How To Clean After Asbestos Removal In Sussex

If you are in Sussex and have just had asbestos removed from your property, it is essential to clean up the area correctly to minimize the risk of inhaling asbestos fibers. Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma, a fatal form of lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases. This guide outlines the steps to take to clean after asbestos removal in Sussex.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is an asbestos removal company based in Sussex. We offer affordable asbestos removal services to residential and commercial clients in Sussex and the South East of England. Our team is fully licensed, insured, and experienced in asbestos removal.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry from the 1950s to the 1990s. Asbestos was used in insulation, pipes, roofing, tiles, and other building materials due to its heat and fire-resistant properties. The use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999 due to the health risks associated with exposure to asbestos fibers.

Asbestos Waste

Asbestos waste must be disposed of according to local regulations in Sussex. You cannot dispose of asbestos waste like normal household waste. Asbestos waste must be collected and disposed of by a licensed asbestos removal company.

Work Area

After asbestos removal, the work area must be cleaned up thoroughly to remove any asbestos residue. The work area must be cleared of all items, such as furniture, curtains, and personal belongings. Any materials that may contain asbestos, such as insulation, pipes, and tiles, must be removed and disposed of correctly.

Products for Cleaning Asbestos

When cleaning up after asbestos removal, it is essential to use appropriate cleaning products. Ordinary cleaning products can stir up asbestos dust, which can be dangerous to inhale. Use cleaning products specifically designed for asbestos cleanup. These products are designed to trap and contain asbestos dust and fibers, preventing them from becoming airborne.

Asbestos Waste

After removing asbestos-containing materials, the waste must be placed in special asbestos disposal bags. The bags must be labeled with a warning sign indicating that they contain asbestos. The bags must be securely tied to prevent any dust or fibers from escaping. Asbestos waste must then be transported to a licensed asbestos disposal site.

Work Area

Once all asbestos-containing materials have been removed and disposed of, the work area must be cleaned using HEPA vacuums. HEPA vacuums are designed to remove small particles such as asbestos fibers. They are much more effective than regular vacuums that simply stir up dust and recirculate it into the air.

Debris

All debris should be vacuumed up using a HEPA vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner should be equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) to trap and contain any asbestos particles. Once the debris has been vacuumed up, it should be placed in asbestos disposal bags and securely tied.

Microscope

In some situations, you may need to use a microscope to inspect the cleaned area for any remaining asbestos fibers. The microscope should be carefully calibrated, and the technician should be trained in identifying asbestos fibers.

Protective Equipment

When cleaning up after asbestos removal, it is essential to wear protective equipment. You should wear a face mask that covers your mouth and nose to prevent inhaling asbestos fibers. You should also wear a full body suit that covers your entire clothing to avoid any contact with asbestos fibers. Finally, you should wear disposable boot covers to prevent any asbestos fibers from being carried outside the work area.

Types of Asbestos

There are several types of asbestos minerals, including white asbestos, blue asbestos, and brown asbestos. Each type of asbestos has different properties and is commonly found in different building materials. It is important to identify the type of asbestos present in your building before starting any asbestos removal work.

Keeping Safe

Keep your face mask on while you remove the rest of your PPE. This will prevent any asbestos fibers from being inhaled while you remove the rest of your equipment. Dispose of all used PPE in asbestos disposal bags and tightly seal the bag. Dispose of your face mask and other PPE in asbestos disposal bags.

Slurry

If you have removed thick asbestos-containing materials such as drywall, you may create a slurry when wetting the debris. The slurry can be put directly into asbestos disposal bags and tightly sealed. Be sure to label the bags with a warning sign indicating that they contain slurry.

Sussex

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex provides asbestos removal services to residential and commercial clients in Sussex and the South East of England. We are fully licensed and insured, and our team is experienced in asbestos removal.

In conclusion, cleaning up after asbestos removal is essential to minimize the risk of inhaling asbestos fibers. It is important to use appropriate cleaning products, dispose of asbestos waste correctly, wear protective equipment, and use HEPA vacuums to clean up the work area. For more information about asbestos removal in Sussex, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex today on 01273 978238 or email [email protected].