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Our asbestos surveys in Kent involve a detailed examination aimed at identifying and rating the risk of any materials containing asbestos (ACMs) in buildings across the county. Our asbestos surveyors conduct surveys in the southeast region, adhering to the strict guidelines and regulations established by the Health and Safety Executive.
We pay close attention to areas where asbestos is often found, including roof tiles, boilers, and flooring. We take samples of any material that appears dubious and take them to a laboratory for analysis.
The samples undergo a strict laboratory analysis process at the asbestos testing laboratory. This analysis uses polarised light microscopy (PLM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These state-of-the-art methods allow for precise identification of how much asbestos is present in the samples.
Once asbestos is confirmed, our experts will advise you on the next step. If the asbestos is in good condition and not likely to reach a state of deterioration in the near future, it can be managed. This will sometimes involve sealing the asbestos with another material to stop fibres from shedding.
However, if the asbestos is in a state of deterioration or likely to be disturbed due to pending renovations or building work, the only safe course is to remove it from the premises.
Until the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in building materials, as it is fire and heat-resistant. But over time, health professionals realised asbestos was the cause of many life-threatening conditions which can occur after tiny asbestos fibres people can inhale. Once inhaled, these fibres can lodge in the lungs and respiratory system, causing severe health problems.
Asbestos removal eliminates the risk of exposure to these harmful fibres. Only trained professionals with the necessary expertise and equipment should remove asbestos to minimise the risk of fibre release during disposal.
In the UK, asbestos removal companies must follow strict guidelines to remove it safely. The rules protect the people who work with asbestos and the public.
Like in most parts of the UK, in Kent, asbestos is still present in many older buildings as it was commonly used in building materials until the 80s when the dangers became well-known, and its complete ban in the UK in 1999.
Because Kent has a relatively large percentage of rural areas, it also has a slightly lower number of asbestos-related diseases than the UK national average. But older building owners and managers must still take precautions. These include arranging a professional survey to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials.
However, hundreds of Kent schools contain ACMs, and Kent County Council has paid out nearly a quarter of a million pounds in settlements for asbestos exposure in recent years.
Freedom of Information requests reveal that nine people have made a claim against Kent County Council for asbestos exposure in a school setting since 2012.
The council has not revealed if they are past or present school staff or pupils.
Two of the claims have been settled, totalling a combined £222,000. However, the level of responsibility accepted by the council, if any at all, has not been revealed. The council said it carries out routine surveys of schools to monitor risk and adheres to the relevant HSE regulations.
A total of 325 schools under the management of Kent Council contain ACMs, according to a list provided by the authority.
The Kent schools with asbestos include schools throughout the county and from every borough and district.
It also includes schools built after 2000, although the manufacture and supply of asbestos was banned at the end of 1999. But a council spokesperson said: “No schools built in Kent after 2000 were built using ACMs, but in some cases, ‘new builds’ refers to extensions added to existing buildings on the same site which may have been constructed on older sites with asbestos.
If you live in Kent and are worried about asbestos in your property, all you need to do is call us. We will conduct an asbestos management survey or a refurbishment and demolition survey if you plan to do extensive work on the property.
Once a survey reveals the presence of asbestos, and removal is deemed the appropriate approach, homeowners or building managers must hire a professional asbestos removal company like AJC to complete the job.
In the cases of high-risk work, the Health and Safety Executive (must be notified at least 14 days before any removal work with asbestos. However, this is only required in some cases, and an asbestos removal in Kent company such as AJC Environmental can advise you on the risk level of your situation.
Preparation and Isolation
Before removing any asbestos, we prepare the work area. The removal team will set up a decontamination unit and seal off the area to prevent asbestos fibres from shedding. This may involve putting up containment barriers and using negative air pressure systems.
Personal Protective Equipment
The workers removing the asbestos will put on appropriate PPE, including disposable overalls, respirators, gloves, and safety glasses, to minimise their risk of exposure.
Wetting Asbestos Materials
All ACMs are made wet before removal to minimise the release of airborne asbestos fibres. The water helps to keep the asbestos fibres in place.
Safe Removal Techniques
The workers further reduce the risk of fibres spreading using hand tools and industry safety methods as they carefully remove the asbestos-containing materials.
Decontamination
After the asbestos is removed, it is placed in labelled double bags and sealed, ready for transport to a hazardous waste facility. The workers and their tools are decontaminated to make sure no asbestos fibres leave the work area.
Air Monitoring
Air monitoring is performed during and after removal to assess the concentration of asbestos fibres in the air. This helps ensure that the area is safe for reoccupation.
Waste Disposal
The asbestos waste, now double-bagged, is transported and disposed of at a licensed asbestos disposal site. Depending on the type and amount of asbestos, removal companies may use a marked van for transportation to the waste facility.
Final Inspection and Clearance Certificate
A final inspection is done to make sure the removal work is completed satisfactorily. If the area meets the required standards, a clearance certificate is issued.
It is essential to understand the significance of gaining the best possible help and advice when dealing with asbestos and use only the best professional asbestos contractors in the UK. At AJC Environmental, we offer help and advice with all types of investigations into asbestos-containing materials and deliver safe, effective removal and disposal services across Kent.
Unfortunately, without knowing how much or the type of asbestos we are dealing with, it is impossible to give an estimate for the cost of asbestos removal.
The danger level also reflects the cost, as the more hazardous the asbestos, the more it will cost to dispose of it. The complexity and size of the removal project will also impact the price, as will the location and corrective work required.
Asbestos removal is risky and, therefore, must only be done by a professional asbestos removal company. Asbestos exposure can be fatal, and only certified and experienced contractors should conduct removal operations.
Our fees are very competitive, and we’re committed to helping you find the best resolution for your budget. However, we strongly advise you not to risk your health by attempting to remove asbestos to save money.
Although we cannot give you an accurate estimate without examining your case in person, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free quote and advice on how to proceed if you suspect asbestos may be lurking in your property.
At AJC Environmental Ltd, we’ve delivered asbestos surveys and removal services for over ten years. Our experienced contractors can safely and effectively remove and dispose of ACMs from sites in Kent.
We offer asbestos surveys, testing and analysis, and removal where appropriate. We can also make you a custom asbestos management plan if there is asbestos present that is not a health risk.
We have vast knowledge and experience in removing or managing asbestos. You can trust us to do the job well. We understand that each case is unique and customise our services accordingly. Our team of experts can provide you with an exhaustive survey report, with photos and guidance for the safe removal of any asbestos-containing materials found.
Failure to deal with asbestos correctly can result in hefty fines and even prison if your premises are a potential public health risk.
Our experienced asbestos surveyors are fully trained and insured. We can help you with any asbestos-related project, no matter how large or small.
Call 07928 715450 for full information on our asbestos removal and surveys in Kent or fill out our online form, and we will reply as soon as possible.
