What to Do After an Asbestos Survey Identifies Asbestos in Your Shed or Garage That You Plan on Renovating

So you’ve been responsible and carried out an asbestos survey ahead of your renovation of an old shed or garage.

The results are in, and asbestos-containing materials have been detected. Although this may initially be a concern, there’s no need for alarm. Many sheds and garages in the UK and Ireland contain asbestos-containing materials, and management or asbestos removal is entirely feasible when approached correctly. Here are the sensible steps to take to manage or remove the asbestos safely. 

[Not completed an asbestos survey yet? Find out more here.]

Types of Asbestos: Know What You’re Dealing With

Your survey report will first identify the type of asbestos present. The common types include Chrysotile (white), Amosite (brown), and Crocidolite (blue), along with less prevalent types like Fibrous Anthophyllite, Fibrous Tremolite, and Fibrous Actinolite. Each type has its unique properties and risks, which will inform the following steps. 

Risk Assessment: To Remove or Manage

• Low Risk: If the asbestos is in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, it may be best to leave it in place but manage it carefully. 
• High Risk: If the asbestos is damaged or will likely be disturbed due to future activities, removal is often the safest route. 

Management Plan: If You Choose to Leave Asbestos In Place

• Label the Area: Clearly indicate the areas containing asbestos to ensure that future work in the location is done safely. 
• Regular Checks: Undertake scheduled inspections to make sure the asbestos has not deteriorated. 
• Limit Access: Minimise the number of people who have access to the area and inform those who do about the presence of asbestos. 

Asbestos Removal: If You Choose to Take it Out

• Hire a Specialist Contractor: The health risks and legalities make asbestos removal a task for professionals. . 
• Follow Legal Guidelines: Contractors will be versed in local legal guidelines, which usually involve special handling and disposal. 
• Comprehensive Asbestos Waste Collection: All asbestos waste needs to be collected and disposed of safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable regulations. At G&L, we offer a comprehensive asbestos waste collection service tailored to meet the needs of each individual client.   
• Documentation: Keep all relevant paperwork, such as waste consignment notes, for your records. 

Post-Removal or Asbestos Management Steps

• Certification: After removal or encapsulation, request certification from the professionals to confirm the work has been carried out to standard. 
• Ongoing Monitoring: If you haven’t opted for removal, periodic monitoring of the area is recommended. 
• Air Monitoring: For extra reassurance, have air monitoring conducted after the asbestos has been managed or removed. This step ensures that the air quality is safe and free from asbestos fibres. 

Professional Consultation

Continued professional guidance is essential for the proper management or removal of asbestos. Companies like G&L provide comprehensive services for both, in accordance with safety guidelines and legal requirements in the UK and Ireland. 

By adopting an informed and methodical approach, managing or removing asbestos from your shed or garage becomes a straightforward task. Keep these steps in mind to ensure safety for everyone involved. If you’re in the UK or Ireland, G&L offers asbestos surveys and non-licensed asbestos removal services, conducted by trained professionals to provide peace of mind. 

For a worry-free renovation or removal, contact G&L for asbestos survey and removal services, available across the UK and Ireland.