Why Do You Need Asbestos Removal During Site – Clearance?

Asbestos is something that can lurk on almost any site and is a particular problem when demolition or dismantling takes place because the dangerous mineral can be released into the air.  That’s why you need a specialist in asbestos removal during site – clearance to protect everyone involved.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a term that refers to a group of minerals that occur naturally and are fibrous – thin and stringy.  It is very durable and heat-resistant and this was why it was used for things like pipe insulation, fire-resistant bricks and even in the brake shoes of cars and vans.  It has also been used in fireproof cloth, cement pipes and even for roofing tiles.

However, when it was realised that asbestos is dangerous, it was decided to stop using it in construction projects.  Because it has been so widespread, many buildings that date from the millennium or older can contain asbestos.

How is asbestos dangerous?

Figures from HSE show that 5,000 workers a year die due to asbestos which is more people than are killed in road accidents.  Each week, 20 tradesmen die due to past exposure to asbestos.  The mineral can be present in any building that has been built or refurbished before 2000.  So if you are considering a demolition in Maidstone, you need to have it checked if it is of this age or older to be sure it isn’t present.

Asbestos causes several serious and even fatal diseases:

• Mesothelioma – a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and low digestive tract and is exclusively related to asbestos. It is also nearly always fatal
• Asbestos-related lung cancer – this is the same as lung cancer from other causes but is due to asbestos rather than smoking
• Asbestosis – this happens after heavy exposure over a number of years and causes severe shortness of breath. It can be fatal in extreme cases
• Pleural thickening – this happens after heavy exposure where the lining of the lung thickens and swells. This can cause shortness of breath and chest discomfort

Asbestos removal

Any waste that contains more than 0.1% asbestos needs to be handled differently to normal waste removal.  It also means that waste containing this cannot be added to waste recycling processes.  Asbestos-containing waste (ACW) must be taken by a registered waste carrier to a landfill site that is licensed to handle it.

There are also regulations around registering that there is asbestos in the site.  Businesses must register with the Environmental Protection Agency and receive a registration number known as a premises code.

Asbestos survey

Perhaps the hardest thing with asbestos is knowing whether it is present before site – clearance takes place.  An asbestos survey is a sure way to find out if the mineral is present before any work takes place and lets the business put in measures to protect staff.  M&L Stevens Ltd offers asbestos surveys and is also licensed for low grade asbestos removal so if you need help with this dangerous stuff, we are here to assist. For high grade asbestos removal services, we can arrange the job done for you by a licensed company as well.