Person in blue protective suit working outdoors

ASBESTOS IDENTITY & REMOVAL

ASBESTOS SAFETY

Here at Everest, we take the health and safety of both our installers and our customers very seriously. That is why we will take a sample if we suspect asbestos is present in a property and will require it to be removed ahead of installation, if there is a risk it will be disturbed.

What happens next?

Once you have decided to purchase from Everest, one of our trained surveyors will conduct a survey of your property in preparation for your products to be manufactured and installed. Our surveyors will be checking to see if your property may contain asbestos and will take a sample. If this is the case, they will discuss with yourself and explain next steps. The Surveyor will provide you with a letter to explain next possible steps and will also send the sample/s for analysis. You will then be contacted by our business centre with results of the test. If asbestos is present, Everest would then require it to be removed prior to installation taking place, if it is likely to be disturbed.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre that was widely used in construction and other industries until the late 1990s. Unfortunately, when asbestos was at its most popular, the construction industry had no idea of the health implications that it would have. Left undisturbed, Asbestos is unlikely to cause any harm, however during home improvements, it could end up distributing harmful dust into the air, which could cause serious and life-threatening health issues.

How is Asbestos removed?

Depending on the result, we will either appoint our own trained Installers to remove the materials if it is Asbestos cement or if it is a licensed material (Asbestos Insulation Board), our appointed specialist will remove the materials, prior to the Installation. Everest work with various asbestos licenced contractors who will safely remove the asbestos and an independent analyst will examine the property to ensure it is confirmed safe, and will issue a Clean Air certificate. Once this certificate has been produced Everest will be able to proceed with the installation. Should a customer choose to use an alternative asbestos removal company, Everest will still require a copy of the Clean Air certificate to deem it safe for home improvements. Everest absolutely do not endorse customers removing asbestos themselves due to the high risk of inhaling particles once asbestos is disturbed which can lead to life threating illness. We will also be unable to attend your property without a clean air certificate which can only be provided by an independent analyst. We cannot send our installers into the property without this.

How much does it cost?

The cost will vary dependent on the size of the area and the process required for removal. Due to the bespoke nature of removal, your sales consultant is unable to provide a price and the cost of any removal is not included in the quote for Everest.

Testing for asbestos

Asbestos is invisible and hard to identify (fibres are typically 10 times smaller than the width of human hair) and our Surveyor will take a sample which will be securely and safely sent for testing. Please be assured that the testing is done with the strictest safety measures and will pose no threat to yourself or household.

How do I know if I have asbestos in my house?

It is not possible to identify asbestos without sampling and analysing the material. There can be certain indicators that it may be present, such as the age of the house but a test is the only accurate way of knowing.

Why does my house have asbestos?

Asbestos was used very commonly in construction and home improvements until 1990’s. Before awareness of the health and safety risks it posed, it was used widely due to it being a material that was resistant to fire, water, chemicals and electricity. Since awareness of the dangers it is no longer used, but it will still be present in many houses unless removed.

If asbestos is identified am I safe in my house?

Asbestos is safe provided you do not disturb it or break it up. That is why Everest recommend that you do not remove it yourself and either ensure it is only removed by someone who is trained and knows how to remove it safely. using a licensed expert to remove the asbestos. For more information on asbestos please visit https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/dangerous.htm

Why do I need to remove the asbestos before Everest will install my new products?

Asbestos becomes harmful when it is disturbed. Some home improvements can pose a risk of disturbing the materials, which can put our customers and staff at risk. Everest maintain very high health and safety standards. Our preferred option would be to leave it in place, if we can complete the work without disturbing it. This is not always possible depending on the proposed work.

Can I remove the asbestos myself?

Inexperience with Asbestos removal can inadvertently cause fibres to be released in to the air, which can be extremely dangerous for you but also anyone in the vicinity for a significant period of time afterwards. If you do decide to remove asbestos yourself, you will still need to contact your local council. You will also still need to produce a Clean Air Certificate for Everest to continue with the installation.

How can I find another company to remove the asbestos?

A professional asbestos company will be licenced by the HSE and will have been monitored to ensure they manage asbestos surveying, testing and removal properly. Information about local companies could be found on https://www.hse.gov.uk/index.htm

Will having asbestos removed delay my installation?

Everest will work hard to ensure there is minimal delay to getting your new products installed, but there can sometimes be a delay due to the requirement of needing a Clean Air certificate ahead of agreeing to safe installation.

What is the Clean Air Certificate?

This is a certificate that is provided by an independent analyst. The analyst is appointed by the asbestos contractor but does not work for the same organisation. They will inspect the area where the materials have been removed and will also carry out an air test to confirm there are no airborne fibres after the removal. They will not issue a certificate unless they are satisfied that the site is clean and safe to reoccupy.