How To Remove Asbestos Siding Yourself In Sussex

Asbestos, a hazardous substance, was widely used in various construction materials up to the 1980s. It was later discovered that asbestos, when inhaled, can lead to many respiratory and cardiovascular problems, including lung cancer. Because of this, the use of asbestos was banned in 1999 in the UK. However, its use still exists in many buildings erected before this ban. If you own such a building in Sussex and have found asbestos in it, you may feel apprehensive about handling and removing it. In this article, we will discuss how to remove asbestos siding yourself in Sussex.

Who We Are

Before exploring the process of asbestos removal, allow us to introduce ourselves. We, at Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, are a Sussex-based asbestos removal company. Our mission is to provide reliable and affordable asbestos removal services to our clients. We understand that asbestos removal can be a daunting task, which is why our goal is to make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible.

Understanding Asbestos Fibers

First and foremost, it is essential to understand what asbestos fibers are. Asbestos fibers are thin and tiny, usually white or gray, that can become airborne when asbestos-containing material is disturbed or damaged. When inhaled, these fibers can lodge themselves in the lungs leading to long-term respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Therefore, it is critical to handle asbestos with care and precaution.

Gathering The Equipment

Before starting the removal process, it's vital to gather the necessary equipment. This equipment will help you stay safe during the removal process. The equipment usually includes protective clothing, respiratory equipment, bags, and sealing materials. You can buy or rent the equipment from a store near you. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex also offers equipment rentals for your convenience.

Preparation for Asbestos Removal

There are specific procedures and laws governing the removal of asbestos. Before starting, it is vital to familiarize yourself with these laws and procedures. You must be aware of the specific asbestos regulations in Sussex and also seek advice from the regulatory agency if needed. You should also ascertain the live likely asbestos areas in your premises and notify the relevant agencies.

Cutting Out The Asbestos Siding

With all the equipment and preparation, you are now ready to remove the asbestos siding. Firstly, you'll have to ensure you have the required permits and clearance to remove asbestos legally. Next, you need to seal off the surrounding area with plastic sheeting to ensure it does not contaminate neighboring areas. Once that is done, you should mark the area for removal and start cutting the asbestos siding. In this process, you'll need to take proper measures not to break the asbestos sheets into smaller pieces as it can release asbestos fibers into the air.

Removing The Asbestos Siding

Once you have cut out the asbestos siding, you must wet the asbestos fibers thoroughly using water. The moistening will help prevent the dust from getting into the air. Using caution, put the asbestos sheets into a specifically-designed asbestos container, double bag it, and seal the bag with duct tape. Afterward, the bag should be adequately labeled as asbestos waste so that it can be correctly disposed of by a licensed professional.

Clean-Up After Asbestos Removal

Despite being very careful during the asbestos removal, you may still have some contamination. Therefore, it is crucial to carry out a thorough clean-up after the removal process. Ensure to double-check to ensure no asbestos fibers are present. Also, use a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) vacuum cleaner and wet cleaning techniques to clean the site.

Safety Measures During Asbestos Removal

During the asbestos removal process, it's essential to take all necessary precautions to protect yourself. You should wear disposable coveralls, gloves, and boots that are specifically designed to trap asbestos fibers. In addition, you must wear a respirator to avoid inhaling asbestos fibers. Ensure you follow the OSHA asbestos removal requirements for the right protective equipment needed to remain safe. Safety should always come first when performing any hazardous task.

Training Requirements for Asbestos Removal

If you're considering removing asbestos siding yourself, it's vital to know that OSHA has specific training requirements for anyone removing asbestos-containing material. According to the OSHA asbestos standard 29 CFR 1910.1001, employees must complete adequate training, including class time and hands-on training. This training must be completed by a certified trainer and meets the OSHA requirements.

Conclusion

Removing asbestos siding is an incredibly hazardous process that requires careful planning, training, and meticulous execution. If you're unsure of how to remove asbestos siding yourself in Sussex, you can always seek the services of a professional asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex. We are experienced professionals with all the necessary equipment and training to carry out asbestos removal safely and with ease. Call us today at 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected] for our services. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk for information on our asbestos removal deals in Sussex and the South East of England.