How to dispose of Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral which can be mined and manufactured into a range of building materials. It can be found buildings throughout the world, as it was once used extensively as a fireproofing product, and for sound and heat insulation. All forms of asbestos were finally banned in the UK in 1999 and, today, it is illegal to manufacture, import or install any kind of Asbestos Containing Material (ACM). If you’re wondering why it was banned in the first place, it’s because asbestos can actually cause a number of fatal and life-debilitating diseases. They include: Pericardial Mesothelioma Pleural Mesothelioma Testicular Mesothelioma Peritoneal Mesothelioma Lung Cancer Asbestosis Non-malignant Pleural Disease How to remove asbestos Once you have had an asbestos survey conducted on your property, whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, you may need to organise for the removal of your asbestos. It is almost always preferable to put measures in place to manage asbestos rather than to remove it, but this is not always possible. If ACMs are found within your home, NIC can handle the asbestos removal for you, but it is your responsibility to dispose of them. If you would like to remove asbestos for yourself, there are a number of guidelines that you must follow in order to ensure your own and your family’s safety: Prepare the area It’s vital that you make sure the area containing asbestos is properly prepared before you start work. This means you should put plastic sheeting down on the floor and all surfaces to protect it from asbestos fibres. Wear the right clothing Protective clothing is a must when removing asbestos. Wear a disposable overalls with a hood, along with a disposable face mask that has been made for the removal of asbestos. You should also wear a pair of disposable gloves. Be careful when handling asbestos You should treat all ACMs carefully when handling them, and never break them up as this can release asbestos fibres. Wrap each section of ACM in plastic sheeting or bags and tape the packages up. Clean the area Once you have completed the removal, clean the area by hand to ensure all asbestos dust is contained. Use disposable cloths that have been dampened and never use a vacuum cleaner – this can spread any remaining asbestos dust around. Dispose of clothing and sheeting You should dispose of any clothing worn during the asbestos removal procedure as asbestos waste, along with the sheeting used to cover the area. Wash asbestos fibres away It is always a good idea to have a shower once you have completed any task that involves handling ACMs, or to at least wash your face and hands thoroughly. Dispose of asbestos waste Your local authority will be able to inform you of your nearest asbestos waste plant, where you can drop off any asbestos waste you have removed. It will then be safely broken down and disposed of. If you require any additional assistance on how to remove asbestos safely, contact NIC today.

For more information on How to dispose of Asbestos talk to Northern Insulation Contractors