Asbestos is a harmful mineral that was commonly used in building materials in the UK until the 1980s. Its use has since been banned due to the severe health risks it poses. Unfortunately, asbestos-containing materials are still found in many buildings across the country, which makes proper asbestos removal necessary to ensure the safety of those living or working in those spaces.

In this article, we will discuss the process of asbestos removal, including the steps involved, the equipment used, and the safety precautions taken by professionals.

Step 1: Asbestos Survey

Before any removal work begins, an asbestos survey is conducted to determine the extent of the asbestos in the building. This survey is conducted by a qualified asbestos surveyor and involves a thorough inspection of the building, including the roof space, walls, floors, and any other areas where asbestos may be present. The surveyor will take samples of any suspected asbestos-containing materials and send them to a laboratory for testing.

Step 2: Asbestos Removal Plan

Once the survey results are received, an asbestos removal plan is developed. The plan outlines the scope of work, the equipment needed, and the safety measures required to protect workers and occupants from asbestos exposure.

Step 3: Preparation

Before removal work begins, the area is sealed off and secured to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres. This involves erecting barriers, sealing doors and windows, and covering floors and surfaces with polythene sheeting. The removal team also wears personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent asbestos exposure.

Step 4: Asbestos Removal

The actual removal work involves removing the asbestos-containing material in a controlled and safe manner. This may involve wetting the material to prevent the release of fibres, using specialised tools to cut and remove the material, and carefully bagging and labelling the waste for disposal.

Step 5: Clearance Testing

After the removal work is complete, a clearance test is conducted to ensure that all asbestos fibres have been removed from the area. This involves taking air samples and sending them to a laboratory for testing. If the results are satisfactory, the area is deemed safe for reoccupation.

Equipment Used

Asbestos removal requires specialised equipment to ensure the safe and effective removal of asbestos-containing materials. This includes:

• Negative air pressure units: These units create negative air pressure within the work area, preventing the escape of asbestos fibres.
• HEPA vacuums: These high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums are used to clean the area after removal work is complete, ensuring that all asbestos fibres are removed.
• PPE: Workers wear PPE to prevent asbestos exposure, including disposable overalls, respirators, and gloves.

Safety Precautions

Asbestos removal is a hazardous activity, and strict safety measures must be followed to protect workers and occupants from asbestos exposure. This includes:

• Proper training and certification for all workers involved in asbestos removal
• Use of appropriate PPE, including respirators, gloves, and disposable overalls
• Creation of a sealed work area to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres
• Disposal of asbestos waste in accordance with UK regulations
• Regular air monitoring to ensure that asbestos fibres are not released into the environment

Conclusion

Asbestos removal is a complex and hazardous process that requires specialised knowledge, equipment, and safety measures. It is essential that asbestos removal is carried out by qualified and experienced professionals such as Armco Asbestos Surveys to ensure that the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres is minimised. If you suspect that your property contains asbestos, it is important to contact a professional asbestos surveyor to conduct an asbestos survey and develop an asbestos removal plan.

Published Apr 26, 2023