If you’ve discovered asbestos, or something you suspect to be asbestos, then it is important to stop any drilling, cutting or digging in the area immediately.
Discovering asbestos in older buildings can be a cause for concern. You may have to get a professional assessment and removal, depending on its condition, location and level of risk.
What Should You Do If You Discover Asbestos?
If you discover or suspect asbestos, stop work immediately and avoid disturbing the material. Keep people away from the area, and arrange an assessment by a professional asbestos waste disposal company.
Upon discovery:
- Stop work immediately
- Close off the area
- Turn off fans or any ventilation systems so dust doesn’t spread
What not to do:
- Don’t vacuum or sweep. Standard vacuums blow fibres back into the air.
- Don’t brush or shake clothes, as this makes the fibres airborne. Instead, use a damp cloth to gently wipe and pat.
- Don’t try to remove it yourself.
What to do next:
- Change your clothes carefully, avoiding pulling them over your head, and seal them in a plastic bag.
- Take a shower and wash your hair thoroughly to remove trapped fibres.
- Contact a professional certified by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to conduct an assessment.
When is Professional Asbestos Removal Required?
If the asbestos is damaged, deteriorating, likely to be disturbed or needs to be removed as part of building work, then professional removal is usually required.
Not all asbestos-containing materials automatically need to be removed. The appropriate approach depends on the material, condition, location and circumstances.
Can You Remove Asbestos Yourself?
You can remove asbestos yourself, but it must meet very specific requirements as set out here by the HSE. The first port of call is to get a professional asbestos remover to assess the asbestos, who can then advise you on your best next steps for safety.
Who Should You Contact for Asbestos Removal?
Property owners and businesses should contact licensed asbestos waste removal professionals to assess and remove asbestos. The Waste Team is fully trained and certified for the safe removal and disposal of hazardous waste like asbestos.
How Does Professional Asbestos Removal Work?
- Assessment – The team will identify and assess the asbestos-containing material.
- Planning – They will determine the most appropriate removal method and safety measures.
- Removal – Our trained professionals safely remove the material using the appropriate procedures and equipment.
- Packaging – Asbestos waste is securely packaged and labelled for transport.
- Collection and disposal – Waste is transported by our team to an authorised disposal facility.
- Certificate of Completion – As part of the service, we give you a certificate of completion to give you peace of mind that the asbestos has been fully removed.
How is Asbestos Waste Safely Handled and Disposed Of?
Asbestos waste must be carefully contained, transported and disposed of through authorised waste facilities to prevent dangerous fibres from being released into the environment.
It should not be put in normal household or commercial waste; instead, arrange with a professional asbestos waste removal company to collect and dispose of your asbestos material. They will take it to an appropriate asbestos waste transfer station.
Get Dangerous Asbestos Removed Safely With The Waste Team
If you’ve discovered asbestos, secure the area and have an asbestos waste removal professional like The Waste Team assess and remove it as soon as you can. Get in touch now.