Why is Asbestos Removal Important for business?
As a popular building material in the 1970s, the dangers of asbestos were not fully realised until much later, meaning that professional asbestos removal is now needed on many properties. Found to be a carcinogen, this material was most commonly used in duct, loft and pipe insulation and floor tiles.
Many businesses are now looking to make sure that any asbestos they have is removed, but it can be a risky business, which is why the professionals need to be called in.
To explain further, Flame UK who specialise in Asbestos disposal in Nottingham, share their expertise and insight for businesses looking for advice on asbestos removal.
The dangers of asbestos
Asbestos has been linked to some life-threatening illnesses such as pleural thickening and even cancer, and when it is disturbed, microscopic fibres can become airborne, leading to them being breathed in.
Once this happens, they become trapped in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, as well as finding themselves in the lungs of digestive tract. Asbestos is easily broken up, which means it is not difficult for this to occur, and things like water damage, ageing and physical impact can cause it to deteriorate, and the fibres are released more easily.
Asbestos exposure
As a business owner, it is important to ensure that you prioritise the health and safety of your employees, customers, and visitors. If you find that you have asbestos in your building, you will then need to assess the risk to those who work within and consider having it removed.
Of course, there are some lines of work where it is not as simple as this, with those working in the construction industry facing the heaviest levels of exposure. As they work with a variety of materials on sites with existing buildings, construction workers are the ones who are most likely to come across asbestos and be at risk of breathing in the fibres as their work disturbs the material.
It is therefore important to conduct a thorough assessment of the site to identify any asbestos that may be included and to deal with it in a way that protects your employees. A failure to do so can lead to them becoming seriously ill and could even result in claims of negligence if it is found that you have not taken reasonable measures to protect them. With around 5000 people a year still dying from asbestos related illnesses, it is clear that this is a threat to be taken seriously, and as the use of asbestos was not banned until 1999, many construction workers are still likely to be faced with it for some time to come.
Asbestos removal
Due to the way in which asbestos fibres are capable of getting into your system, it is imperative that the material is handled carefully. This is why asbestos removal should always be completed by professionals. They will be able to use heavy duty sheeting to help contain the fibres and come fully equipped with all of the right protective gear. They will then be able to carefully remove the asbestos, minimising the amount of disturbance that it receives and preventing the contamination of anything in the area, or the clothing of anyone who comes into contact with it. As professionals in the field, they can also then ensure that the asbestos is disposed of safely and responsibly.
If you run a business that could contain asbestos, it is important that you seek professional advice. You have a responsibility to the safety and wellbeing of everyone who enters your premises, including tradespeople who work on it, and you therefore need to ensure that they are protected as much as possible. Professional asbestos removal can ensure that your business is compliant with all health and safety regulations as well as keeping it safe for everyone on site.
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