Is this Asbestos?

[eveares]

We are in the progress of opening up our fireplace and the surrounding area ready for a log burner.

During taking the plaster off the wall, there is this black stuff on the wall behind the original plaster what looks like some sort of damp course thing.

This was most likely done in the early 60's when our house was originally converted from a cow shed.

See photos below; is it asbestos or something else?

Untitled

• eveares
• 22 Sep 2014
• 1

Untitled

• eveares
• 22 Sep 2014
• 1

 

[footprints]

Assuming i am looking at the right thing it looks like a felt of some sort to me, if so a 1960 felt might contain asbestos (my extension was built in the late 50's and the DPC felt contains asbestos) if it is a felt type material cutting a wet bit off with a sharp knife and getting it tested is the only way to know.
Even if it is asbestos containing felt it is one of the low risk substances as the fibres are bound in with bitumen.