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Frequently Asked Question About Asbestos

What is asbestos and where does it come from?

The name "asbestos" was given to a group of minerals that occur naturally and are contained within rock. These minerals appear as masses of strong, flexible fibres that can be woven into thread by separating them.

There are three main types of asbestos:

• Crocidolite (blue) - straight blue fibres
• Amosite (brown) - can be identified as having straight brittle fibres that are pale brown to light grey
• Chrysotile (white) - curly, flexible white fibres

Why is asbestos dangerous?

Although asbestos is a hazardous material it can only pose a risk to health once it has been inhaled, this can only happen once the fibres are airbourne. Therefore, most asbestos materials pose little risk unless they are disturbed in some way that allows the fibres to be released into the atmosphere. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to serious diseases. Many cases of these diseases occurring now are a result of exposure in industries which used asbestos extensively in the past. However, the fact that asbestos was also installed in many buildings means that a wider range of people still have the potential to be exposed – particularly building and maintenance workers. We can provide you with asbestos awareness training

If asbestos is such hazard how come it was so widely used?

The minerals in asbestos are able to resist high temperatures is what made it so useful. Asbestos is ideal for any process involving the conservation or preservation of heat. The fibre provides protection against the cold and corrosion, electricity, salt water, fire, acids and alkalis, and even noise, vibration, frost, energy loss, dust and vermin. For a long time the dangers of asbestos use were not widely understood. Asbestos related disease generally takes many years, some cases several decades, to develop after exposure. Thus, the scale of the health risks were only becoming known after asbestos had already been widely used and many people had already been exposed.

Where is asbestos used?

Asbestos was used in hundreds of different products and buildings from the 1950’s to the mid 1980’s. Asbestos cement products were even used up until 1999. Materials containing asbestos vary widely due to the vast use of the material. These materials can include:

• Asbestos Textiles
• Asbestos Cement Board
• Asbestos pipe Insulation
• Asbestos Insulation Board
• Asbestos Vinyl Floor Tiles
• Asbestos Rainwater Goods
• Asbestos Corrugated Roof Sheets

These are to name a few and many many more products exist. Any building that was constructed or had major refurbishment between the 1950’s and mid 80’s is likely to contain some type of asbestos containing material. For a more detailed overview of asbestos products and where you can find them please visit: www.hse.gov.uk

What are my legal obligations?

It is not always practical or even necessary to remove all asbestos containing materials within your building. Instead, there is a legal obligation (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 (CAR2006) – Regulation 4) on the owner or landlord/landlady to ‘manage’ the buildings for which he/she is responsible for. This involves identifying and managing the risk of any potential exposure to asbestos for all employees as well as any other contractor that is employed to work in/on the building.

What if I need or want asbestos removed?

It is very important that asbestos is removed safely and in accordance with CAR2006 as well as any other relevant guidance publications issued by the Health & Safety Executive. The majority of asbestos materials require a licensed asbestos removal company to complete any work on it. However, this is not always the case and therefore you should ensure that in such instances where a licensed contractor is not required, you receive appropriate asbestos risk assessment and method statements along with clarification that the contractor is adequately trained and insured to carry out the work. It is also important to note that once the asbestos has been removed it must be disposed of as hazardous waste and can only be transported by a registered/licensed hazardous waste carrier.

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