Asbestos

Use of asbestos
What are the hazards?
Removal options
Removal of  asbestos cement
Disposal of asbestos
Dumped asbestos
Further information
Firms that sample and analyse suspect material

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which was used in building construction and other specialised uses.  Its properties of resistance to fire, alkali and acid led to its wide usage up to the early 1970s.  In recognition of its potentially hazardous nature some types have already been banned and substitute materials are now available. There are three main types of asbestos: Crocidolite (‘blue asbestos’), Amosite (‘brown asbestos’) and Chrysotile (‘white asbestos’). Brown and blue asbestos are known to be more dangerous than white asbestos but you cannot distinguish types of asbestos by colour alone. Asbestos products change colour depending on the way they have been manufactured or treated.

Uses of asbestos
Asbestos cement
Often found in corrugated roofs of sheds or garages, roofing tiles, eaves, gutters, water tanks, flues.

Soft Asbestos
Often found on pipe or boiler lagging. 

Insulation board 
Used for fire-proofing cladding, thermal insulation board, acoustic panels.

Sprayed Coatings       

Typically found on soffits to communal walkways in blocks of flats and underground car parks for fire protection. If you are in any doubt as to whether asbestos is present or if you are working on a product known to contain asbestos, you should leave it alone and seek advice from:
• a licensed asbestos removal company
• the Health and Safety Executive
• Ealing Council

Removal of asbestos
The hazards
The mere presence of asbestos does not necessarily create a health risk. The risk arises from the breathing in of microscopic asbestos fibres released through mishandling, or in areas where it is subject to heavy wear. These notes apply to structures such as sheds and garages. Asbestos cement normally contains from about 5 to 10% chrysotile (white asbestos) by weight.

Do not attempt to remove: 

• soft asbestos
• asbestos insulating board (similar to plaster board)
• sprayed asbestos coating

The above should be dealt with by a professional stripping company licensed by the Health and Safety Executive. The Asbestos Removal Contractors Association gives details on local contractors, tel: 01283 531126. The work has to be undertaken in accordance with a strict code of practice involving the use of specialised equipment and protective clothing.

If asbestos material is in good order and repair - leave it alone!  In attempting to remove it you are likely to create the potentially hazardous dust. You are recommended to use one of the following remedies:

• seal and paint - prime asbestos sheet with alkali resistant primer. Finish off with emulsion or gloss paint.  Do not sand or scrape the material prior to painting
• cover sheet asbestos with wallpaper (fixed with a strong adhesive) or with hardboard.
• seal and paint with a bitumastic paint eg Aquaseal or Synthaprufe
• seal with PVA adhesive eg Unibond

Removal options
Asbestos removal contractor - more expensive than the other options but will have the knowledge, expertise and equipment to do the job and disposal. These must be used for removing all types of asbestos other than asbestos cement.

General builder - many builders can remove asbestos cement without needing licensed persons.  They must, however, adhere to safe working methods and make provision for proper disposal.

Do-it-Yourself - you must plan the job, obtain materials and equipment and make arrangements for disposal.  Most jobs can be done relatively safely if you pay attention to detail. 

Removal of asbestos cement (eg corrugated shed roof or garages)
Householders can undertake the removal of asbestos cement products provided that the following precautions are observed: