As a
Licensed waste carrier with the Environment Agency, we often get asked by customers about removing asbestos containing Materials (ACMs) from their home or work premises because they're presumed dangerous. In most instances it doesn't need to be removed and can, in most cases, stay exactly where it is. So we have put together a brief guide outlining some of the regulations involving ACMs at home or at work and what we can safely assist you with.
Asbestos in its most common forms in the UK is split into three categories, Chrysotile, Amosite and Crocidolite, also known as White, Brown and Blue asbestos. The most popular misconception is that of the three types of asbestos mentioned, that White is the least dangerous, Brown in the middle and Blue being the most dangerous.
Let's get this straight, all asbestos types can be dangerous if not managed correctly.
Without going into too much detail about the Asbestos fibres themselves, which is beyond the scope of this article, we shall give a very basic summary of three common forms of Asbestos in our country at present and as to where you will most likely find them, with a quick mention to their fibre structure and content and the best course of action to take should it be worrying you.
The most common form of Asbestos containing materials found in the domestic dwelling today Abestos Cement Garages,
Asbestos Cement Sheds, Asbestos Cement Guttering, Fascias and Soffits made from Asbestos Cement and Asbestos Insulation Board (A.I.B), Thermo-plastic floor tiles, Artex wall and Ceiling coatings, Asbestos Cement Flues, Toilet cisterns, Sink pads (Black sound deadening pads on the underneath of a stainless steel sink), Fuse Boards, Ironing Boards are to name but a few. So in reality, most homes built pre 1980 may possibly have some Asbestos containing Materials present.
This is where the worry for most people sets in - their house has Asbestos in it! However, please don't fret; just read on...
Put simply, asbestos-containing materials are categorised strictly on the percentage of Fibres used to make the product, the fibres themselves are very respirable and cannot be broken down easily by the human body. They therefore can become lodged in the lungs and cause problems later in life, 10-25 years incubation most commonly, if not passed through naturally.
The more fibres present, the higher the chance of exposure should the product be damaged or broken, the higher the exposure, the higher the possibility of contracting an Asbestos related disease, such as Asbestosis or Mesothelioma.
Most of the above don't require a license to remove, which means you don't have to contact a specialist Asbestos Removal Contractor (who have been granted a Licence by the HSE should you want to remove it), but you will need a Licensed Hazardous Waste Removal Contractor should it need to be disposed of.
Being licenced to remove Asbestos very quickly translates into the potential damage caused by exposure to Asbestos fibres. The higher the potential exposure means the higher level of prevention needed, which in turn means a specialist firm that has been appointed by the HSE with specialist equipment is required at this point. Regulation is paramount, so only companies that are thoroughly vetted are granted licences.
The majority of the examples mentioned above have a very low concentration of Asbestos (compared to the other materials that make their construction) present. For example, an
Asbestos Garage could contain anything upto 25 percent Asbestos, the remainder being made up from Cement and other common building products, which means most of the Fibres will have attached themselves to a product that is heavier than air, such as cement and thus become very to difficult to breathe in.The more difficult to breathe in, a lesser level of prevention is required and as such, is not needed to be licensed but good practice is always considered the best practice.
Amosite, also known as Asbestos Insulating Board or Brown Asbestos, is a form of Asbestos that does need specialist attention and can only be removed by a Licensed Asbestos Contractor because of the potential risk of fibre release during removal should it not be conducted by means set out in a method statement or plan of works by the licensed contractor. It has a possible content ratio of up to 75% Asbestos and should be treated with respect.
Quite often found behind Boilers, Encasing Steel Work, below windows or panels, Sandwiched between Fire Doors,Canopies, Fascias and Soffits, Packers in window fitments,Boiler and Pipe Insulation, in fact can be found anywhere, it was an extremely common building product in the 60's and 70's!
Crocidolite aka Blue asbestos. Another form that needs Specialist Removal .Is predominantly found as a Sprayed coating to steel work and concrete, the most popular application for this Asbestos. It was the best, most affordable fire protection of it's time. Very unlikely to be in a home unless of grand status, with huge infastructure and a wealthy occupant residing at the time. It's far more commonly found in commercial applications.
In summary, maybe it wasn't as simple as first hoped but more than likely if you have Asbestos it won't need removing unless you are considering construction works, because believe it or not, if it can stay where it is and is in good condition, leave it where it is, because it is doing exactly the job is was meant to.
Having said all that, should you have any doubt, or you have some that needs to be disposed-of, contact us and we will give you some useful advice as to how to go about your plans.
We have on our firm a team of fully
ARCA trained operatives that will advise the best and legal options open to you. Should your requirements fit into our Asbestos Removal services, we use
Silverdell as our chosen Licensed Waste removal service.
As always, contact us with a photo, attached to an email of any suspected Asbestos, we will endeavour to quote via email; it saves the planet! We drive less and produce less Carbon Emissions this way. Most occasions will require a second opinion unless you have had a certified report completed from an
UKAS accredited company. This service will incur an extra charge.
Simply put, we can rid you of Asbestos should you need to, without the horrendous expense of employing a specialist contractor if not required.
Labels: asbestos removal, Rubbish Removal, waste removal
