What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction due to its durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties. Before its health risks were fully understood, asbestos was commonly found in roofing, insulation, ceilings, flooring, and pipe lagging in both residential and commercial buildings.

While asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are no longer used in new construction, many older buildings in the UK still contain asbestos. If left undisturbed, these materials may not pose an immediate threat, but when damaged or disturbed, asbestos fibres can become airborne, leading to serious health risks.

This is why safe and compliant asbestos removal is so important. At Crocker Cladding, we offer a legally compliant asbestos removal service that safely extracts and disposes of all asbestos containing materials.

In this blog, we explain why safe removal is so important and how we do it.

Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure

The primary danger of asbestos lies in its microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibres can become lodged in the lungs, leading to severe health conditions, including:

• Asbestosis – A chronic lung disease causing scarring and breathing difficulties.
• Lung Cancer – Long-term asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
• Mesothelioma – A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs and abdomen, almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure.

Homeowners, tenants, workers, and property managers in buildings containing asbestos are at risk, particularly if asbestos-containing materials are disturbed during renovations, demolition, or repairs.

Legal and Safety Regulations

The UK has strict asbestos regulations to protect public health and safety. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, property owners, landlords, and business operators have a legal duty to manage asbestos risks in non-domestic buildings. These responsibilities include:

• Identifying and assessing the presence of asbestos.
• Implementing a management plan to prevent exposure.
• Hiring licensed professionals for asbestos removal when necessary.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal penalties and serious health consequences for occupants and workers.

The Importance of Professional Asbestos Removal

Attempting to remove asbestos yourself is not only dangerous but also illegal in many cases. Professional asbestos removal services ensure:

• Safe containment and removal of asbestos fibres.
• Proper disposal in accordance with UK regulations.
• Protection of occupants, workers, and the surrounding environment.

By hiring trained specialists, property owners can ensure asbestos is handled safely, minimising risks and legal liabilities.

Crocker Cladding’s Expertise in Asbestos Removal

At Crocker Cladding, we provide professional asbestos removal services for residential and commercial properties. Our team follows strict safety protocols and complies with all UK asbestos regulations.

We offer:

• Expert asbestos inspections and risk assessments.
• Safe and efficient removal and disposal.
• Compliance with all legal safety standards.

Protect your property and health - contact Crocker Cladding today for expert asbestos removal services. Call our team today on 07954 323335 or complete our online contact form for a free site survey.