Is It Necessary To Remove Asbestos In Sussex?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry until the 1980s, when its link to serious health conditions such as mesothelioma and lung cancer was discovered. As a result, the use of asbestos in construction was banned in the UK in 1999. However, many older buildings in Sussex and the rest of the UK still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). So, is it necessary to remove asbestos in Sussex? The short answer is yes.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that are made up of long, thin fibres. It was prized for its strength, durability, and heat resistance, and was widely used in a variety of building materials, such as insulation, roofing, and flooring. There are three main types of asbestos: chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite.

The Risk of Asbestos Fibres

Asbestos fibres are very small and can easily be inhaled. When this happens, they can become trapped in the lungs and other organs, where they can cause inflammation and scarring. Over time, this can lead to serious health conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Asbestos-Containing Products and Material

As we mentioned earlier, asbestos was widely used in the construction industry until the 1980s. As a result, many older buildings in Sussex and the rest of the UK still contain ACMs. These can be found in a variety of materials, including insulation, roofing, flooring, and even paint.

Asbestos Survey

If you suspect that a building may contain asbestos, the first step is to have an asbestos survey carried out. This will involve a trained professional inspecting the building and taking samples of any suspected ACMs. These samples will then be analysed in a laboratory to confirm the presence of asbestos.

Government Regulations

In the UK, there are strict regulations governing the handling and removal of asbestos. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 set out the requirements for asbestos management in non-domestic properties. Landlords, employers, and those in charge of buildings have a legal duty to manage asbestos in their buildings and take steps to protect those who may come into contact with it.

Contact Us

If you suspect that a building contains asbestos, or if you need to have asbestos-containing material (ACM) removed, it is important to contact a professional asbestos removal company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex. We are a trusted provider of asbestos removal services in Sussex and the surrounding areas, and our team of trained professionals can safely and efficiently remove ACMs from your building.

The Importance of Asbestos Removal

Asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and are not disturbed are generally considered safe. However, when ACMs are damaged or disturbed, they can release asbestos fibres into the air. This is why it is so important to have any ACMs removed from your building.

Asbestos-Containing Material in Waste

When ACMs are removed, they must be handled as hazardous waste and disposed of in accordance with the regulations set out by the government. This requires specialized training and equipment.

Step-by-Step Information on Asbestos Removal

The process of asbestos removal typically involves the following steps:

1. Inspection - A trained professional will inspect the building and take samples of any suspected ACMs.

2. Risk Assessment - The risk posed by the ACMs is assessed to determine the best course of action.

3. Preparation - The area around the ACMs is sealed off to prevent the release of asbestos fibres.

4. Removal - The ACMs are carefully removed by trained professionals wearing protective clothing.

5. Disposal - The ACMs are disposed of as hazardous waste in accordance with regulations.

Asbestos and Vacuum Dust

It is important to note that vacuuming or dusting ACMs can release asbestos fibres into the air, which can be dangerous. This is why it is important to have any ACMs removed by a professional asbestos removal company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex.

Landlord and Managing Agent Responsibilities

Landlords and managing agents have a legal duty to manage asbestos in their buildings and take steps to protect those who may come into contact with it. This includes having an asbestos survey carried out and taking steps to remove any ACMs.

Employers and Responsibilities

Employers also have a legal duty to manage asbestos in their buildings and take steps to protect their employees from exposure to asbestos fibres. This includes providing training on how to identify and safely handle ACMs.

Repaired or Removed?

In some cases, it may be possible to repair ACMs rather than remove them. However, this will depend on a number of factors, such as the extent of the damage and the type of material involved. In general, it is safer and more effective to have ACMs removed rather than repaired.

Affordable Asbestos Removal in Sussex

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are dedicated to providing safe and reliable asbestos removal services in Sussex and the surrounding areas. Our team of trained professionals has the expertise and equipment necessary to safely remove ACMs from your building, ensuring that you and your employees or tenants are not exposed to asbestos fibres.

Contact Us for More Information

If you need to have asbestos-containing material (ACM) removed from your building, or if you have any questions or concerns about asbestos in general, please do not hesitate to contact us. 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.