Flue removal advice

[hooksy]

Hi, Am looking for some guidance.

I am looking to remove the old flue from a now disconnected gas fire - reasons for this is the extra space that this will create above.
I have been advised that the flue is asbestos (see pic) I have been quoted on both full removal by a specialist (£600) and have also been advised that as it is slotted with no need to damage the pipe that it can be done safely by self/general plumber (also stated that the crumbly cement as shown is not asbestos?).
Am keen of course to ensure safety as priority with only involving a specialist if needs be, am therefore looking for advice of anyone who has dealt with a similar job - is this safe to do and is the joining cement safe to handle.

Thanks

flue for removing

• hooksy
• 9 Mar 2015
• 1

 

[footprints]

Chances are the cement is a product like Temcem or Kos as far as I know they did not contain asbestos however the joints should be packed with fireproof rope, up until sometime around the 80's that would be pure asbestos and very friable.
At a later point it was changed to glassfibre rope. No way of knowing what is in yours till it is disturbed.
Some less conscientious installers would leave the rope out and just bung in loads of fire cement, if so that's a bodge that will be most welcome!

 

[vulcancontinental]

There is advice on the HSE website

 

[Phill Peck]

As Vulcan says there is advise available on hse website

If you can safely remove some local councils will provide disposal bags that need to be double bagged and sealed and can be dropped off at a local recycling centre for disposal.
I think they prefer this to finding it on the side of the road.

 

[hooksy]

Thanks for the advice everyone