Understanding the Asbestos Removal Process: Step by Step

Commercial and residential buildings that were constructed before 2000 may be at risk of harbouring asbestos materials.

Traditionally, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were used as insulation or fireproofing, where they may be found in roofs, ceilings, walls and floors. Once asbestos materials are damaged or disturbed, they are likely to release airborne fibres that can cause harm to human health and the environment.

As such, it is essential to enlist the support of an asbestos removal expert if you suspect that these materials are in your home or commercial building. The removal process is designed to limit the spread of harmful fibres, allowing the building and the surrounding area to be fully cleared from contaminants.

Read on to find out more about the asbestos removal process, with a look at the key steps that the professionals will take.

Sealing the Area

Before asbestos removal work can begin, the experts will carefully seal off the area using special plastic sheeting. This allows for the creation of an airtight space, preventing any airborne fibres from spreading further. Throughout their work, removal experts will wear high quality protective clothing to prevent any contact with toxic materials.

Wet & Vacuum Cleaning

Specialised tools will then be used to control the spread of asbestos materials, and to eliminate toxic fibres. Wet cleaning tools in particular are usually employed to reduce the release of airborne asbestos fibres. Purpose-made vacuum cleaners can then be employed to capture asbestos dust and small pieces of debris.

Containing the Asbestos

The next step will be to contain remaining asbestos materials and remove them from the site. Leak-proof containers will be used to store these materials, where it is essential that these containers are properly labelled and marked as hazardous.

Safe Disposal

Sealed containers of asbestos can then be transported to a pre-arranged location for safe disposal. Asbestos waste should be disposed of at a licensed waste management centre, where strict safety standards must be adhered to.

MD Asbestos: Professional Asbestos Removal Services

Importantly, you should never attempt to remove or repair asbestos-containing materials yourself.

Instead, enlist the help of our expert team at MD Asbestos, where we have over 17 years of experience in asbestos dismantling and removal work. This means that we can tackle any removal job, regardless of size or complexity, where we’ll always prioritise site safety and comprehensive decontamination.

Our team are Environment Agency certified waste carriers, meaning we are fully licensed to dispose of asbestos-containing materials. So if you need asbestos insulation removal services, or you’re unsure whether your building contains asbestos, contact our specialist team today.