So you have unmasked an unknown material in your home. Whether you’ve unearthed that material by accident, or during a DIY project, you’ll likely be wondering: what should you do next, and how should you go about getting the material removed? To make things a little easier, we decided to outline some key considerations, to ensure that you can keep your home safe for yourself and future occupants.

Get the materials tested

If you believe that there might be a toxic material in your house, it’s a natural response to panic slightly and try to remove it as quickly as possible. This is often the worst approach you can take - it’s important that you know exactly what you’re dealing with first, and then continue based on that information to ensure your safety.

There are a range of testing services that you can use to identify the toxic materials that might be on your property. Depending on what it is you suspect you’re dealing with, that might be as simple as sending off a sample to a laboratory, or getting around a professional testing service that can do the job for you.

Identify the Suspect: Think about your home's age and construction. Was it built before the asbestos ban in 1999? Are there any signs of damaged paint, lagging, or roof tiles? Understanding potential hazards can guide your testing approach.

UK Testing Regulations: In the UK, regulations dictate how certain hazardous materials are tested and handled. For instance, asbestos testing must always be carried out by a UK Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) licensed contractor.

UK Testing Options:

• DIY Sample Kits: While available, these kits often require sending samples abroad for analysis, which can be slower and potentially breach regulations for some materials like asbestos.
• UK Accredited Laboratories: Look for laboratories accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for asbestos and other hazardous materials testing.
• UK Professional Testing Services: Use certified contractors like those listed by the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS). They can perform on-site testing for specific materials and advise on safe removal procedures following UK regulations.

Use a professional removal service

If your tests come back positive for a toxic material, then you mustn’t try to remove it on your own. Even if you manage to protect yourself using the right kinds of PPE, it’s highly likely that you’ll inadvertently spread the materials around the area, causing a more general contamination that’s almost impossible to get rid of.

Make sure that you take a look at lists of vetted contractors before choosing a removal service provider. The potential ramifications of getting the choice wrong are highly serious, and it’s not something that you just want to leave up to chance.

Don't settle for the first company you find. Here's how to ensure you hire a qualified professional:

• Accreditation and Licensing: Verify the contractor holds the necessary UK accreditations for the specific material removal (e.g., UK Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) for asbestos).
• Insurance: Ensure they have adequate liability insurance to cover any potential issues during the removal process.
• Waste Disposal Credentials: Check if they have a valid waste carrier's license to transport and dispose of hazardous materials safely and legally.
• Experience and References: Ask for experience with similar projects and request references from past clients.
• Project Proposal and Timeline: Get a detailed written proposal outlining the removal process, safety measures, timeline, and final disposal plan.
• Cost Transparency: Compare quotes from several contractors, but remember the cheapest option might not be the best. Prioritise qualified professionals with a proven track record of safe and responsible removal.

Communication is Key: Maintain open communication with the contractor throughout the process. Discuss your concerns, ask questions about the removal methods, and ensure you understand the post-removal cleaning procedures.

Safety First: The contractor should prioritise your safety and the safety of their workers. They should have a comprehensive health and safety plan in place and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the removal process.

By following these steps, you can increase your confidence in choosing a qualified and reputable professional to remove toxic materials safely from your home.

Have the area inspected post-removal

Once you’ve had the material removed by a professional contractor, it’s important that you have the space inspected and tested for potential remnants and contamination. Having these tests done isn’t just important to ensure it’s a safe space for you to inhabit. It can also be a necessary requirement to show these tests to future buyers or renters of your property, to show that you’ve done all you can to make the property safe for inhabitation.

Upon successful inspection, the contractor will provide a clearance certificate. This document proves the area is safe for habitation and meets regulatory standards. It's essential for your peace of mind and can be required by:

• Your Insurance Company: Some insurers may require a clearance certificate before reinstating full coverage on your property.
• Future Property Sales or Rentals: In some cases, potential buyers or renters might request a clearance certificate as proof of a safe environment.

Don’t cut any corners

Lastly, while we understand that these processes might seem unnecessary and potentially expensive, it’s incredibly important that you don’t cut any corners. If you don’t have a material such as asbestos removed using the appropriate procedures, you risk exposing yourself to highly carcinogenic substances for as long as you remain in that property. It’s simply not worth the risk, not for yourself nor for future occupants of the premises.

Removing toxic materials might seem like a stressful and complex process, but by following the basic processes outlined above, you should be able to complete the removal process with as little complication as possible. From following proper testing procedures to carrying out post-removal testing, it really is as simple as that.

Don't hesitate to take action to ensure the safety of your home. If you suspect you have encountered a toxic material, contact a UKAS-accredited laboratory for testing or a licensed contractor for removal. Remember, a safe and healthy environment is worth the investment.