What to do if you find asbestos in your property and how to ensure you have a safe working environment.
We understand the importance of maintaining a safe and secure environment for your business. In this article we outline asbestos in industrial roofs, how to spot it, how to ensure safe working environment and how we repair/remove asbestos.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals known for their heat resistance and durability. In the past, asbestos was widely used in construction materials due to these properties. However, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos can lead to severe health problems, including lung diseases and cancer.
Identifying Asbestos in Your Building
Here are some of the most common places you could find asbestos, if you think you have found asbestos it is important to contact a professional, who can correctly identify the material and help with the removal process.
Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can still be found in older industrial buildings. It is crucial to identify these materials to prevent exposure.
Common ACMs include:
- Asbestos Cement: Used in roofing sheets and wall claddings.
- Asbestos Insulation: Found in pipes, boilers, and ducts.
- Asbestos Floor Tiles: Often used in industrial flooring.
- Asbestos Textiles: Used for insulation and fire protection.
If your building was constructed before the 2000s, it is advisable to conduct a thorough asbestos inspection.
The risks of Asbestos
The presence of asbestos in your industrial building poses a significant risk to health. Asbestos fibres, when disturbed, become airborne and can be inhaled, leading to long-term health issues for anyone exposed. Therefore, asbestos removal is essential to maintain a safe working environment.
Professional Asbestos Removal Process
Once an asbestos inspection has been carried out and asbestos has been identified, it is important to carry out professional asbestos removal. We offer non-notifiable asbestos cement removal; this is often found in industrial roofs 30 years or older.
Our removal process often includes:
- Asbestos Inspection: The first step is to conduct a thorough inspection to identify all ACMs in the building.
- Containment Measures: The work area is sealed off to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers.
- Safe Removal: Trained experts use appropriate tools and techniques to remove asbestos safely.
- Disposal: The removed asbestos is then carefully sealed and disposed of in compliance with local regulations.
If asbestos cement is found in your property, at the same time as removal we usually carry out work to repair the roof, updating it to be more modern, and compliant with health and safety regulations.
If you have been required to replace your roof due to asbestos cement, do not hesitate to contact us, where we can safely and properly remove the asbestos and ensure you have a safe and healthy working environment.
Remember
- There are many health risks with exposure of asbestos.
- Do not attempt to remove asbestos yourself – seek professional help.
- We offer numerous contemporary and innovative solutions that are not only more cost-effective but also energy-saving.
Can’t decide which industrial roof to install?
Take a look at our article on all the pros and cons of different industrial roofs.