Frequently Asked Questions2022-05-10T10:24:04+00:00

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Asbestos Removal Safe?

Asbestos removal is very safe and responsible companies can prove it. Asbestos removal takes place within airtight enclosures constructed by professional trades people with years of experience. The enclosures are created with 1000-gauge polythene, timber, duct tape, staples and glue. All the equipment used is industry specific and designed to resist bumps and scrapes. Prior to the removal of the most harmful forms of asbestos, a smoke test is undertaken to test the integrity of the enclosure. Smoke is blown into the enclosure and if any leaks out you have a visible guide of where to add reinforcement until the enclosure is airtight and removal can begin.

The asbestos removal process can be monitored throughout to test whether the construction of the enclosure is holding firm. Air monitoring can be undertaken at areas where intrusions into the polythene occurred during construction. Airlocks, Baglocks, Negative Pressure Units (NPUs) and viewing panel locations should all be monitored. Air tests are read on site and confirmation of enclosure integrity is provided immediately.

Asbestos is removed by suitably trained, qualified and experienced Operatives. They use a number of methods to remove different types of asbestos. Each method will aim to suppress the asbestos fibre released when the material is removed. This involves saturating the material as wet asbestos releases far less fibre than disturbing dry asbestos. Dry removal of asbestos is illegal.

The material is carefully removed from the surface it was attached to and carefully placed in an approved asbestos waste bag. This bag is cleaned and placed in a second bag. Both are sealed and placed in a locked skip, ready for transportation.

All traces of asbestos are removed from the surface. This can involve wire brushing timber, drilling out old nail and screw holes and using a ‘H’ Type Vacuum to fine clean the enclosure. Enclosures are left free from visible dust and debris before they can be tested by an analyst, ready for reoccupation.

Unfortunately, at present sending asbestos to landfill is the UK’s chosen method of disposal. Once the asbestos is removed from site it must travel in locked compartments, transported by companies with a licence to carry asbestos waste. It is then disposed of in landfill sites.

There have been efforts to recycle asbestos. Heating asbestos to 1275 degrees Celsius can turn it into non-hazardous glass or ceramics. Microwave thermal treatment can create ceramic bricks or porcelain tiles and high-speed milling can break down asbestos fibres into inert material.

This depends on the amount of asbestos you have removed or sampled. Tenants or owners can stay in if they are able to situate themselves in a room separate to that which the asbestos is being removed or sampled. It is generally accepted though, that leaving the house for the day whilst the removal takes place would be best. The process can involve a number of people transiting in and out of your property, cables running through hallways and air locks and other equipment can block access into rooms. If your house is large enough then you may be able to stay in, but we would recommend leaving the house for the short time that we would be there.

We would always consult with the owner or tenant and draw up a plan of when we would be on site and for how long. By doing so we would allow for forward planning and other arrangements to be made.

Sampling of asbestos is less invasive, and you should be able to stay in your house. For example, if you have requested a sample of artex then you would not need to leave the house. We would require you to leave the room where the sample is being taken as our surveyor would need to wear a mask and overalls to take the sample. Due to the unobtrusive techniques that we use you could access the room after the sample was taken.

More intrusive surveys may require that you leave the building as they would include more rooms and a possible larger scale disturbance of the building fabric.

Asbestos removal can take anywhere from one hour to days or weeks. It is completely dependent on the amount you are having removed. Removal of AIB boxing in a bathroom would take a day, removal of an asbestos cement shed roof could take between half a day and two days dependent on size.

You have to remember that the setup of the job usually takes longer than the removal of the material. Once the asbestos has been removed, the enclosure needs to be taken down, all equipment and waste loaded away and cleared from site.

Asbestos removal requires power and water. If you can provide both elements, then generally asbestos removal can take place. The Negative Pressure Units, Decontamination Units and some tools require power. We would provide transformers to change power from 240V to 110V.

Water is required in the Decontamination Unit so Operatives can shower following the removal. Water is also needed for decontamination as the Operative leaves the enclosure. It is also used to suppress fibre release during the removal process. Under CDM regulations a water supply is also required to enable Operatives to have a drink throughout the day. A WC is also required but this may be provided by the contractor in the form of a welfare unit.

If you think you have broken or damaged asbestos in your property do not touch or go near the material. As the material was damaged asbestos fibres will have been released into the air, so get everyone out of the area as soon as possible and close the door on that area or room. If someone was in close proximity to the material when it was damaged, you may want to remove outer clothing and place it in a bin liner. Shower off as soon as possible to remove any fibres or material caught on your body.

Call Rightway Environmental Ltd as soon as possible and give as much detail as possible about what has happened. We will get someone out to you with the correct RPE and PPE to assess the situation and advise you on the best way forward.

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If you have a requirement for asbestos removal or if you need assistance in complying with your obligations under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

CALL US: 01174 031 620

EMAIL US: enquiries@rightwayenvironmental.co.uk

VISIT US: Bristol : Weighbridge House, Unit 1 Trubodys Yards, 121 London Road, Warmley, Bristol, BS30 5NA    Plymouth: 10 Airport Business Centre, Plymouth PL6 7PP 01752 964073

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