Asbestos professionals are critical

The consequences of carrying out asbestos removal without guidance from asbestos professionals can potentially be dangerous and also result in prosecution and heavy fines for the client and contractor involved in the project by the Health and Safety Executive.

Removal of asbestos by a non-professional is not recommended at all. Client who fail in their duties during asbestos removal works can be subsequently prosecuted and fined, see this recent article.

Generally, you may not be able to tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is labelled. Trained and accredited asbestos professionals know what to look for, and make take samples for testing because there may be an increased health risk if asbestos fibres are released. Taking samples yourself is not recommended.

In cases where asbestos needs to be removed then an asbestos professional like Amiante STR can give you a full removal service giving you complete peace of mind, from detection through to the safe removal of asbestos and disposing of the waste.

A very stringent procedure needs to be followed when removing asbestos, this includes necessary safety equipment and clothing, following legal guidelines, being aware of safety precautions and ensuring where practicable that all traces of asbestos are removed.

The importance of ensuring all traces are removed has recently been highlighted with the cases of Mesothelioma where people have had second hand contact with asbestos fibres, through clothing for instance.

The severity of long-term health risks including 4,000 deaths a year contributed to asbestos-related illnesses (asbestosis and lung cancer) has brought about an abundance of Health and Safety legislation. Fines and even custodial sentences are imposed on those thought responsible of failing to exercise their duties of care.