How To Safely Remove Asbestos In Sussex

If you are a homeowner, landlord, or business owner in Sussex and suspect there may be asbestos in your property, it is important to handle it safely and professionally to prevent dangerous exposure to asbestos fibers. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a specialist asbestos removal company in Sussex, providing safe and efficient asbestos removal services to residential and commercial properties.

Asbestos is a harmful mineral that was commonly used in building materials from the 1950s to the 1990s. Its heat-resistant and insulating properties made it popular for use in various construction elements, such as walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, pipes, and boilers. However, exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health issues, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Therefore, it is essential to remove asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) from your property, especially if they are damaged, deteriorated, or disturbed, as they can release asbestos fibers into the air. However, removing asbestos is not a DIY project, and you must follow the legal and safety requirements to avoid health hazards, legal liability, and property damage.

Must I have permission to remove asbestos from my property?

Yes, before removing any asbestos from your property in Sussex, you must obtain the appropriate permission and follow the legal procedures set by the government authority. However, the requirements vary depending on the type, amount, location, and condition of asbestos in your building.

According to the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012, you must notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) at least 14 days before starting non-licensed asbestos removal works, such as removing less than 10 square meters of ACMs in total. Additionally, you must ensure that the asbestos removal contractor you hire is licensed and competent to perform the work.

For licensed asbestos removal works, such as removing more than 10 square meters of ACMs, you must get a licensed contractor, and they will handle the notification and other legal requirements. The HSE maintains a list of licensed asbestos removal contractors in the UK, and you can search for them on its website.

However, Age Co, Age UK's Specialist Insurance Company Recommends Professional Asbestos Removal

As Age Co, the specialist insurance company for Age UK, points out, asbestos is dangerous, and removing it is a specialist and dangerous task. Therefore, it is always best to seek the help of a professional asbestos removal company that has the necessary skills, experience, equipment, and insurance to handle asbestos safely and legally.

Age Co recommends that you get a professional asbestos survey done on your property before renovating, refurbishing, or demolishing it to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present. Then, you should hire an accredited asbestos removal contractor to inspect and remove the ACMs as per the legal and safety guidelines.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we provide comprehensive asbestos surveys and testing to determine the type, location, and condition of asbestos in your property. Based on the survey report, we can recommend the best course of action, whether it is to remove, encapsulate, or monitor the asbestos.

The Need for Professional Asbestos Removal in Sussex

Asbestos is a dangerous material that can cause serious health issues if not handled safely and professionally. Therefore, it is crucial to hire a licensed and experienced asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex to remove and dispose of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) from your property.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012 sets the legal requirements for handling and removing asbestos safely, and failure to comply with them can lead to hefty fines, imprisonment, and health hazards.

Licensed asbestos removal contractors like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex have the necessary knowledge, skills, and equipment to remove and dispose of asbestos safely and legally. We follow a strict protocol that includes:

1. Site inspection and risk assessment

Before starting the asbestos removal work, our team visits the site to assess the risks, plan the work, and prepare the necessary equipment, such as respiratory protective equipment (RPE), personal protective equipment (PPE), and decontamination units.

2. Isolation and signage

We isolate the work area with exclusion zones, warning signs, and barriers to prevent unauthorized access and notify the public and nearby properties of the asbestos removal work.

3. Wetting and removal of asbestos

We wet the asbestos materials to prevent fiber release and use specialized tools and techniques to remove the ACMs carefully without damaging other surfaces.

4. Decontamination and waste disposal

After the work is complete, we decontaminate the workers, tools, and waste, seal the asbestos waste in double plastic bags, and transport it to a licensed waste facility for safe disposal.

Understanding the Types of Asbestos in Your Property

There are six types of asbestos minerals, but only three of them, namely chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite, were used commercially in the UK. These three types are also known as white, brown, and blue asbestos, respectively, based on their color and appearance.

White asbestos (chrysotile) is the most commonly used asbestos type and is found in various building materials, such as walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, and pipes. However, it is less harmful than other types and has been banned in most countries, including the UK, since 1999.

Brown asbestos (amosite) and blue asbestos (crocidolite) are more hazardous than white asbestos and were commonly used in insulation materials and thermal lagging. They were banned in the UK in the 1980s.

It is difficult to identify the types of asbestos visually, and only a licensed asbestos surveyor can determine the type and condition of asbestos in your property. Therefore, it is advisable to get an asbestos survey done before any renovation or demolition work.

What To Do If You Find Asbestos in Your House?

If you suspect or find asbestos in your house or building, you must handle it carefully to avoid any health hazards. Below are some steps you can take:

1. Avoid damaging or disturbing the asbestos material

If the asbestos material is in good condition and not releasing fibers, you should avoid touching or disturbing it. You can monitor it regularly for any changes or damage.

2. Call a professional asbestos removal company

If the asbestos material is damaged, deteriorated, or disturbed, you should call a licensed and experienced asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex to inspect, remove, and dispose of the ACMs as per the safety and legal guidelines.

3. Inform the people who may be exposed to asbestos

If there are other people who live or work in the property, you should inform them of the asbestos presence and advise them to avoid the area until the asbestos is removed.

How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost in Sussex?

The cost of asbestos removal in Sussex depends on several factors, such as the type, location, amount, condition, and accessibility of the asbestos material. Additionally, the experience, reputation, and location of the asbestos removal company also affect the cost.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex provides competitive and transparent pricing for its asbestos removal services in Sussex and South East England. We offer free, no-obligation quotes based on the asbestos survey report, and we do not charge any hidden fees or extras. We also provide flexible payment options to suit your budget and needs.

Contact Us for Affordable, Professional, and Safe Asbestos Removal in Sussex

If you are looking for a reliable asbestos removal company in Sussex, look no further than Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex. We are a licensed, accredited, insured, and experienced asbestos removal company that provides comprehensive asbestos removal, disposal, and sampling services to residential and commercial properties in Sussex and South East England.

You can book a free, no-obligation asbestos survey by giving us a call at 01273 978238 or sending us an email at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk to learn more about our services and get a free quote. Our team of friendly and professional asbestos removal specialists is ready to tackle any asbestos issue and restore the safety and peace of mind to your property.