Over recent years, we have become more aware of asbestos and the harm it can cause.
Asbestos was typically used in construction during the building of both residential and commercial buildings for over 150 years. In the UK in particular, the building boom of 1950-1980 saw 250,000 new local authority homes per year being built.
The use of asbestos in buildings was not banned until 1999.
Buildings created after 2000 will generally be safe from asbestos but it is always best to check.
What Exactly Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural fibre and was commonly used in three types:
- Chrysotile (white) – the most common form of asbestos and most likely to find in your home or office. This was used in walls, floors, roof and ceiling tiles and still has other industrial uses. Chrysotile was actually the last type of asbestos to be banned in the UK as the curly shape of the fibres makes them easier to breathe out.
- Amosite (brown) – the second most common type of asbestos. Exposure to amosite asbestos has a higher risk of cancer compared to other asbestos as the fibres are sharp and easy to inhale. Typically found in insulation board, sheetrock, ceiling tiles and thermal insulation.
- Crocidolite (blue) – a grey/blue/green colour. It has a greater tensile strength but is less heat resistant. Used particularly in steam engines, pipe insulation, spray-on coatings and types of cement wallboard. This was the first type to be banned in 1970 as it was deemed the most dangerous.
Asbestos Health Risks at Work and Home
You have probably already heard of the dangers surrounding asbestos.
The fibres from asbestos embed themselves in your lungs and can cause deadly diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Even in recent years, over 5000 people a year die due to asbestos exposure.
It is essential that whether at home or in the office, your asbestos is removed professionally and safely.
If there is asbestos in a building that is still intact, the risk is significantly lowered. It’s only when asbestos is disturbed and the fibres are able to get into your lungs when it becomes dangerous.
Removing Asbestos Safely
Under no circumstances should asbestos be broken into smaller pieces for removal as this will create asbestos dust. The dust particles spread even further and create a larger hazard.
We would recommend spraying water on the asbestos prior to removal to minimize the dust.
The easiest way to remove asbestos from either your home or office is to employ an experienced and qualified removal company. They need the appropriate equipment and training and will have the asbestos removed quickly and safely.
Can Asbestos Disposal Be Done By Myself?
Asbestos disposal can become a minefield. If you know exactly what you are doing and have all the specialist equipment, then it can be relatively straight forward.
To safely remove asbestos yourself, you will need the following:
- Gloves
- A dust mask
- Safety goggles
- Asbestos removal bags
- Plastic sheeting
- Overalls
Once used, all of this personal protective equipment must be disposed of in the same way you would dispose of asbestos itself.
Under no circumstances can asbestos be placed in your general waste or council bin. You require specific asbestos removal bags which must be correctly labelled before disposing.
These bags can then be loaded in your car and taken to your local tip. It’s important to check that your local tip does accept asbestos as not all do.
Will the Council Remove Asbestos for Me?
Most councils will provide an asbestos removal service; however, these do not have the same availability and flexibility as waste management companies and will not remove as high a volume.
To ensure your asbestos is removed safely, legally and as soon as possible, you’re best off booking with a waste management company or licensed asbestos disposal site.
How Do I Find A Licensed Asbestos Disposal Site?
Any company hired to collect your waste must have a Waste Carriers Licence and are legally obliged to provide you with a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note.
Your Waste Consignment Note outlines what waste has been collected, from which address, on what date and which companies/people are involved.
Here at KCM Waste Management, we collect and dispose of all hazardous waste. Our fully trained and uniformed staff will collect all asbestos from your site using all the required PPE and packaging.
Get in touch with us to find out more about asbestos disposal and how we can help.