How To Safely Remove Asbestos Tape In Sussex

Asbestos is a toxic mineral that was once widely used in many building materials for its strengthening and heat-resistant purposes. However, after the mid-1980s, it was discovered that exposure to asbestos fibers could lead to serious health problems such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. For this reason, asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999.

Despite the ban, many buildings still contain asbestos materials, especially those built before the mid-1980s. Asbestos tape is one such material commonly found in older buildings. Due to its high risk, it should be handled with care and removed by a professional asbestos removal company in Sussex.

In this guide, we will explain why asbestos tape poses a risk, how to identify it, and the safe methods of removing it.

What is Asbestos Tape?

Asbestos tape is a woven or braided cloth made from asbestos fibers. It is often used to wrap pipes, seal joints, and insulate electrical wiring. The tape is commonly found in older buildings, especially those built before the asbestos ban in 1999.

When asbestos tape is disturbed, either by cutting or repairing, it can release asbestos fibers into the air. Inhaling these fibers can be incredibly harmful to one's health as they can become lodged in the lungs and cause diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

How to Identify Asbestos Tape

Identifying asbestos tape can be tricky as it often looks like any other cloth or tape. It may be brown, gray, or white in color and have a felt-like texture.

One way to identify if a material contains asbestos is to look for a label or documentation. If the material was installed before the asbestos ban in 1999, then it is likely to contain asbestos. However, if no documentation exists, it is essential to have the material tested by a professional asbestos testing company in Sussex.

It is essential never to attempt to remove or disturb asbestos tape without wearing protective equipment and following the correct safety procedures. Doing so can cause asbestos fibers to be released into the air, creating a hazardous environment for those in the vicinity.

The Safe Method of Removing Asbestos Tape

Removing asbestos tape should only be done by a professional asbestos removal company in Sussex. They will have specialized equipment and knowledge to remove the tape safely and efficiently.

The first step of any asbestos removal project is to conduct a risk assessment to evaluate the potential hazards and safety measures required. Once the area is secured, the following steps can be used to remove asbestos tape safely;

1. Protective Equipment: Before beginning any asbestos removal work, the removal team should wear protective clothing, including disposable coveralls, gloves, and respirators.

2. Isolate the work area: The work area should be completely isolated and sealed off to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers to other parts of the building.

3. Wet the Area: An effective way of reducing asbestos fibers' release when removing tape is to wet the area first. This prevents dry asbestos fibers from becoming airborne.

4. Remove the Tape: Using specialized tools, the asbestos tape should be carefully cut and removed from the surface. The tape should be placed in a sealed container for disposal.

5. Clean-Up: Once the tape has been removed, the area should be cleaned thoroughly to ensure all asbestos fibers are removed. A high-efficiency vacuum cleaner with a filter specifically designed for asbestos cleanup should be used.

6. Disposal: All asbestos-containing materials should be disposed of in specialized asbestos waste bags and transported to a licensed disposal site.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a professional asbestos removal company based in Sussex. We have many years of experience in safely removing asbestos materials from various buildings.

Our asbestos removal services are comprehensive and include a full risk assessment, safe removal, cleanup, and disposal. We have the latest equipment and follow strict safety guidelines to ensure our workers and clients are safe throughout the process.

Some of the reasons why you should choose us for asbestos removal services include;

1. Fully licensed asbestos removal company in Sussex.

2. Many years of experience in asbestos removal services.

3. Affordable and competitive pricing.

4. Professional and knowledgeable team.

5. Latest asbestos removal equipment and techniques.

6. Safe and efficient asbestos removal services with minimum disturbance to your daily activities.

Contact Us

If you require asbestos removal services in Sussex, please do not hesitate to contact us today. We offer free no-obligation quotes and guarantee a safe and efficient asbestos removal process.

Our phone number is 01273 978238, and our email is [email protected]. For more information about our services, please visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk.