Advice for the removal and disposal of asbestos containing materials

Introduction

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which, in its refined form, was used extensively throughout the building industry until the 1970's. There are three types of asbestos but the use of asbestos in buildings is no longer permitted.

Asbestos is a fibre, which, if inhaled, can work its way to the lungs and can cause respiratory disease many years after exposure to it.

Its use in domestic dwellings is most commonly within asbestos cement sheeting for roofs and walls, especially of garages and sheds. Other uses may be around domestic boilers, flue liners and as pipe insulation.

Work involving asbestos requires some precautions to be taken.

IdentificationIdentifying the type of asbestos material (or indeed whether the material contains any asbestos at all), and assessing the precautions that need to be taken, are jobs for specialists. For further advice please contact

If the asbestos is in good condition can it be left where it is? It may be safer to treat the asbestos rather than remove it. The structure may be made safe by painting it either with an oil based paint or a dilute solution of UPV glue.

If you want it removed, consider the following list of choices in order of safety.

1. Engage a licensed asbestos contractor to dismantle, clear and dispose of the waste. Particularly fibrous asbestos must only be dealt with by specialist contractors licensed by the Health & Safety Executive.

Dismantle the structure yourself and engage a licensed waste contractor to dispose of the waste asbestos.

3.Take the waste to a site licensed to accept asbestos. A list of local licensed sites is included at the end of this form.

Asbestos waste is classified as 'special waste'. It can only be disposed of at a site licensed by the Environment Agency and any contractor used must also be licensed to carry 'special waste'.

PrecautionsIf you are dismantling the structure yourself or engaging a non-specialist contractor to carry out the work, the following 'do's' and 'don'ts' should help with the control of fibres.

DO1. Keep others away from the work area.

2. Where possible, work out of doors.

3. Keep the surfaces of the boards wet, but avoid any possibility of water coming into contact with electrical supplies or appliances.

4. Where possible remove the sheets whole. Avoid breaking up the material.

5. Where sheets are held in place by bolts, spring-headed nails or other fixings, try to crop the heads of the fixing and lift the sheets clear, rather than try extracting the fixing or break the sheet around the fixing.

6. Wear overalls, preferably disposal overalls, if not ensure you wash them after work. In some cases you may be advised to wear respiratory protection. Ensure you use only the type specified - some masks on sale to the public are not effective for this purpose.

7. Lay polythene sheeting on the floor and on horizontal surfaces which cannot be hosed and washed down (e.g. indoors). Dispose of the sheeting with the asbestos waste.

8. Smaller pieces should be placed in a bag or polythene sack as soon as they are removed. All asbestos should be wrapped in strong polythene.

9. Clean all surfaces around the work area using a damp cloth or by hosing and sweeping. Dispose of the used cloths with the asbestos waste.

10. Wash your hands before eating or smoking. Wash your hands, face and hair after completing the work and removing your overalls.

DON'T

1. Don't use any power tools on any asbestos material.

2. Don't use dry abrasive processes on asbestos materials (e.g. sanding, sawing, wire brushing etc.).

3. Don't use a domestic vacuum cleaner to clean up. They spread the fibres rather than contain them.

4. Don't carry asbestos through your home if you can avoid it.

5. Don't worry - these simple precautions are all you require to safe guard yourself and those around you.

If, you are still unsure of what to do and you'd like further advice, please call Braintree District Council, Environmental Services on 01376 551414 ext 2223.

Disposal of Asbestos Waste The waste should be dampened with water, wrapped in strong polythene or bagged, and sealed.

It is advised that you phone the site before transporting your waste. Upon arrival you must report to the site office where you will be instructed which skip to put the waste in.

Alternatively you can contact one of the following Companies who may collect your asbestos waste and dispose of it for you, please note the likely charges they will make.ESSEX

Able Asbestos, Lakes Ind. Park, Braintree 01376 32 66 62

(All types)

Colchester Skip Hire, Wormingford 01206 24 23 45

(asbestos cement only)

Bretts, Elsenham, Dunmow 01279 85 06 59

(asbestos cement only)

Lafarge Redland, Roxwell 01245 44 08 22

(asbestos cement only)

SUFFOLK

Tip Top Tattingstone landfill, nr Manningtree 01473 32 83 66 (asbestos cement only)

Viridor Waste Management, Gt Blakenham 01473 83 28 61 (asbestos cement only)

Suffolk Waste, Foxhall 01473 62 41 99 (asbestos cement only) Skip hireTo hire an enclosed skip it will cost approx. £355 + £30 for a consignment note + VAT.

Alternatively, some companies will come and pick it up for you and will charge between £5 and £15 per sheet (dependant on size)+ £85 carriage + £30 for a consignment note + VAT.

If you require dismantling and disposal they will charge approx. £400 + VAT per day.

Note:All the above companies would prefer the asbestos to be mainly intact.

For further information please telephone: 01376 551414 ext 2223

Alternatively you can fax us on 01376 557767 or send an email to; - envprotection@braintree.gov.uk

Surveying/ Analysis Companies

Associated Laboratories Braintree 328646

Enviro Tech Hatfield Peverel 01245 381900

Lee Millross         0789 007 8826

www.asbestos-specialist.co.uk