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Asbestos - advice for householders
What is it?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring material that has been used for about 150 years on a large scale.
Asbestos fibres are versatile and asbestos is ideal as a fire-proofing and insulation material.
The main types of asbestos that have been commercially used are:
Crocidolite (blue)
Amosite (brown)
Chrysotile (white)
All types are dangerous but blue and brown are known to be more dangerous, however you can not identify the type of asbestos just by looking at the colour of it, you need a laboratory to properly identify the different types of asbestos.
Remember it is not always easy to tell if a product contains asbestos as modern asbestos-free materials often look similar to asbestos containing materials.
Where may it be found?
Asbestos was used in hundreds of different products and buildings from the 1950's to the mid-1980's and Asbestos Cement was used up until 1999 in a variety of different premises and materials. Any building that was constructed or had major refurbishment works between the 1950's and the mid-1980's is likely to contain some type of asbestos containing material. However the use of asbestos peaked between the 1960's and early 1970's so premises built or refurbished around that time are the most likely to contain some form of asbestos. Properties built since the mid-1980's are unlikely to contain asbestos in the fabric of the building and properties built since 1990 are extremely to unlikely to contain asbestos anywhere in the building.
Types of asbestos materials that may be found in the home include:
- Flat or corrugated sheets used mainly for garages and sheds;
- Cold water storage tanks;
- External drain water pipes and guttering;
- Soffit and facia boards;
- Lining cladding for fire protection; and
- For internal partition walls.
How can I tell if something contains asbestos?
Since 1976 British Manufacturers have put labels on their products to show they contain asbestos, and since 1986 all products containing asbestos carry the European label. The Supplier or the Manufacturer may also be able to tell you if their product contains asbestos.
Remember asbestos-containing products can look very similar to non-asbestos-containing products. If in doubt seek advice.
Why is it dangerous?
When asbestos materials become damaged or age, they can release fibres in to the air.
Breathing in asbestos fibres is dangerous. The fibres can be breathed deep in to the lungs, where they stay for a long time and cause possible damage and lung diseases, including cancer.
There is NO known danger associated with ingesting (eating or drinking) asbestos fibres from asbestos cement water supply pipes and/or storage tanks.
What should you do if you suspect there is asbestos in your home?
- Asbestos materials that are in good condition and are unlikely to be damaged:
If the material is in good condition and is unlikely to be damaged, it is often best to leave it where it is because removal of the material can release asbestos fibres. You should check the condition of the asbestos materials from time to time to make sure they have not become damaged or started to deteriorate.
If you have asbestos in your home and you are planning any maintenance or building work you must inform the builders or contractors before they start work.
Painting asbestos cement material inside the home can help to seal the material and prevent damage and fibres being released. If you decide to paint over it use an alkali resistant primer or coating and never rub it down before painting as this will release the fibres. If the asbestos cement product has been fitted for fire protection you should use a fire retardant paint.
- Asbestos Materials that are damaged:
Damaged or deteriorating asbestos materials can release fibres and dust and should be removed.
Some asbestos materials (sprayed asbestos, lagging or insulating boards) must be removed by a Contractor with a special Licence issued by the HSE.
However small quantities of Asbestos Cement may be removed safely by yourself providing you follow the precautions below:
1.Clear the area of work and keep other people away;
2. Put down a polythene sheet to catch any debris;
3. Wear protective clothing, preferably a disposable coverall and a dust mask that is 'CE' marked to EN 149. Your Hardware Store should be able to advise you on the types of disposable coveralls and masks that are available;
4. Wet the area with a damp cloth or water sprayer. If you use a cloth it must be disposed of after use. Putting a small amount of washing up liquid in the water will help bond the dust. Do not use water near electricity;
5. If possible remove any fixings and take the product down whole. Do not drill, cut or disturb the asbestos unless absolutely necessary and do not scrape or sand asbestos materials. Do not break the sheets;
6. Use hand tools rather than power tools;
7. Place the asbestos in to a plastic bag or seal it with polythene sheeting. Mark the bag or sheeting "Asbestos". Double bag small pieces of asbestos;
8. Wipe down the work area with a wet cloth again and dispose of the cloth doubled bagged and clearly marked 'Asbestos';
9. Do not use a domestic vacuum cleaner to clear up the dust, however you can hire an Industrial Vacuum cleaner that conforms to BS 5415 (Type H);
10. When you have finished remove your overalls, be careful not to raise any dust that has collected on them. Dispose of the overalls and mask double bagged and clearly marked with 'Asbestos'; Wash non-disposable overalls straight away, separately from other clothes, in a washing machine;
11. Wash yourself on completion.
Do not dispose of asbestos in the dustbin. The Council is unable to collect or dispose of asbestos, however Surrey County Council does have household waste sites that are able to take small amounts of concrete bonded asbestos and some other hazardous materials from residents. Up to six sheets of asbestos may be taken to one of the three transfer stations. Only cement bonded asbestos is accepted at the sites, for other forms of asbestos a specialist must be contacted for disposal. Look in the yellow pages under 'Asbestos Removals' for asbestos specialists.
Householders can take small amounts of asbestos cement products to:
The Household Waste Recycling Site in Epsom and Ewell, Blenheim Road, Epsom, Surrey, Tel: 01372 728722; or
The Household Waste Recycling Site in Guildford, Moorfield Road, Slyfield, Guildford, Surrey, Tel: 01483 458 439; or
The Household Waste Recycling Site in Spelthorne, Charlton Lane, Sunbury, Surrey, Tel:01932 785 824
Remember:
- If Asbestos is in good condition it should be left alone;
- If Asbestos is damaged, Asbestos Fibres and Dust can be released;
- Breathing Asbestos Fibres and Dust can be harmful;
- If you think you have asbestos containing products in your home or you are unsure - SEEK ADVICE.
For further information please contact Tandridge District Council on
01883 722000 or email
the.council@tandridge.gov.ukOr you can write to us at:
Tandridge District Council
8 Station Road East
Oxted
Surrey
RH8 0BT
