure the air quality of your property is safe. Our highly-trained professionals will take air samples, and use the latest equipment to analyze them for asbestos fibers.

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Do-It-Yourself Test Kits

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex can also provide you with a DIY testing kit that can be delivered to homes in Sussex and the South East of England. The kits feature all the necessary tools needed to take samples safely at home, including coveralls, gloves, mask, sampling bags, and instruction sheets. They are user-friendly and can provide reliable results.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a highly hazardous material that can cause serious health problems if inhaled. If your property was built before the year 2000, there is a chance that asbestos is present in your house or business location. To make sure that your environment is safe, you can hire a professional or do it yourself by following the simple steps outlined in this article.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex provides professional and reliable asbestos services, with a range of specialized solutions that are tailored to your needs. Our services include asbestos surveys, sampling and testing, and safe asbestos removal. Dont hesitate to Contact us at 01273 978238 or by email at [email protected]. For more information, visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk.