Is Asbestos Removal Considered Routine Repair and Maintenance in Sussex?

If you are a homeowner or business owner in Sussex, it's important to understand the risks associated with asbestos-containing materials and how to manage them properly. Asbestos has been linked to various health conditions, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, and it is no longer widely used in new construction. However, many older buildings still contain asbestos, which means that it must be managed effectively to minimize the risks to occupants and workers.

As a trusted and experienced asbestos removal company in Sussex, we are often asked whether asbestos removal is considered routine repair and maintenance. In this article, we will explore this question in more detail and explain why asbestos management requires a thorough plan and careful execution.

What is Asbestos?

Before we delve into the topic of asbestos removal, let's take a brief look at what asbestos is and why it poses a risk. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials before its dangers became widely known. Asbestos has several qualities that made it ideal for use in building materials:

• It is highly heat-resistant, making it suitable for insulation and fireproofing
• It is durable and resistant to chemical damage, making it ideal for use in pipes and roofing materials
• It is a good insulator, which means it can help to reduce energy costs

Unfortunately, asbestos is also highly toxic when its fibers are released into the air and then inhaled or ingested. These fibers can become lodged in the lungs or other organs, leading to serious health problems over time. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, they can release fibers into the air, making it essential to manage them carefully.

Why Asbestos Management is Necessary

If you own or manage a property that contains asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), you have a legal responsibility to manage them properly. The Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012 requires that all ACMs are identified, assessed for risk, and then either managed or removed safely. This is to ensure that occupants and workers are not exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos fibers.

Managing asbestos involves creating an asbestos management plan that details how the ACMs in a building will be managed over time. This plan should include regular inspections to check for damage or deterioration, procedures for handling any damaged or loose ACMs, and a clear plan for managing any asbestos removal work that may be necessary.

Is Asbestos Removal Routine Repair and Maintenance?

Now, let's tackle the question of whether asbestos removal is considered routine repair and maintenance. The short answer is no, it is not. Asbestos removal is a specialized process that requires professional attention and the use of specialized equipment and techniques. It is not something that can be carried out by a general maintenance team.

While the management of asbestos-containing materials can be considered routine maintenance, the actual removal of ACMs should be considered a separate process. If ACMs are damaged or are being removed as part of a larger renovation project, they will need to be handled with care to ensure that they do not release dangerous fibers into the air. This means that you will need to engage a qualified asbestos removal company to carry out the work safely.

The Risks of DIY Asbestos Removal

If you are considering carrying out asbestos removal on your own property, it's important to understand the risks involved. DIY asbestos removal is not recommended under any circumstances, as it carries the risk of serious health hazards. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can easily become airborne during the removal process, putting you and anyone else in the vicinity at risk. If you inhale or ingest these fibers, you could be at risk of developing serious health conditions such as lung cancer or mesothelioma.

Engaging a professional asbestos removal company is always the safest course of action. These companies have the necessary equipment, training, and experience to remove ACMs safely and without posing any risk to the environment, occupants, or workers.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we offer a comprehensive asbestos management and removal service to clients across Sussex and the South East of England. We understand that managing ACMs can be a daunting task for property owners and managers, which is why we are here to help.

Our team of highly trained and qualified technicians has years of experience in handling asbestos-containing materials safely and efficiently. We use the latest equipment and techniques to remove ACMs from your property, leaving you with a safe and asbestos-free environment.

We take our responsibility to our clients and the environment seriously and pride ourselves on our commitment to safety and quality. We are fully licensed and insured, and all of our work is carried out to the highest possible standards.

Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex Today

If you are concerned about the presence of asbestos in your property or need advice on managing ACMs, we are here to help. Contact us today to speak to one of our expert technicians and arrange a consultation. Our phone number is 01273 978238, and our email address is [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk for more information about our services and to read testimonials from our satisfied clients.

Don't take risks with your health or the health of others choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex for all your asbestos management and removal needs.