The removal process

The removal of a dangerous substance such as licenced asbestos must be removed under fully conrolled conditions, using the correct personal protective equipment and the safest and most efficient method possible. It is not a simple process and can therefore appear incredibly intimidating.

We have broken the process down into stages and hope to show the steps that need to be taken to ensure safe and efficient removal.

Step 1 - Identifying asbestos

Any property in the UK built before the year 2000 could potentially have asbestos in it. If you suspect that you have asbestos in your property, please contact us and we can organise testing or quote for a survey.

Step 2 - Set up

Following an approved plan of works and method statement, a secure enclosure needs to be created around the site of the asbestos, in the case below, a garage ceiling.

Every site must have access to a decontamination unit, as well as water and electricity. This is where our operatives can change into their overalls and dispose of contaminated clothing safely. There is also a shower to allow them to fully decontaminate themselves after leaving the enclosure. The 'dirty' end of the unit can be connected directly to the enclosure.

Metal frames are covered with a thick polythene to create the enclosure, which must be sealed tightly so no debris can escape.

The bespoke enclosure is crafted ensuring an airtight seal and the asbestos cannot migrate to the surrounding area.

To ensure clean air within the enclosure, a negative pressure unit is fitted which filters the asbestos fibres from the air within the enclosure.

The airlocks are attached to the main enclosure, allowing for access to both the decontamination unit and the waste storage unit.

A smoke test is carried out, filling the enclosure with smoke to ascertain any gaps that need to be sealed.

The unit is attached to the enclosure from the outside, fitting with a pre-filter on the inside. The number of negative pressure units required for different sized enclosures can be calculated with a simple equation, which allows for at least 10 air changes per hour.

Vision panels are fitted into the enclosure to allow work to be monitored from outside.

Doors are cut into the polythene and weighted flaps added.

The enclosure is decorated with warning signs to make aware of the nature of the works.

Removal

Once the enclosure has been completed, a smoke test carried out, and all daily checks on PPE, RPE and equipment are made, the removal process can begin.
Operatives enter the decontamination unit at the 'clean' end and remove all clothing and jewelry. They are required to change into disposable underwear and overalls and wear safety footwear that does not leave the unit. Operatives are required to be clean shaven to allow for a complete seal on their face masks. After fitting masks and dressing, they then exit the decontamination unit via the 'dirty' end, and directly into the enclosure.

In this example, the asbestos material is the ceiling. Any screws or nails are carefully removed, making as little damage as possible to the material. One operative will carry out removal, whilst the other uses a hoover to catch any loose dust and debris.

Once the removal of the asbestos has been completed, the bags of waste in the bag lock can now be removed.

Once the material has been carefully removed, it needs to be double bagged in special asbestos waste bags and then securely sealed using tape. These bags of waste will the be kept in a dedicated bag lock to wait until transition to the waste unit.

Once in the bag lock, the sealed waste bag is bagged again, and then removed for disposal.

The waste is then transported out of the enclosure, and taken along a designated and clearly marked transit route. Waste is stored in a locked container until such a time as it can be removed from the site.

Asbestos can only be disposed of at registered sites and those transporting it require both training and a permit.

The process is clean and effective, ensuring that asbestos is removed safely and disposed of correctly and the area is safe to reoccupy after carrying out air monitoring.

To ensure safety of staff the site used in the above pictures contain no asbestos and was set up for the purpose of providing image to illustrate the safe removal of asbestos.