identifying asbestos?

[andrew55]

Hello,

Not sure if this is the correct place for my question...

I've been doing some work in my garden, - basically pulling up some existing decking and have come across some corrugated roofing boards which have been dumped under the decking by the previous owner (was a bit of a cowboy!). I believe the house used to have a garage which was built when the house was built by barrett homes in the early 80s – I assume they are remnants of the garage roof.

I’m wondering if this is asbestos... how can I tell?

Cheers

Andrew



Andrew

 

[JohnD]

if they are grey corrugated sheets, quite brittle, probably with a smooth side and a textured side, then they are asbestos cement.

It is not very dangerous, but avoid making dust by breaking or sawing it; wet it to avoid dust, put pieces (damp) in plastic bags, taped shut; wet and shovel up any dust or fragments. Call your local authority who will have a disposal site. wash your overalls hair towels etc to remove any dust. Lots of people will say that asbestos cement boards are so low-risk that you don't need to bother with all this, but it won't hurt. it's the fluffy insulation wool, used in ships and industry, and dust, that caused the trouble.

It is safe as long as it is incorprated in a building and not interfered with, sawn, sanded etc.

 

[billyo]

in the 80s most corrugated roofs would be made out of only cement but take john d' advice.

 

[Click-Sure]

I was told by an asbestos removal specialist that after it all kicked off about asbestos, the manufacturers put sparkly flecs into their products to indicate that is was now free of the stuff.

Its how I generally tell asbestolux from fibrelux.

 

[PaulB]

I was told by an asbestos removal specialist that after it all kicked off about asbestos, the manufacturers put sparkly flecs into their products to indicate that is was now free of the stuff.

Its how I generally tell asbestolux from fibrelux.

Don't trust your eyes. Asbestolux is dangerous. Get it tested to confirm. Chat with your GP if you think you have suffered exposure - sorry to sound alarmist.

 

[Chris2289]

If you think it is Asbestos I would apply to the council to get it checked out before doing anything to be honest.

Try this link to apply for the detection team to come out and have a look

http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedir...&ServiceName=Apply for an asbestos inspection

 

[^neo^]

All the H&S meetings i have had on various sites, they all say you cannot tell by physically looking.
If it looks suspect, then get it checked out properly.

 

[Driver23]

Took me £10 (I think) and about 2 days to get an analysis done by post. Put a tiny sample in a plastic bag, send it off with a cheque, they email then post back report - then you know for definite.

Might be same risk as passive smoking (? don't quote me on that, I'm not a scientist!) but it's a small risk of something very, very bad, so why take risk - my and others' safety is worth more than £10. I like to be able to sleep at night and not lie there wondering if I've invited doom...

 

[Mickymoody]

The difference between treating it right or not..My next door neighbour works at a glassfibre plant, and all I hear throught the wall is coughing up repeatedly, he has to wash his work clothing x3, before his next shift, imagine if that is asbestos dust?

 

[mikric]

Took me £10 (I think) and about 2 days to get an analysis done by post. Put a tiny sample in a plastic bag, send it off with a cheque, they email then post back report - then you know for definite.

Might be same risk as passive smoking (? don't quote me on that, I'm not a scientist!) but it's a small risk of something very, very bad, so why take risk - my and others' safety is worth more than £10. I like to be able to sleep at night and not lie there wondering if I've invited doom...

Do you have a link for who you used to do the analysis please, cheers.

 

[DIYDANDY]

The difference between treating it right or not..My next door neighbour works at a glassfibre plant, and all I hear throught the wall is coughing up repeatedly, he has to wash his work clothing x3, before his next shift, imagine if that is asbestos dust?

So his employer does not provide any PPE?