din 4102 & asbestos (with images)

[dizz]

I have some ceiling tiles that have :

"DIN 4102 B1 <-- U NW" written on the back.

I also attach a couple of images of the tiles. The one of the back of the tile is where the DIN number is printed.

I know nothing about asbestos, but have been told that some ceiling tiles contain it, and I should send a sample off for confirmation if I am worried.

I am hoping that someone recognises whether this is a newer type ceiling tile which I should not worry about, or an older one which may have asbestos in it. In particular, does anyone know when the DIN standards were established, as if these were established after asbestos was banned, then this would solve my problem!

Otherwise I will have to send a sample away.

Any advice appreciated.

Untitled

• dizz
• 26 Feb 2013
• 1

Untitled

• dizz
• 26 Feb 2013
• 1

 

[Tipper]

That DIN is a fire resistance standard.

Are you planning to use them or remove them?

Asbestos is only dangerous if the dust is inhaled due to being damaged or friable. If removing dampen them and wear decent dust mask if working on them. Double bag and clearly mark the bags to take them to the tip. They will have special bins for asbestos and will charge to take them most probably.

If you are really worried then get a specialist insulation company to remove and dispose of them for you.

 

[joe-90]

If you've got a few grand to waste that is.

 

[jeds]

Get a sample tested. You won't know for sure any other way. The Din standard has been around since the mid eighties and asbestos containing materials were still available into the 90s.

 

[dizz]

Sample taken and off in the post tomorrow.

 

[Nige F]

£10 says it`s got no asbestos whatsoever

 

[dizz]

That might be a good call Nige - I spoke with the firm to check they have received my sample, and he said I would get test results tomorrow, but from the look of it, it's unlikely to contain asbestos. I'll let you know the results tomorrow.

 

[carl1t0]

We were all set to send a few samples through the post when I stumbled across a couple of web pages saying it wasn't recommended and was possibly illegal. Ended up driving quite a way (and getting lost) to take it to the County Council lab. The guy there was helpful and friendly enough but said that they really don't recommend sending samples through the post or even via courier.

This asbestos business is pretty unclear Hope it works out for you.

 

[dizz]

Hi Carl

Royal Mail website gives details on how to send asbestoc through the post, so I am guessing it is not illegal.

FYI - sample was negative for asbestos.

 

[carl1t0]

Thanks for the pointer Dizz. For those who hadn't found the correct page on the Royal Mail website: "Samples of asbestos may be posted provided the sample is fixed within an inert material such as a glue or resin."

What exactly did you use to fix the sample? The guy at the lab definitely told me not to post them so maybe I'll pass this information his way.

Our samples of vinyl floor tile and gritty textured ceiling came back negative but the cement boards from the cellar that the surveyor didn't even mention were positive. So much for paying for the additonal "homebuyer's" survey.