FAQS

Avoid attempting to repair or remove asbestos-containing materials on your own without training in non-licensed asbestos work. In many cases, it’s safest to leave these materials undisturbed, particularly if they’re in good condition and not at risk of damage. Signs of damage to look out for include cracks, tears, or water stains. Regularly inspect these materials to ensure they remain undamaged and have not begun to deteriorate.

Materials containing asbestos that have minor damage may be remedied through sealing or enclosing. It is crucial, however, that such actions should only be undertaken by individuals who have received proper training in handling asbestos safely.

Before initiating any DIY home improvement projects, repairs, or maintenance that require the presence of builders, maintenance personnel, or contractors, it’s crucial to communicate the existence of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within your property. This precautionary measure is essential to minimise the risk of disturbing ACMs. To repair or remove asbestos-containing materials, enlisting the expertise of trained professionals is highly recommended to ensure safe handling and compliance with safety standards.

Asbestos needs to be legally disposed of as hazardous waste.

It is important to familiarise yourself with the risks of asbestos and what you should do if exposed. Even low levels of exposure can have serious implications over time, so it is essential that everyone takes appropriate precautions when exposed to asbestos. Before beginning work, check for signs of deterioration or damage to suspected materials and contact a qualified professional if necessary.

Dust and debris should not be disturbed, and if suspected asbestos needs to be removed, it is critical that the work is done by qualified personnel using protective clothing. Disposal of any asbestos materials must also follow strict safety guidelines outlined by the local authorities. It’s essential to exercise caution around any material you suspect may contain asbestos to protect yourself from potential health risks.

Asbestos is a mineral that should be treated with special caution. It can cause serious and potentially fatal health problems if inhaled in the form of dust. Symptoms of asbestos exposure may include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and other respiratory symptoms. Asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other conditions are among those known to be caused by asbestos exposure. While asbestos is useful for its fireproof, non-conductive and chemically resistant properties, the health risks associated with it far outweigh any potential benefits. For this reason, it is important for individuals to always take necessary precautions when working with or around asbestos materials. To reduce your risk of developing an illness from asbestos exposure, avoid contact with suspicious materials, wear protective clothing and respirators when working with asbestos, and get tested for exposure if you suspect that you may have come into contact with the mineral. For more information visit HSE. 

You can find asbestos in Sprayed coatings on ceilings, walls, beams and columns, asbestos cement water tanks, Loose-fill insulation, Lagging on boilers and pipes, AIB ceiling tiles, Toilet seats and cistern, AIB partition walls, AIB panels in fire doors, Asbestos rope seals, gaskets and paper, Vinyl floor tiles. AIB around boilers, Textiles eg fire blankets, Textured decorating coatings on walls and ceilings eg artex. Roofs, panels, soffits and pipes.

An important part of safely managing asbestos is understanding the risks and when to contact a qualified professional. Asbestos-containing materials are generally safe and stable as long as they remain undisturbed. However, if they become damaged or show signs of wear and tear from age, this can increase the risk of exposure to airborne fibres. When renovations or repairs are planned in an area of your home or building that may contain asbestos, you must contact a licensed asbestos professional who can survey the property and advise you on the safest option moving forward. This may include recommending repairs, encapsulation, or even complete removal. Only a qualified professional can provide an accurate assessment and ensure that any work done follows safety guidelines for protecting against asbestos exposure.

Presume the building contains asbestos unless you know for sure it doesn’t. It is essential that property owners and managers take the necessary steps to identify any potential asbestos-containing materials in their buildings. Even if there is no evidence of asbestos, it is important to presume that the building may contain asbestos unless a professional asbestos survey has been conducted to confirm otherwise. An asbestos survey must be completed by an experienced, qualified professional to ensure that any asbestos-related hazards are identified and that appropriate steps are taken to protect those occupying the premises. Failing to conduct an asbestos survey can lead to costly consequences in the long run, so taking proactive steps now is essential for ensuring safety. 

Once the inspection is conducted, an asbestos removal company can begin to assess and plan the removal process. It’s important that all asbestos and contaminated materials are removed per relevant legislation and safety standards, using recommended processes and techniques. The qualified professionals should be experienced in handling both ‘friable’ (easily crumbled or broken) and ‘non-friable’ (not easily crumbled or broken) asbestos materials. They should also have the appropriate protective clothing, safety equipment and expertise to ensure the safe removal of all asbestos and contaminated materials from the property. The company should then arrange to dispose of all hazardous asbestos materials safely at an approved facility. It’s worth noting that improper removal processes can expose people to asbestos fibres, which can cause serious health risks. Therefore, hiring an experienced and qualified professional is essential to ensure your safety, property, and other people in the area.

Once all hazardous materials have been safely removed from the contaminated area, it’s important to seek official certification confirming that all asbestos and contaminated materials have been removed per safety standards. This will give you peace of mind that the property is safe and that any potential asbestos health risks have been eliminated. It’s also an important document for future homeowners to see before they purchase the property.

It is essential to protect yourself from the danger of asbestos. Inhaling airborne asbestos fibres can cause serious health risks, so it is absolutely vital that you do not attempt to remove or work with it yourself. You should always contact a certified professional who specialises in handling asbestos safely. They have all the necessary equipment and training to remove and dispose of asbestos correctly and keep everyone in the vicinity safe. It is recommended that you hire an accredited asbestos professional to take care of any suspected material in your home or workplace. They can provide advice on the best course of action for the particular situation, ensuring that it is efficiently dealt with in a way that does not put anyone’s health at risk. Taking the right steps to protect yourself and those around you is essential when it comes to asbestos. By working with an experienced specialist, you can be sure of a safe and effective solution.

As asbestos is an incredibly hazardous material, it is important to take extreme caution when working around or with it. Depending on the job, workers may need to wear full-body protective gear and respirators to protect themselves from exposure to asbestos fibres. Protection must be taken even more seriously when workers are engaging in activities such as:

• Removing insulation or other materials that contain asbestos
• Drilling, cutting, sanding, or otherwise damaging materials that may contain asbestos fibres
• Cleaning up debris from demolition or renovation projects that have exposed asbestos fibres
• Removing waste products from sites where asbestos is not stored properly
• Handling naturally occurring rock or soil that has been crushed and thus could contain asbestos fibres.

Chrysotile asbestos is usually found in products like insulation, roof shingles, wallboard, cement pipes and sheets, floor tiles, fireproof fabrics and gaskets. Due to its heat resistance properties, it can also be found in automotive brakes and clutches. Chrysotile asbestos exposure has been linked to an increased risk for mesothelioma.

Amphibole asbestos is often found in insulation and soundproofing materials, fire-resistant fabrics and coatings, cement pipes and sheets, fireplaces, stoves, ovens and even automobile parts. Exposure to amphibole asbestos has also been linked to an increased risk of mesothelioma. It has also been associated with higher rates of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.

Both types of asbestos can be hazardous when airborne, as the microscopic fibers can become lodged in the lungs and cause inflammation, scarring and even cancer. It is important to take precautions when working with asbestos-containing materials, as exposure to airborne fibers can have serious health consequences. People should always wear a respirator or protective clothing when working with these materials, and professional asbestos abatement should be called in when dealing with large-scale asbestos removal projects. With proper precautions, the risks associated with asbestos exposure can be minimised.

Asbestos-containing materials (ACM)

That depends on the size and age of your building.

We may be able to quote you over the phone or by email if you have sufficient information (i.e.: images, building plans or measurements).