Choose the Right Asbestos Removal Company: Tips for Homeowners
Your initial online search for asbestos removal services in the UK can be overwhelming. It would seem that we’re awash with asbestos companies.
But looking deeper, you’ll soon notice that some asbestos companies are more experienced and professional than others. It can be difficult to tell which company will quickly and reliably remove asbestos from your home or office while maintaining professionalism and positive communication.
This blog shares tips on choosing a trustworthy asbestos removal service for your construction project.
Understand the danger of asbestos
Firstly, it’s important to remember why thorough asbestos removal is crucial: asbestos is a killer. Inhaling even a handful of microscopic asbestos fibres can lead to lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases, and asbestos exposure kills 5,000 people every year in the UK.
Though the United Kingdom banned asbestos in 1999, any building constructed before 2000 could contain asbestos in its building materials. It’s common for homes and buildings of this vintage to have an asbestos roof or even asbestos garage roofs.
If you’ve found or suspect asbestos in your building, working with professional asbestos removal services is the only way to guarantee its complete and safe removal.
Asbestos removal qualifications matter
Without the help of licensed professionals, you risk incomplete or haphazard asbestos removal, endangering everyone who visits your home or building.
Asbestos removal is a delicate process, and handling it without proper training and equipment can be potentially life-threatening. A licensed removal company will have extensive asbestos training, protective gear, and other specialised equipment to remove asbestos safely.
Plus, there are legal obligations associated with asbestos removal. Licensed asbestos companies will not only understand the regulations surrounding removal, but they’ll also know how to complete and file the correct paperwork for you so you can avoid asbestos lawsuits and rest easy knowing your crew and family are safe.
Prioritise asbestos removal experience
Because asbestos removal is so tricky and tightly regulated, it takes years of experience to become an expert in the field. Don’t work with any asbestos removal company that’s new to the game—you can’t be sure they’re experienced enough to do it properly.
Instead, opt for tried-and-true companies with years of asbestos removal expertise. Talk to past clients and check their reputation via online reviews and references.
Expect safety protocols
Every aspect of removing asbestos materials—including asbestos surveys and asbestos testing—is perilous. So, look for asbestos services that prioritise safety above all other considerations.
Ask your local council for a list of safety protocols and required safety equipment. Then, talk to each company on your list about their safety protocols and equipment to be sure they meet the requirements.
Check for asbestos insurance
A professional asbestos removal service will have asbestos insurance. Double-check that the company you’re considering has it and ask for their proof of insurance. That way, you won’t be expected to cover costs associated with accidents or property damage during removal.
Clarity in asbestos removal contracts
Finally, insist that your contract contains clear language on these particulars:
- Scope of work
- Timelines
- Costs
- Disposal methods
You need to know that all the asbestos in your building has been completely removed and disposed of properly. That way, you can carry on with your construction work without worrying about traces of asbestos remaining on site.
Choose the UK’s most reliable asbestos removal company
At The Waste Group, we proudly put ourselves in the top-class category when it comes to asbestos removal. We have over 10 years of experience conducting asbestos surveys and removing asbestos carefully and thoroughly from homes, offices, and other job sites across the UK.
Read more about our extensive experience removing asbestos around the UK, or talk to the team about how we can remove asbestos from your building site. We’ll help you ensure the safety of your building and avoid costly asbestos litigation.