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Asbestos is a fibrous mineral prized for its exceptional insulating and heat-resistant qualities. Asbestos saw widespread use in building materials until the 1980s. The term “asbestos” contains six minerals categorised into two groups, serpentine and amphibole, based on their physical and chemical features. The three most frequently encountered asbestos types are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite.
It’s important to realise that asbestos fibres are dangerous. They are so tiny they are invisible to the naked eye, and it’s easy to disturb and release them during construction, renovation, or demolition work. They can also become airborne when the building materials deteriorate with age. Breathing in these tiny fibres can bring on severe health issues, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
Recognising the health risks linked to asbestos, many countries, including the UK, altogether banned this hazardous material in building materials. The amphibole type was prohibited in 1985, and the use of all other types in 1999. In the UK, it was banned in 1999, although many countries did not ban it until years after. However, many older properties in the UK might still have asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in places such as floor tiles, flues, and roof sheets.
It’s very important that Essex residents know the possible hazards associated with ACMs and take measures to handle them safely.
Like other areas in the UK, Essex has a history of asbestos use, which means it is still likely to be found in buildings dating back to pre-1999. The number of older buildings in a town increases the likelihood of asbestos-containing materials. For example, central London, which has a high percentage of older constructions, will have a more increased percentage of asbestos-containing buildings than a town like Bicester, which has a large percentage of modern homes built after 1999.
A survey conducted in 2021 found asbestos in at least 55 Essex council-owned properties. The Trades Union Congress commissioned the Labour Research Department (LDR) survey which found 38 buildings in Maldon and 17 in Brentwood still contained asbestos.
The survey found that the buildings included leisure centres, burial ground chapels, and Brentwood town hall but excluded schools and houses.
Maldon and Brentwood district councils have confirmed that they have plans in place to manage asbestos, ensuring no risk to anyone as long as it remains undisturbed.
The plan includes annual inspections to ensure that the asbestos does not pose any risks to public safety.
The survey, published on May 13, 2022, sampled councils in England and found 2,690 premises with asbestos across 31 local authorities. Maldon and Brentwood councils were among those who supplied lists of the affected buildings to the LRD.
In Brentwood, thirteen of the affected buildings are open to the public, including burial chapels, the town hall, community buildings, leisure centres, operational depots, a plant nursery used for charity purposes, a car park and changing rooms at playing fields.
To reduce the risks linked to asbestos exposure, owners, and managers of buildings in Essex need to take measures to identify and manage ACMs on their premises. This means arranging for an asbestos survey comprising testing and analysis. After a survey reveals asbestos, it’s imperative to design an asbestos management plan to either manage it or remove and dispose of the ACMs safely.
If you are concerned about asbestos in your building, contact us at AJC Environmental. We are experienced asbestos surveyors and removal contractors and will guide you on managing asbestos and its possible risks. Our team has extensive knowledge in asbestos removal and disposal, sticking to all HSE health and safety rules for a secure and efficient solution.
Asbestos removal services are essential for the safety of people and the environment. The process involves identifying materials containing asbestos, followed by proper containment, and removing hazardous substances from buildings. Generally, asbestos removal services follow a series of steps to ensure that all asbestos-containing materials are eliminated safely and effectively without causing any harm to people or the surroundings.
The process of asbestos removal follows these steps:
Asbestos Survey
To guarantee the safety of occupants, it is crucial to hire a licensed asbestos surveyor who can conduct a thorough survey of the building. The surveyor will use specialised equipment and methods to identify potential asbestos-containing materials and assess the level of contamination. The inspection will reveal the extent of the problem so we can adopt suitable strategies to manage and eliminate the issue.
Containment
To guarantee the safety of everyone in the building, before removal, the work area is isolated and sealed off from the rest of the premises. This prevents the spreading of asbestos fibres.
Removal
The materials containing asbestos will be removed with utmost care to stop the release of fibres. The removal process is done precisely, and the materials are placed into specialised sealed bags and containers to ensure safe transportation and disposal of the hazardous waste.
Decontamination
We thoroughly clean and decontaminate the area and tools after removing all the asbestos-containing materials from the workspace. This involves using specialised equipment and techniques to ensure that every surface in the area is entirely free of any remaining asbestos fibres or particles. We take the safety of our workers and clients very seriously and will only leave the work site once we are sure the area is safe.
Clearance Testing
After completing the asbestos removal and decontamination, we check again to make sure that the work area is entirely free of any dangerous fibres. To confirm this, we collect air samples from the site. These samples undergo strict testing to verify that all asbestos is removed, and the area is safe for re-occupation.
Regarding asbestos removal, hiring licensed, trained, non-licensed, or accredited contractors with the expertise and equipment to manage and remove asbestos-containing materials safely is crucial.
As responsible asbestos contractors, we take every precaution to comply with the stringent regulations and guidelines laid down by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to ensure the safety of workers and building occupants. Our team is well-trained and equipped to handle all aspects of the asbestos removal process, from identification and assessment to containment, removal, and disposal. With our expertise and commitment to safety, you can rest assured that you and your property are in good hands.
If you think your building might contain asbestos, we can help you with an asbestos survey in Essex and, if necessary, remove it safely and with minimal damage to the property and the environment. Our team of experts can handle all aspects of asbestos removal in Essex and disposal. We will thoroughly survey your property to specify the presence of asbestos and develop a tailored plan to remove it. You can trust us to manage the entire process effectively at a competitive price, leaving your building asbestos-free.
