Does your home or commercial property in Thornaby-on-Tees contain asbestos? If it was constructed before 1999, then it's very likely. And if it was built before the mid-1970s, then it's almost definite.
At Asbestos SOS, part of our role is to raise awareness without causing panic. Any amount of asbestos can be problematic, but with a sensible approach and a sound management plan, we can overcome this together.
Our services include asbestos ceiling removal in Thornaby-on-Tees and we can handle all projects, big or small.
Before we get into the specifics, let's go over some important details about the dangers of asbestos.
When dealing with asbestos, awareness is key. Asbestos SOS takes this responsibility very seriously, which is why we provide detailed information on the subject – the better-equipped people are, the lower the risk of being adversely affected.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with many excellent qualities. However, it soon became apparent that the hazards outweighed any benefits by a long way.
Read more on “what does asbestos look like”.
When it comes to the historic use of asbestos in the construction industry, three were more commonly used out of the six available types:
Also called White asbestos, this variety dominated usage, constituting a staggering 90-95% globally. Renowned for its resilience and strength, it was widely used in roofing, insulation, cement, and textiles, and this is still where it is mostly found today.
Known as Brown asbestos, this variety held a modest share, approximately 4-5%. Its strength and fireproofing attributes made it a choice material for cement sheets, pipe insulation, and structural steel.
Blue asbestos represented a mere 1% of usage. Despite its unparalleled strength and heat resistance, its needle-like fibres posed considerable health risks, leading to stringent regulations and an early ban.
The main problem lies in the release of microscopic asbestos fibres when the material deteriorates or is damaged. These can enter the lungs, potentially presenting a hazard to human health in the form of:
All of these conditions can be fatal, and all will require extensive medical treatment and, most likely, hospitalisation at some point.
Read more on “how long does asbestos stay airborne”.
In the majority of cases, these conditions are limited to people who have experienced long-term exposure to high levels of asbestos-containing materials and asbestos fibres. Although the death toll is alarming, with around 5,000 asbestos-related deaths annually in the UK, most are connected with past exposure going back thirty or forty years; the symptoms can take several decades to manifest.
While the probability of contracting asbestos-related diseases in residential or commercial settings is low, it's essential to take every precaution, as even one-time exposure can be harmful.
This is where our expertise comes into play: Our company, Asbestos SOS in Thornaby-on-Tees, specialises in the safe removal of asbestos materials from homes, commercial spaces, and industrial sites. We prioritise safety and compliance, offering comprehensive solutions to mitigate risks associated with asbestos exposure.
As a general rule, if the building was constructed after the year 2000, the chances of asbestos being present are minimal.
If it was built prior to this time, then it's highly likely that asbestos will be present in some form, perhaps in the ceiling tiles or in an Artex ceiling, as mentioned earlier.
The only way to be 100% certain is through asbestos testing, and that's a task that Asbestos SOS can help you with. While home testing kits are available, these are rarely reliable or accurate. As asbestos removal specialists, the Asbestos SOS team has professional equipment, expertise, experience and access to reputable and respected laboratories for accurate testing.
This is by far the best method of identifying asbestos and preparing a coherent management plan if required.
Like most legal guidance, the laws are complex and detailed, although most points in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 are aimed directly at businesses, landlords and property owners.
The main thrust of the regulations is aimed at the 'duty holder', stating that they are responsible for ensuring that any asbestos on the premises is managed correctly. This means that the material must be inspected to ascertain its condition and that the duty holder must arrange for the safe removal of any asbestos-containing materials that are considered a risk.
If you are found to have broken any of these rules, you can face a fine of around £20,000 (or more - there is no limit currently) and/or six months in prison.
As for domestic homes, the law is less clear, as certain small-scale asbestos removal projects are allowed under some conditions. Even so, removing asbestos carries a serious risk, and you would be expected to take every precaution to prevent this harmful material from affecting your family's health.
On balance, we strongly urge all of our clients to avoid DIY removal of asbestos. Always hire an asbestos removal company like Asbestos SOS, as only trained professionals with asbestos training should tackle this job.
Our dedicated team advanced techniques and unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility ensure that with us you're not just removing asbestos but also securing a safer healthier future for your space.
Each project presents its own challenges and obstacles, but our team follows a basic procedure to ensure the safety of all those involved and to comply with the laws and regulations.
Our certified asbestos surveyor conducts a thorough inspection of the ceiling to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and assess their condition.
If ACMs are present and removal is necessary, we notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and prepare a detailed removal plan outlining safety measures and procedures.
Clear the area of furniture and belongings. Seal off the workspace with plastic sheeting and set up warning signs to restrict access.
Our trained personnel wear appropriate protective gear, including respirators, disposable coveralls, gloves, and eye protection. We establish decontamination zones and procedures for entering and leaving the area to minimise the spread of asbestos fibres.
Throughout the entire process, air monitoring tests are conducted to ensure that no asbestos fibres are present in the surrounding environment. We always take the health risks seriously, and customer safety is our number one priority.
We carefully mist the asbestos-containing material with water to minimise fibre release and encapsulate the area with polythene sheeting to contain any potential fibres.
Using specialised tools and techniques, we cautiously remove the asbestos-containing material, placing it directly into labelled, sealed bags designated for hazardous material. The waste is double-bagged in accordance with the regulations and taken to an asbestos disposal depot at a recycling centre (usually run by the local council).
As asbestos is classed as hazardous material, a hazardous waste carrier's licence is required to transport and dispose of it.
We thoroughly clean the work area using damp cloths and/or HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners to ensure all visible debris and dust are eliminated. All tools and equipment used are decontaminated.
The asbestos waste is transported to a licenced disposal site for hazardous materials, adhering strictly to regulations for packaging, transportation, and disposal.
We then conduct a comprehensive final inspection to verify the safe and complete removal of all asbestos. The area is certified safe for reoccupation.
We scrupulously maintain detailed records, including asbestos survey reports, removal plans, disposal receipts, and completion certificates, ensuring full compliance with legal requirements. Once the work is finished, you will be given your own copy of the completion certificate, which must be kept for at least forty years.
Throughout the process, our priority is the safety of our team and clients, following stringent guidelines outlined by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012). Our licenced and experienced professionals ensure the proper handling and disposal of asbestos, eliminating any risks associated with exposure.
This method may be one way to avoid asbestos removal costs. However, it is only considered a possibility if the asbestos is in good condition.
In this process, a protective adhesive is applied to the entire ceiling to seal the surface, preventing it from damage or deterioration.
Encapsulation costs around £8 to £25 per square metre, although the exact cost will be affected by other factors, such as accessibility, the need for scaffolding, the complexity of the project, and so on.
When you book an asbestos survey with Asbestos SOS in Thornaby-on-Tees, we'll assess the state of any asbestos materials present and advise you accordingly.
First of all, don't panic! If your home is more than thirty or forty years old, then it's probably going to have asbestos somewhere. The main issue is disturbed asbestos, and that sometimes happens during renovations or DIY jobs.
If your suspected asbestos is intact, you might want to get it tested and assessed, to be on the safe side.
If it looks as if it has deteriorated, or you have managed to damage it somehow, then call us immediately and we'll advise you on your next steps to take. Do not try to remove it yourself.
In the meantime, seal off the affected part of the house (as far as is practical) and wash your clothes thoroughly. This is just a precaution, but it should limit any exposure to asbestos fibres and protect you from any harmful effects.
Asbestos SOS will provide further advice on control measures to suit your circumstances when you contact us for assistance.
At Asbestos SOS, our services encompass every aspect of asbestos removal, and each one of our technicians is a trained professional.
We are equipped to handle projects of all sizes, whether it's to remove Artex that contains asbestos in multiple rooms or to dismantle and dispose of an asbestos garage roof.
While the risks are generally small, it's never worth risking your health when it comes to asbestos. Asbestos SOS will handle your asbestos management needs from start to finish, keeping you informed every step of the way. When you need peace of mind and reassurance, Asbestos SOS asbestos removal is the sensible choice.
Call our Thornaby-on-Tees team today for a friendly chat and some common-sense advice on how to deal with asbestos!