DIY home repairs and renovations are quite popular these days. It’s a good hobby, and at the same time cost-effective. But if you live in the UK, there’s a hidden danger to doing DIY home improvements.
Most old homes built before 1999 may contain asbestos – a banned and dangerous material. Damaging asbestos will release fibres into the air, which facilitates exposure and inhalation. Therefore asbestos removal should be left to the experts.
Is DIY asbestos removal possible?
Removing asbestos by yourself isn’t recommended. If left alone, asbestos isn’t a health hazard. But, disturbing it by scratching or removing releases harmful fibres into the air. The best course of action if you encounter asbestos is to contact a removal company. Depending on where you live, you can find a local company that can get the job done such as AIONE Asbestos Removal Services for those living in the South East. Professional asbestos removal companies have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle, remove, and dispose of asbestos. They can also conduct surveys and testing to identify the risks.
Handling a dangerous material requires extra precautions. For example, when the asbestos location is already exposed, the removal company may recommend temporary evacuation. They will also remove any items that may be contaminated such as furniture and clothing. Covering the area is also essential so that the workers can isolate the location and prevent cross-contamination.
With the amount of care needed to remove asbestos, there’s no surprise that DIY removal isn’t recommended. If you do it, you’re not only exposing yourself to the danger but also your entire family and anyone else within the vicinity. Checkout ARAT if you want to get the asbestos removed by licensed professionals.
Does this restriction apply to all types of asbestos?
Some people may not know that there were different types of asbestos used in construction. Even so, all these pose the same danger to health. And the general safety guideline is that any removal should be conducted only by trained professionals.
What is involved in the process of managing and removing asbestos?
The removal process begins by conducting a test to identify the type of asbestos. The surveyor will take samples and determine the quantity as well as associated risks. Usually, the same company that does removal services can also conduct the survey and testing.
After the survey, there will be a detailed report along with recommendations on the best course of action. Instead of removal, the surveyor may recommend encapsulation instead. This process involves putting a protective layer of adhesive over the asbestos to prevent releasing fibres into the air.
If encapsulation isn’t an option, the surveyor may recommend removal. The removal process is complex and could take time depending on the amount of asbestos. The good thing about this option is that you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the material will be completely removed from your property.
Final thoughts
If you’re planning DIY home improvements, exercise caution. If your home is old, you may want to consider having an asbestos survey conducted first. Knowing whether you or your family is at risk of exposure is the best way to protect them.
