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:
These may be left insitu and should be monitored every few months to ensure their condition remains good.

Asbestos that is damaged or in a deteriorated condition:

This should be enclosed, encapsulated or removed following a risk assessment by a qualified person ( who would determine the most appropriate course of action.
Some asbestos products should only be worked on by suitably equipped specialist companies; for example, items 2,4,7,8 and 9 shown on the pollution control asbestos .
Other asbestos products , typically items 1,3,5 and 6 above, may be worked on by properly trained persons provided safe working procedures are adhered to.
 
Remember

• Do not use power tools on asbestos
• Do not sand or drill asbestos
• Do not break asbestos up
• Keep asbestos damp when it is being worked on
• All asbestos waste must be disposed of as hazardous waste in accordance with the Special Waste Regulations 1996
• Do not work on asbestos without proper respiratory protection and protective clothing (disposable).

Working on Asbestos Cement
This material has commonly been used in the construction of sheds and garages.Small quantities are accepted at waste centres and individuals can carry out work safely provided the following measures are applied: 

• Clear the proposed area of work and keep other people away;
• Put down a heavy gauge polythene sheet ( 500 gauge or 1000 gauge will do )  to catch any debris
• Wear protective clothing; heavy duty rubber gloves, an all in one disposable coverall and a disposable dust mask.The coverall and dust mask should be marked to EN 149.
• Thoroughly dampen, not drench, the area of work. Adding a small amount of washing up liquid to the water helps absorption by the asbestos as it is a degreasing agent. Do not use water near electricity.
• Try to remove the cement asbestos whole by removing fixings. Ideally the asbestos should not be broken.
• Lower the removed asbestos panel onto a prepared sheet of heavy gauge polythene, double wrap,tape the edges and mark as “ASBESTOS”.
• Do not use a domestic vacuum cleaner to clear up dust. You can use an industrial H type vacuum cleaner that conforms to BS 5415.
• Wipe the polythene sheet down with a damp cloth and dispose of the cloth as asbestos waste.
• When you have finished the asbestos removal carefully take off the coverall and place in an asbestos waste bag.Next take off the mask and place it in the waste bag. Wash the outer part of the rubber gloves.
• Wash yourself on completion.
• Asbestos waste should always be double bagged, sealed and clearly marked as asbestos. Normally the inner bag would be red and the outer bag clear.

Remember

• Never use power tools on asbestos;
• Use damp techniques – do not dry sweep;
• Older cement asbestos is usually more weathered and is likely to contain more freer asbestos fibres.

Disposal

Never dispose of asbestos in a dustbin or an ordinary skip. The landfill site at Kettering Road, Weldon (tel: 01536 267111) will accept small quantities of  “domestic” cement asbestos; a contribution towards costs may be requested.

Finally

• If asbestos is in good condition it should be clearly identified and left undisturbed;
• Asbestos in poor or damaged condition can release fibres to the air which,if inhaled, can result in fatal diseases;
• If you think you have asbestos containing products in your home or you are uncertain seek advice.

 
Further Information
Asbestos in Housing leaflet  (Corby Borough Council)
Further information is available from Corby Borough Council on :
Tel: 01536 464000
Fax:01536 464642
Email: d.sparrow@corby.gov.uk

Health and Safety Executive web site:
www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/