When replacing an asbestos garage roof, safety and compliance with requirements should be your top priorities. As the UK’s leading specialists in asbestos garage roof replacements, Excel Asbestos is committed to educating homeowners on the importance of proper asbestos roof removal, disposal and replacement.
Today we’ll outline the steps required to ensure your asbestos garage roof is handled and disposed of safely, legally, and with minimal environmental impact. We strongly discourage attempting a DIY approach and instead recommend hiring professionals for this hazardous task.
Why DIY Disposal is Not Recommended
Attempting to dispose of asbestos yourself puts you, and those around you at significant health, legal, and financial risks.
Handling asbestos without the proper training, equipment, and permits increases the likelihood of releasing harmful fibres into the air, endangering yourself, your family, and your community. Even minor disturbances can release microscopic asbestos fibres, which are easily inhaled and can remain lodged in the lungs, causing long-term health damage.
UK laws regulate asbestos handling and disposal under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to severe fines, legal action, and even criminal charges. For example, incorrectly disposing of asbestos waste at unauthorised facilities is illegal and considered an environmental crime. This is why DIY asbestos removal and disposal should never be attempted, the risks far outweigh any perceived time or cost savings.
Requirements for Asbestos Disposal in the UK
In the UK, asbestos removal and disposal are governed by regulations, including the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. These regulations ensure that asbestos is handled in a way that minimises health risks and environmental harm. Below are the key requirements:
Identification of Asbestos
Before any work begins, you must identify whether your garage roof contains asbestos. This typically involves an asbestos survey conducted by a qualified professional. The survey will determine the type of asbestos present (e.g., chrysotile, amosite, or crocidolite) and assess the condition of the material. At Excel roofing we have a dedicated team of surveyors who visit sites before any work begins.
Licensing
High-risk asbestos, such as roofing sheets which are damaged, or in a poor or fragile condition, must be removed by a licensed asbestos contractor, like Excel Asbestos. Attempt to do-it-yourself is illegal.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Workers must wear suitable PPE, including overalls, gloves, and a respiratory protective device (breathing mask) with a filter to protect against fibres.
Controlled Roof Removal
- Dampening: The asbestos sheets are wetted with a mixture of water and detergent to suppress the release of fibres. Keeping the material damp throughout the process ensures that any fibres dislodged remain contained and do not become airborne.
- Non-Powered Tools: Non-powered hand tools, like guillotines, hand saws, or hand-powered drills, are employed to carefully dismantle the sheets. These tools produce minimal vibrations, reducing the risk of fibre disturbance compared to powered equipment.
- Handling with Precision: The asbestos sheets are handled with great care to prevent breakage or crushing. This involves gentle lifting and controlled movements, ensuring the sheets remain intact and do not release harmful fibres due to damage.
- Waste Packaging: Damaged asbestos tiles are securely bagged in heavy-duty plastic, while intact asbestos sheets are secured, ready for transport.
- Transport and Disposal: Finally the asbestos waste can only be transported by carriers registered with the Environment Agency, like Excel asbestos, before being disposed of at a licensed waste facility.
Environmental Considerations
Improper disposal of asbestos can have severe environmental consequences. Asbestos fibres can remain airborne for long periods and contaminate the soil and water if not contained properly. By using a professional service like Excel Asbestos, you ensure that:
- The asbestos is removed safely and securely.
- Waste is transported in compliance with environmental regulations.
- Asbestos is disposed of at licensed facilities, preventing contamination.
The Role of Professional Asbestos Removal Services
At Excel Asbestos, we have the expertise and equipment needed to manage asbestos garage roof replacement safely and efficiently. Here’s what you can expect when you hire our team:
- Initial Survey and Assessment: We conduct a thorough survey to confirm the presence of asbestos and evaluate its condition.
- Safe Removal: Our trained professionals follow stringent safety protocols to remove the asbestos without releasing fibres.
- Waste Management: We handle the packaging, labelling, transport, and disposal of asbestos waste, ensuring full compliance with UK regulations.
- Replacement: Once the asbestos roof is removed, we can install a modern, durable, and safe replacement roof.
Tips for Homeowners
If you suspect your garage roof contains asbestos, follow these guidelines:
- Do Not Disturb the Material: Avoid drilling, cutting, or breaking the asbestos sheets.
- Contact Professionals: Reach out to a licensed asbestos removal company like Excel Asbestos.
- Check for Accreditation: Ensure that the contractor is adequately trained and has the necessary insurance.
- Keep Records: Retain all documentation related to asbestos surveys, removal, and disposal for future reference.
Costs of Asbestos Removal and Disposal
The cost of asbestos garage roof removal varies depending on factors such as the size of the roof, the type and condition of the asbestos, and the complexity of the removal process. While DIY might seem like a cost-saving option, the risks and potential fines far outweigh the initial savings.
Investing in professional removal ensures your safety and compliance with the law. To help you understand the costs involved, read our guide explaining the cost of replacing an asbestos garage roof.
Disposing of an asbestos garage roof is a task that requires careful planning, specialised knowledge, and strict adherence to legal and environmental standards. By entrusting the job to Excel Asbestos, you protect yourself, your family, and the environment from the dangers of asbestos exposure.
If you’re considering replacing your asbestos garage roof, contact Excel Asbestos today. Our team of experts is ready to provide safe, compliant, and efficient solutions tailored to your needs. Don’t take risks with asbestos, let the professionals handle it.
