Where Do Occupants Go When Asbestos Being Removed From House In Sussex?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were widely used in construction materials in the United Kingdom until the late 1990s. Today, asbestos is recognised as a serious health hazard that can cause a range of serious illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

If you live in Sussex and suspect that your home may contain asbestos, it's important to take action to safeguard yourself and your family. But what happens when asbestos is being removed from your home? Where do you and your family go to avoid exposure to this dangerous material?

In this article, we'll provide an overview of asbestos, its health risks, and the regulations governing the removal of asbestos. We'll also discuss the steps to take if you suspect you may have asbestos in your home and what to do when it's being removed.

Understanding Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in a range of construction materials between the 1950s and the 1980s. The mineral's strength, durability, and fire-resistant properties made it ideal for use in building materials, including insulation, roofing sheets, and ceiling tiles.

However, since the 1990s, it has become apparent that exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems. Asbestos is made up of tiny fibres that can become airborne if the material becomes damaged or disturbed. When these fibres are inhaled or swallowed, they can become lodged in the lungs, throat or stomach, where they can cause damage over time.

Exposure to asbestos can cause a range of diseases, including mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, and asbestosis, a chronic lung disease that can cause breathing difficulties.

Asbestos Removal Regulations

In the United Kingdom, asbestos removal is governed by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The regulations require anyone who is going to carry out asbestos work of any kind to be 'competent' and hold a licence to do so. The licences are issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and cover work carried out on all types of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Asbestos removal work needs to be carried out by licensed and trained professionals who follow strict procedures to ensure the safe removal and disposal of the material. Those who are responsible for managing buildings, whether residential or commercial, also have a legal obligation to identify and manage the risks associated with asbestos.

Identifying Asbestos in Your Home

If you suspect that your home may contain asbestos, you should have a survey carried out by a qualified asbestos surveyor. The surveyor will evaluate the presence, condition, and accessibility of any asbestos-containing materials in your home.

The survey report will identify the location, type, and condition of the ACMs in your home and detail the level of risk associated with them. Depending on the location and condition of the ACM, the report may recommend that the material is either left in place or removed and disposed of safely.

It's important to note that not all ACMs are hazardous if they are in good condition and not damaged or disturbed. However, once ACMs are damaged or become friable, releasing fibres into the air, they become an immediate hazard, and appropriate steps to manage them should be taken.

Asbestos Removal Process

If you have ACMs in your home that need to be removed, the removal process will follow a few key steps to ensure that the work is carried out safely and with minimal disruption to you and your family.

1. Preparing the area

The first step in the removal process is to prepare the area, which involves sealing off the work area to prevent asbestos fibres from escaping. This may involve covering doors and windows with plastic sheeting and using negative air pressure units to ensure that any asbestos fibres being created during the removal process are drawn out of the work area.

2. Removing the material

Once the area has been prepared, the asbestos material will be removed by licensed professionals. The material may be wetted down first to prevent the release of any fibres during the removal process.

3. Cleaning

After the asbestos material has been removed, the work area will be meticulously cleaned to remove any residue and ensure that the area is safe for reoccupation. This may include using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums, wet wiping surfaces, and using air monitoring equipment to test the air quality before allowing you back into the area.

4. Disposal

Once the material has been removed and the area cleaned, the asbestos waste will be disposed of safely and in accordance with the relevant regulations.

Where Do Occupants Go During Asbestos Removal?

While the asbestos removal work is being carried out, you and your family may need to vacate your home. This will depend on the extent of the work being carried out and the location of the ACMs.

If the work is being carried out in a single room or a small area of your home, you may be able to stay in the rest of the house while the work is being carried out. You should speak to your asbestos removal company about this option and any precautions you should take to minimise your exposure to asbestos fibres.

If the work is more extensive and involves multiple rooms or areas of your home, you may need to vacate the premises for a short period. Your asbestos removal company should be able to provide you with advice on suitable accommodation options during this time.

Choose a Professional Asbestos Removal Company

If you suspect that your home may contain asbestos or you require asbestos removal work to be carried out, it's essential that you choose a professional and experienced asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a licensed and qualified asbestos removal company based in Sussex, South East England. We provide affordable and reliable asbestos removal services to our clients, ensuring that the proper procedures are followed to ensure everyone's safety.

To learn more about our services or to request a quote for asbestos removal work, please call us on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk for more information.