Best Asbestos Removal Companies

Asbestos is a dangerous material that has been previously used in commercial buildings and residential houses. The sheer presence of asbestos in a residence or structure does not constitute a health threat. The risk is that asbestos-containing products will deteriorate over time. Asbestos fibres can be released from damaged asbestos, posing a health risk.

We will take a look at basic information about Asbestos and what you should do if the Asbestos in your home becomes hazardous waste.

If you have noticed that you, your family, or your employees have been coughing, experienced unexplainable weight loss and chest pain, these are common symptoms of asbestos exposure and you may need to acquire Asbestos Removal Service from a trusted company.

We have curated a list of the Best Asbestos Removal Companies in the UK after scouring in-depth reviews to help you find the service provider that meets your needs.

Best Asbestos Removal Companies 2024

From our research, here is a list of the best [INSERT INDUSTRY] companies April 2024:

Asbestos Removal Specialists

Asbestos Removal Specialists Logo

Asbestos Removal Specialists are are number 1 pick for asbestos removal companies located in the UK, working across the entire country to offer their services.

This business is experts at both domestic and commercial removal of asbestos and can work on jobs of all sizes, making them the dream company to go to for your asbestos removal needs.

So to learn more about who Asbestos Removal Specialists are, you can click through to their website above, or read our review of the company by clicking here.

A1 Environmental

A1 Environmental Services

A1 Environmental Services is a multi-discipline enabling works contractor with experience in all construction areas. Since 1996, the company has offered excellent asbestos services to clients from its base in North Yorkshire, with highly skilled and experienced workers. See The full A1 Environmental Review here.

Asbestos Essentials

Asbestos Essentials Ltd | LinkedIn

Asbestos Essentials is an HSE-approved asbestos removal company situated in Aspley Guise, Buckinghamshire. They cover the whole of the UK offering  Licensed Asbestos Removal, Notifiable Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal, Unlicensed Asbestos Removal, Asbestos Surveys, and Land Remediation. See the full Asbestos Essentials review here.

CES Asbestos

City Environmental Services Reviews - Read Reviews on Ces-asbestos.com Before You Buy | www.ces-asbestos.com

CES (UK) Ltd is a privately-owned family company that deals with asbestos and offers nationwide services for removal, surveying, training, waste management, demolition, and contaminated land remediation. They span the entire United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and the Channel Islands. See an in-depth review for CES Asbestos here.

Oracle Solutions

Oracle Solutions Asbestos Ltd Profile

Oracle Solutions is a renowned qualified asbestos consultant in the United Kingdom. They can provide various approved asbestos management services to commercial clients in the UK, including asbestos sampling, asbestos survey, removal, and UKATA training. See a full Oracle Solutions review here.

What is an Asbestos Removal Company?

Asbestos refers to various minerals that were once utilised in construction products but are now prohibited. When asbestos-containing items are moved or disturbed, fibres are released that can harm one’s health if breathed in. Until the mid-1980s, Asbestos was utilised in construction materials for reinforcing, insulation, and fire resistance. In 1999, it was declared illegal.

It’s preferable to leave it to a professional asbestos removal firm to remove the risk of exposure to hazardous asbestos fibres. Asbestos abatement entails identifying, removing, repairing, and encapsulating components or asbestos products in a structure.

You should survey before hiring a removalist, involving a sample by an IANZ recognised laboratory. This is the only way to tell whether the Asbestos you want removed is friable or non-friable. If the laboratory verifies that the substance is Asbestos and you determine that removal is necessary, you must choose a qualified and skilled contractor to complete the task.

Asbestos should only be handled, removed, and disposed of by asbestos abatement specialists. Abatement specialists can handle Asbestos safely if they follow the rules. Asbestos exposure can occur if Asbestos is dealt with incorrectly. Asbestos exposure can lead to the development of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.

How to Choose the Best Asbestos Removal Company

When it comes to removing asbestos from any residential, business, or public structure, hiring an asbestos abatement firm rather than doing it yourself is the wisest and safest choice. To keep themselves, others, and you safe from asbestos exposure, asbestos abatement firms will correctly test for the deadly material, follow tight standards and protocols, and carry the appropriate abatement removal equipment.

Companies that remove Asbestos are not all the same. Some companies focus solely on asbestos removal, while others include environmental services, demolition services, and general contracting services that may consist of asbestos removal.

Here are some pointers to follow when choosing an Asbestos Removal Company.

  • Though it is not required in some territories, hiring a licensed Asbestos Removal Company is recommended.
  • Check out the company’s credentials. Check if they are duly registered and meet all the requirements to operate legally.
  • Ask around, ideally talking to previous customers, to ask about the Asbestos Removal Company’s reputation.
  • Select companies who are open to questions and transparent with their transactions.
  • Work with a company that invested in their site team and employees, keeping their policies and practices updated and following the latest skill qualifications.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre, and only a certain sort of microscope can reliably identify it. Asbestos fibres come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Asbestos was once used to reinforce a range of items as well as provide heat insulation and fire resistance.

Asbestos is a set of six minerals made composed of heat-resistant fibres. It was utilized in hundreds of consumer items in the United States before the risks of Asbestos were discovered. Mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other malignancies are caused by Asbestos. Asbestos is regulated but not prohibited in many countries around the world.

Why was Asbestos used?

Asbestos was widely used in older buildings as a good insulator, and it may be utilized to strengthen the fabric, paper, cement, plastic, and other materials. However, if asbestos fibres are inhaled or swallowed, they can become permanently lodged in the body. Asbestos fibres lodged in the body can cause inflammation, scarring, and genetic damage over time. Asbestos was eventually fully banned from use in 1999.

Asbestos Exposure

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed during building repairs, restorations, or demolitions, asbestos fibres can be discharged. In general, asbestos-containing materials are only exposed when they are disturbed or destroyed so that dust particles and fibres are released into the air. Materials containing Asbestos that have not been disturbed can be left alone.

What Are The Asbestos Related Diseases?

Asbestos exposure can lead to cancer and other health problems. Asbestos exposure is virtually always the cause of mesothelioma, a rare and severe disease. Another asbestos-related disease is asbestosis, a progressive lung disease. Asbestos is harmful due to the mineral’s carcinogenic properties.

People who are regularly exposed to Asbestos, such as contractors who do not follow asbestos-safety standards, are at the greatest risk of getting asbestos-related illnesses. People who are exposed to substantial levels of Asbestos over time are more likely to acquire negative health consequences, including lung cancer or other respiratory disorders. After being exposed to Asbestos, disease symptoms might take years to manifest.

The onset of illness symptoms might take a long period. Symptoms of disease might show 20 or 30 years after asbestos exposure.

How do you identify Asbestos that needs to be removed?

Unless a substance is labelled, you can’t know if it contains Asbestos just by looking at it. Though you’re not sure, handle the material as if it contains Asbestos or get it collected and examined by a specialist. Because a specialist understands what to look for, and because fibres may pose a health concern if discharged, samples should be taken by an expert for examination. In fact, sampling might be more dangerous than leaving the material alone if done poorly. Taking samples on your own is not advised.

If you insist on taking the samples yourself, be careful not to release asbestos particles into the air or on your skin. The material that is in good condition that will not be disturbed (for example, by renovation) should be left alone. Only sample material that has been damaged or is likely to be disturbed.

If you’re concerned about Asbestos in your house, take the following steps:

  • Avoid releasing asbestos fibres into the air by leaving the Asbestos undisturbed.
  • If you use drawing pins, screws, or nails in Asbestos, or if you use sticky tape, asbestos fibres may be released into the air.
  • asbestos materials should not be sanded, drilled, or sawed.
  • Before removing asbestos materials, always get expert assistance.
  • Asbestos lagging, spray coatings, and the insulating board should all be removed by a qualified contractor who can do it safely.
  • To remove unauthorized asbestos cement or asbestos vinyl floor tiles, use a trained, insured contractor.

How can I Identify Materials that Contain Asbestos?

Before sampling asbestos-containing materials, everyone sampling them should learn as much as they can about asbestos management.

Common Asbestos-Containing Materials in Buildings

These asbestos-containing compounds can be found in:

  • Vermiculite-based loose-fill insulation
  • Ceiling texture of popcorn
  • Wall repairing compound and textured paint
  • Siding for a house
  • Insulation for pipes, especially wraps or tape for older pipes
  • Oil and coal furnace door gaskets
  • Wood stoves should be surrounded with heat-resistant board and paper materials.
  • Tile adhesive, tile backing, and vinyl floor tiles
  • Asbestos insulation board

Common Places Where Asbestos can be Found

Asbestos may be found in a variety of places in houses and commercial properties. These include:

  • Paint
  • Flooring
  • Roofing, shingles
  • Tiles
  • Pipes
  • Furnaces
  • Gaskets
  • Wall insulation

It is particularly important to speak to an asbestos industry  expert before carrying out any demolition work.

Asbestos Testing and Mitigation

Any suspected asbestos-containing material should be treated with caution by homeowners and building owners. Individuals should not touch the materials and should stay away from the area until an inspector has tested them.

First, a qualified specialist will visually check the location for any possible threats. After that, an inspector will remove bits of the suspect substance. Lab technicians will analyze the samples to determine whether or not they contain Asbestos.

The asbestos inspector will recommend further measures if the samples contain Asbestos. They may advise encapsulating or entirely removing the items from the region.

Before rebuilding or pulling down a building or residence, Asbestos should be checked since asbestos particles can cause health concerns if inhaled. Asbestos-containing items are typically safe when left undisturbed, although they can grow brittle and collapse over time. However, the growing popularity of do-it-yourself (DIY) projects has increased the risk of asbestos exposure.

How Do I manage the Asbestos Problem?

Do nothing if the asbestos material is in good condition and will not be disturbed. There are two sorts of corrections if there is a problem: repair and elimination.

You can seal the undisturbed Asbestos by applying a sealer to the substance that either binds the asbestos fibres together or coatings the material to prevent fibres from escaping. This method may be used to repair a pipe that is lined with Asbestos, a furnace, and boiler insulation. This should only be done by someone trained to handle Asbestos properly.

Covering the areas includes placing anything over or around asbestos-containing materials to prevent fibre escape. A protective wrap or jacket can be used to cover exposed insulated pipework.

Asbestos will stay on the site after any form of repair. Repairing rather than removing Asbestos is normally less expensive, but it may make eventual asbestos removal more complex and costly. The repair job can either be a major project or a minor project.

Examine the area around the damage to ensure it is stable before attempting modest repairs. Any damaged area larger than the size of your hand, in general, is not considered a modest repair.

How Do I Handle the Asbestos Removal Process?

Removing Asbestos is usually the most expensive procedure, and it should be the final option considered in most circumstances unless state or municipal requirements compel it. It is vital to leave the asbestos removal process to professionals who have been trained to handle Asbestos.

Asbestos removal is expensive due to the fact that removal has the highest risk of fibre release. However, removal may be essential when renovating or making large alterations to your property that would disturb asbestos material. Also, if asbestos material has been severely damaged and cannot be restored, it may be necessary to remove it. Removal is difficult and should only be done by a contractor with specialized knowledge. Improper removal may really put your and your family’s health in danger.

Asbestos specialists have undergone extensive training in the handling of asbestos-containing materials. The sort of professional required will be determined by the type of product and the work required to resolve the issue. You can employ a generic asbestos contractor or, in some situations, a specialist certified to deal with specific asbestos materials.

Asbestos specialists may conduct house inspections, collect samples of suspicious material, assess its condition, and advise on what repairs are necessary and who is competent to undertake them. The material in good condition, once again, does not need to be sampled unless it is going to be disturbed. Asbestos materials are repaired or removed by professional rectification or abatement firms.

Why is it Important to Handle Asbestos Removal Safely?

Damaged asbestos-containing items can jeopardize your life and the lives of those who come into touch with asbestos dust, fibres, or raw asbestos materials if an asbestos removal firm does not professionally remove them.

Should You Hire Asbestos Removal Contractors?

For removal to be done safely, government-imposed asbestos regulations must be followed. For certified professionals to complete successfully remove Asbestos, they need to undergo trainings that offer the following courses:

  • The space is usually covered off with plastic sheeting to protect fibres from going into adjacent locations. Fibres cannot escape through taped seals. Thus they are double-checked.
  • Clean air exhaust pipes are installed outside the work area, and HEPA air filters are put in the work area. The HEPA filters clean the air inside the work area, while the exhaust pipes clean the air immediately outside the work area while capturing any stray fibres that may have escaped.
  • When removing Asbestos, workers are required to wear a safety suit and respirators.
  • The workspace is well-protected. Unauthorized persons are not permitted to enter the work area after asbestos removal begins.
  • Inspections are carried out while the work is being done to ensure that any asbestos materials have been removed entirely. Asbestos materials are placed in 6 mm thick double plastic containers.
  • After the removal is finished, the work area is sanitized and washed down using HEPA vacuums.

How Do You Dispose of the Asbestos After Removal?

Asbestos items must be deposited in a sealed receptacle and disposed of at a certified asbestos disposal site once they have been removed. To be appropriately designated as poisonous, hazardous waste, asbestos items must be accompanied by a DTSC certificate. Proper disposal is critical to guarantee that asbestos materials remain undisturbed and do not pose any further health risks.

The first and most crucial thing to remember about Asbestos is that you should not handle or dispose of it yourself. Asbestos is a carcinogen that qualified asbestos removal experts should only handle.

While there is information regarding do-it-yourself asbestos abatement on the internet, it is strongly advised that you should not damage asbestos-containing materials in any manner.

If you locate friable asbestos goods in your house, carefully moisten them to keep them from releasing fibers until a competent specialist can inspect your property.

These experts have received extensive training and certification in order to comply with all federal and state rules regarding asbestos abatement and disposal. If you don’t employ an expert, you’ll most likely breach one of the numerous asbestos-related regulations, and you’ll face a hefty fine or penalty.

Proper and Legal Asbestos Disposal

Abatement specialists transport asbestos-containing debris to a landfill that is equipped to handle the Abestos waste properly. Different states and areas have their unique asbestos waste disposal procedures.

Before transporting asbestos-containing objects to a disposal location, an asbestos abatement contractor should moisten them and enclose them in plastic. Packaged Asbestos is buried at the specified disposal location.

Recycling After Asbestos Removal

Depending on the kind of product being recycled, some of these processes minimize the volume of asbestos waste by 50% to 99.7%. Because disposal price is dependent on volume, this reduction in volume is good for landfills and lowers the cost of discarding Asbestos.

These recycling technologies’ non-hazardous end products are either shipped to a conventional landfill or utilized in construction materials, packing material, or concrete aggregate.

Do’s and Don’ts in Residential Buildings When Handling Asbestos Waste

There are some things you need to remember when handling various types of Asbestos material.

DO’s

  • Wear the proper personal protective equipment and gear (see contained Selection and use of protective clothing for asbestos-related activities)
  • Before you begin, fully damp down the material by lightly spraying surfaces with water or a 1:10 polyvinyl acetate (PVA): water solution or with low-pressure water from a garden hose, if needed (if outdoors). Keep the Asbestos moist until it’s time to transfer it.
  • Use non-powered hand tools (such as a guillotine, hand saw, or hand-powered drill) because they produce less dust and waste chips that are coarser than those produced by power equipment.
  • To assist remove sheeting with little damage, take out any nails first.
  • Lower (not drop) the sheets to the ground and stack atop two pieces of polythene sheeting (such as heavy-duty builder’s plastic) at least 0.2 mm thick.
  • Asbestos cement products should be cut or broken as little as possible.
  • Personal protective equipment should be removed and disposed of as stated in the cleanup section below.
  • Shower and wash your hair right away, and clean your hands and fingernails well to eliminate any dust or Asbestos that may have landed on your body, regardless of whether gloves were worn.

DON’Ts

  • Wet surfaces with high-pressure water jets to prevent loose fibres or dust from spreading.
  • Slide one sheet over the surface of another to avoid damaging the materials’ surfaces and increasing the risk of fibres and dust being released.
  • On asbestos cement, do not use power tools, abrasive cutting or sanding discs, or compressed air, since they will cause airborne asbestos, dust and debris.
  • Surfaces to be painted should be dry-sanded, wire-brushed, or scraped.
  • If at all possible, avoid walking on corrugated asbestos cement roofs. Many individuals have been harmed while attempting to cure or repair worn asbestos cement roofs.
  • Asbestos cement products should not be left in the garden or anywhere else where they might be damaged.

FAQs

What happens during asbestos removal?

Contractors place wet asbestos waste into appropriately designated bags while still in the abatement area. The sealed bags of debris are rinsed and placed in additional bags labelled “Asbestos-Containing Materials” before being brought out of the abatement area. Before being transferred to a secure landfill that handles asbestos trash, the sealed bags are deposited in lockable dumpsters.

How do I know it is safe to enter an area after asbestos waste removal?

Testing is done on-site, and the abatement business and the customer have access to test findings. A work area will not be released to the building until the work area has received successful final air clearance.

Can contractors remove asbestos waste even when there are people in a building

Yes. When doing asbestos abatement, asbestos abatement professionals must adhere to tight standards to guarantee that Asbestos is not disseminated outside of the work area. Plastic sheeting and, in certain situations, boards are used to separate the abatement area from the occupied/non-abatement portions. Once the project begins, only the abatement contractors are permitted to enter the abatement area.

Can the asbestos waste transfer to nearby rooms and areas when it is being removed?

Any vents related to the building’s ventilation system are shut during the abatement area’s preparation. During the abatement, the ventilation system in the work area is usually switched off. As a result, precautions are made to prevent Asbestos from spreading outside the workplace.

How Do Asbestos Removal Companies Make Money?

Damaged asbestos-containing items can jeopardise your life and the lives of those who come into touch with asbestos dust, fibres, or raw asbestos materials if an asbestos abatement firm does not professionally remove them.

Dealing with the possible dangers that Asbestos poses is inconvenient and may also offer a significant health risk to individuals exposed to toxic asbestos fibres regularly. Asbestos was utilised in numerous goods to withstand heat since it does not burn. Asbestos-containing products, such as asbestos insulation boards, became lucrative to the construction sector due to the “wonder mineral.”

Some of the common asbestos-containing materials found around the home include:

  • Roof Siding and Roof Shingles
  • Vermiculite Insulations, Coatings, and Ceiling Tiles
  • Popcorn Ceilings
  • Drywalls
  • Vinyl Floor Tiles
  • Electrical Switchboard Panels
  • Plumbing Fixtures
  • Pipe and Duct Coverings
  • Thermal Boiler
  • Fireplace Insulations

Most Asbestos Removal companies can offer three classes of Asbestos Removal work, depending on how much Asbestos needs to be dealt with.

First: Removal of Asbestos utilised to prevent heat loss or gain and surfacing of asbestos-containing materials and those suspected of having Asbestos.

Second: Wallboards, floor tiles and sheeting, roofing and siding shingles, and building mastics are examples of non-thermal asbestos-containing products.

Third: Any asbestos-containing items that are likely to be disturbed will need to be repaired and maintained. This is most likely the kind used to remove Asbestos.

Several Asbestos Removal Companies also offer Asbestos Testing services and can conduct Asbestos Surveys on a property to detect the levels of asbestos present. Some companies can also provide demolition services after removing the hazardous material for more severe cases.

Asbestos Removal Companies to Avoid

When sorting through Asbestos Removal Services, there is always a chance to meet companies that seem a little suspicious.

You have to check the Abatement Tactics used by the company. Ensure that the Asbestos Removal Company has established and follows Health and Safety Guidelines. Closing off various rooms at a time and carefully removing all the Asbestos using a variety of instruments is typical of asbestos removal. Asbestos disposal is strictly controlled; therefore check to see if the company’s disposal processes are up to date.

Consider choosing if a corporation can’t describe its method or if it seems strange to you. This is not a situation to be taken lightly.

You can also make a phone call if you genuinely want to know what kind of asbestos company you are employing. Ask all the important questions during this call. Look for clear, confident responses and a pleasant attitude and a desire to assist. You should go with someone else if the individual on the phone seems bored, indifferent, or unpleasant.

If the company fails to pass any of these simple tests, it is best to avoid contracting their services and hiring someone else.

Summary

Asbestos can be found in a wide range of places, from loose asbestos between floors and in partition walls to sprayed asbestos on structural beams and girders, piping lagging, boilers, and heat exchangers. Asbestos was previously considered a household waste until it was discovered that Asbestos can cause certain serious diseases.

When faced with the possibility of dealing with asbestos waste, it is best to hire a licensed contractor who knows how to handle these materials, for these could release asbestos fibres.

Get in touch with a professional today for further advice or asbestos training when working with certain building materials. You can either speak to your local council or a registered professional for further information or report a problem.

Full List Of Asbestos Removal Companies

We have compiled a list of Asbestos Removal Companies below: