Asbestos Removal

Guard Environmental offers safe, clean and effective asbestos removal in Rochdale and Greater Manchester. Get in touch for advice on residential, commercial and industrial asbestos removal services.

Asbestos Removal

Professional, licensed and non-licensed asbestos removals.

Asbestos Disposal

Safe asbestos removal and disposal, for residential and commercial.

Waste Consignment Note

Provided as standard, as required for all transfers of hazardous waste.

Why choose Guard’s asbestos removal service?

I’m a qualified asbestos surveyor, asbestos tester and asbestos removals specialist with more than 20 years’ experience working all around the UK. 

I personally carry out non-licensed asbestos removals for lower-risk asbestos containing materials in residential, business and industrial properties. Working with trusted, licensed asbestos removal partners for the extraction and disposal of higher risk materials. 

You can rest assured that the highest standards of care and professionalism are applied to every asbestos removals service.

As well as the asbestos itself, any debris and rubbish generated is disposed of properly to ensure no asbestos fibres are left behind. Every effort is taken to provide you peace of mind and the best experience possible. 

What is asbestos removal?

Asbestos removal is the process of safely removing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) from a building or other structure. Asbestos containing materials release asbestos fibres which are incredibly harmful. From lung cancer to mesothelioma, if the fibres are inhaled asbestos can cause serious respiratory problems.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials such as insulation, flooring, and roofing until the 1970s, when its health risks became widely known.

Because it’s so hazardous to health, it’s essential that ACMs are removed by an asbestos specialist. Asbestos removal typically involves the following steps:

  1. Assessment: A trained professional will conduct a thorough assessment of the building to identify any materials that contain asbestos.
  2. Preparation: The area to be worked on is sealed off from the rest of the building to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres.
  3. Removal: The asbestos-containing material is removed using specialised tools and techniques to minimise the release of fibres.
  4. Cleanup: The area is thoroughly cleaned and all debris and contaminated materials are safely disposed of.
  5. Clearance testing: Air monitoring is conducted to ensure that the asbestos levels are below safe limits.

It is important to hire a licensed and trained asbestos removal professional to ensure that the process is done safely and in compliance with UK regulations.

Common asbestos containing materials

asbestos removal

 

Asbestos is found in lots of places – even some you might not expect. From sheds and soffets to downpipes and ceilings. Here’s a quick list of common asbestos containing materials: 

  • Roofs, guttering and downpipes
  • Sheds
  • Water tanks and boilers
  • Artex ceilings and walls
  • Fascia
  • Rope seals and gaskets
  • Asbestos lagging

Asbestos is not always visible. And it is not always easy to identify. If you suspect that your home may contain asbestos, it is best to contact a specialist in asbestos testing and have it removed if necessary.

Asbestos Removal

What is the process of removing asbestos?

First we’ll remove any materials containing asbestos and package them for safe disposal. All affected areas are then treated with a specialised sealant to avoid the spread of harmful particles. 

The sealant is designed to bind to the asbestos particles, preventing them from becoming airborne and causing potential health risks. After the sealant has been applied, the area is then tested to ensure that the sealant has been applied correctly and that the asbestos particles are no longer a risk. Once the area has been tested and deemed safe, the asbestos materials can be safely disposed of.

Specialised PPE (personal protective equipment) is used, including respiratory protection, gloves and overalls.

What to expect during asbestos removal

During an asbestos removal project, affected areas are sealed off in order to collect asbestos and store all hazardous materials in special containers. Then, powerful suction devices are used to ensure that all asbestos fibres are removed from the air.

After we collect asbestos, safely remove it from the area and it’s properly disposed of, air quality testing is conducted to ensure that no airborne particles remain.

In addition to the removal process, the area must be thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated. This includes wiping down all surfaces with a damp cloth and using a HEPA filter vacuum to remove any remaining particles.

Once the area is completely clean, the area must be inspected to determine if all asbestos has been removed and that the area is safe for use.

How asbestos materials are identified

Asbestos cannot be removed until it is clearly identified. While asbestos may be present in any building or home constructed before the mid-1970s, its presence should not be assumed without first consulting a qualified professional to perform asbestos testing.

Your asbestos specialist will identify asbestos present – whether that’s in an asbestos containing material, asbestos fibres or even airborne particles.

What is the cost of removing asbestos? 

The cost of an asbestos removals project will vary depending on factors such as the extent of the contamination, the site affected, and the materials used in the removal process. Guard Environmental can provide you with a free quote. Additionally, replacement materials may need to be purchased by you or your business, so it is important to factor this into the overall cost.

No job is too big or small when it comes to safely removing asbestos from your property. 

Asbestos Disposal

How do we dispose of asbestos waste?

Disposing of asbestos waste is a delicate and regulated process. Here are the general steps for how we dispose of asbestos removal waste:

  1. Identify the type and amount of asbestos waste before starting the disposal process. This will help determine the appropriate disposal method and the necessary safety precautions.
  2. Package the asbestos waste – double-bagged in heavy-duty plastic bags that are at least 6mm thick. The bags should be sealed with duct tape to prevent any fibres from escaping.
  3. Label the bags with a warning sign that clearly indicates that they contain asbestos waste.
  4. Transport the asbestos waste in an enclosed vehicle that is designed to prevent any fibres from escaping. The vehicle should also be clearly labelled to indicate that it is carrying asbestos waste.
  5. Dispose of the asbestos waste at an approved facility, such as a landfill that is authorised to handle hazardous waste. The landfill should be equipped with appropriate safety measures to prevent any fibres from escaping.

It is important to note that regulations for asbestos disposal can vary by region, so it is important to check with local authorities and follow all applicable laws and regulations. It is also recommended to hire a professional asbestos removal company to safely and legally dispose of asbestos waste.

Waste consignment notes

Guard Environmental is qualified and registered to carry out the removal and disposal of hazardous waste, in accordance with the asbestos waste regulations established by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If the waste contains more than 0.1% asbestos, the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 apply, and a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note must be used to document the transfer of the waste from one person to another. Contaminated and hazardous waste is properly disposed of.  

A Waste Consignment Note is required for all transfer of hazardous waste, this includes: 

  • Picking up waste from commercial entities by registered waste haulers.
  • Shifting waste between different locations in the same business.
  • Transporting waste from customers’ premises when another business has produced it.

Asbestos Removal Safety Considerations

What are the risks of asbestos fibres?

The presence of asbestos in a building or home carries a number of health risks. The release of asbestos fibres from ACMs can cause a range of respiratory issues. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can lead to an increased risk of developing lung cancer and other asbestos related disease. Any asbestos present must be identified and removed as soon as possible.

In addition to the health risks associated with asbestos, it can cause significant damage to the construction of a building. Asbestos fibres can weaken the material they are present in, leading to structural instability and the potential for collapse. Suspected asbestos in a building should be professionally removed to ensure the safety of those living or working in the area.

Asbestos regulations and safety protocols

Health and safety is always of paramount concern during asbestos removal projects. Whether I am removing asbestos myself, or using a trusted licensed partner, the utmost care is taken to keep everyone in the process safe. Quality PPE is used, such as face masks, gloves and overall, and special procedures abided by at all times.

Everyone who deals with asbestos on behalf of Guard is fully qualified, experienced and aware of the health and safety risks of this hazardous material. We take all the necessary steps, following up-to-date laws and asbestos regulations, in order to minimise risk – both to ourselves and our customers.

Get in touch if you’re a:

 

  • Homeowner or landlord
  • School, college or university
  • Hotel, pub or restaurant
  • Retail or business premises
  • Construction site or industrial unit
  • Housing association or local council
Asbestos Experts Rochdale

Asbestos Surveys & Testing

Asbestos Surveys

Guard Environmental carries out asbestos surveys for all types of property throughout Greater Manchester.

Asbestos Testing

Guard Environmental provides asbestos testing for all types of property throughout Greater Manchester.