How Dangerous Is Removing Asbestos Tile In Sussex?

Are you planning to remodel or renovate your home or workplace in Sussex, South East England? Are you aware that the floor or ceiling tiles you are about to remove could contain asbestos, a hazardous material that can cause fatal diseases? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing before it was banned in the UK in 1999. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), such as floor tiles, ceiling tiles, insulation, and pipes, can release asbestos fibers when disturbed, damaged, or deteriorated. If inhaled or ingested, these fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other serious respiratory illnesses.

Removing asbestos tiles is not only risky but also illegal if you are not a licensed asbestos removal contractor. Asbestos removal should only be done by trained and certified professionals who use special equipment and procedures to minimize the release of asbestos fibers and ensure the safety of everyone involved. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a reputable asbestos removal company in Sussex with years of experience and expertise in identifying, testing, and removing asbestos tiles and other ACMs safely and responsibly.

What Are Asbestos Tiles?

Asbestos tiles, also known as vinyl asbestos tiles (VATs), were popular floor coverings in the UK from the 1940s to the 1980s. They were made of a mixture of asbestos fibers, vinyl resins, and pigments, and were durable, versatile, and affordable. Asbestos tiles came in various colors and patterns, such as checkerboard, solid, or flecked. They were also used as ceiling tiles in buildings, especially in areas with high humidity or fire risk, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or laboratories.

However, the use of asbestos tiles was phased out in the 1980s and 1990s due to the growing evidence of the health risks of asbestos exposure. Asbestos tiles are now considered a hazardous material that requires special handling and disposal. If you have asbestos tiles in your home or workplace, you should avoid disturbing them and seek professional advice from an accredited asbestos surveyor, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex.

Why Are Asbestos Tiles Dangerous?

Asbestos tiles are dangerous because they can release asbestos fibers when they are drilled, cut, scraped, or otherwise disturbed. The fibers can become airborne and stay in the air for hours or even days, depending on the ventilation and other factors. Once inhaled, the fibers can lodge in the lungs and cause scarring and inflammation, leading to respiratory illnesses such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. The risk of developing these diseases depends on several factors, such as the type and amount of asbestos fibers, the duration and frequency of exposure, and the individual's age, health, and smoking history.

Asbestos tiles are also dangerous because they often contain friable asbestos, which means the fibers can easily break off and become airborne. Friable asbestos is more hazardous than non-friable asbestos, which is encapsulated or bound in a matrix and less likely to release fibers. Asbestos tiles can become friable due to aging, weathering, damage, or improper removal. If you suspect that your floor or ceiling tiles contain asbestos, do not try to remove or handle them yourself. Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex for a professional asbestos survey and removal quotation.

How Do We Remove Asbestos Tiles Safely?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we follow a strict and thorough procedure for asbestos removal that complies with the Control of Asbestos Regulations (2012) and other relevant laws and guidelines. Our process includes the following steps:

Step 1: Site Assessment and Survey

Before removing any asbestos-containing materials, we will assess the site and conduct a thorough survey to identify and locate all the ACMs. This survey may involve visual inspections, sampling, and testing by accredited laboratories. We will also assess the risks and hazards involved, such as the type and condition of the tiles, the location and accessibility of the work area, and the potential impact on the environment, occupants, and neighboring properties.

Step 2: Planning and Preparation

Based on the site assessment and survey, we will develop a detailed plan and method statement for the asbestos removal work. This plan will include the scope and duration of the work, the equipment and materials to be used, the safety measures and procedures to be followed, and the waste management and disposal arrangements. We will also obtain the necessary permits and notifications from the relevant authorities, such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the local council.

Step 3: Containment and Decontamination

Before starting the actual removal work, we will set up a sealed and ventilated enclosure around the work area using negative pressure units and polythene sheeting. This enclosure will prevent the spread of asbestos fibers to other parts of the building and the outside environment. We will also use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as respirators, coveralls, and gloves to protect ourselves and the occupants. We will continually monitor the air quality using air sampling devices to ensure that the asbestos fibers are within safe limits.

Step 4: Removal and Disposal

Once the containment and decontamination measures are in place, we will proceed with the actual removal of the asbestos tiles using specialized tools and methods. We will carefully wet the tiles to minimize the release of fibers and carefully scrape them off the floor or ceiling. We will then double-bag the tiles and seal them in leak-tight containers labeled with the required warning signs. We will transport the containers to a licensed asbestos disposal site according to the regulations and guidelines. We will also decontaminate the work area using approved cleaning agents and procedures.

Step 5: Clearance Certification

After completing the removal and disposal work, we will carry out a thorough visual inspection and a final air clearance test to confirm that the site is free of any asbestos fibers. We will issue a clearance certificate that confirms that the work area is safe and that all the asbestos-containing materials have been safely removed and disposed of. This certificate will also contain the details of the work and the clearance results, which you can keep for your records or show to any future buyers or tenants.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a professional and reliable asbestos removal company in Sussex that offers high-quality and affordable asbestos removal services to homeowners, businesses, and contractors. We have a team of highly trained and experienced asbestos professionals who are fully licensed, insured, and accredited by the appropriate authorities. We use the latest equipment, tools, and techniques to ensure the safe and effective removal of asbestos tiles and other ACMs. We also provide a fast and responsive service, with a 24/7 emergency call-out option for urgent cases.

Contact Us

If you suspect or know that your floor or ceiling tiles contain asbestos, do not hesitate to contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. We will be happy to provide you with a free quotation and advice on the best course of action. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk for more information and testimonials from our satisfied customers. Remember, asbestos removal is not a DIY task, and your health and safety are too important to risk. Let us handle your asbestos problem and give you peace of mind.