Asbestos board removal

TaraBT

I have asbestos-based board in my bathroom. I understand that it is not asbestos insulation board (which is porous) but is a waterproof version which contains 10-15% asbestos (looks a bit like plasterboard which has a slight sheen on it).

I understand it is not necessary to get licensed removal people in to remove it as the asbestos content is low enough, however, I'd like to err on the side of caution and get it removed properly (the guy who came round has been telling me about someone who used to work for him setting himself up as a removal expert but has no license which all sounds too dodgy to me). I have been quoted £475+VAT to have it removed (there is about 8m2 of it - it's halfway up the walls) - I have said that I can make sure the bath and sink are disconnected in order to make the job easier.

I am trying to find other firms in the area to get their quotes, but in the meantime would appreciate your thoughts in the meantime.

Thanks.

keystone

Are you absolutely SURE it's asbestos board?

Cheers

TaraBT

Yes, it's asbestos cement board (as identified by the asbestos removal company).

As this does not require a licensed removal company, I am considering removing it myself and taking the precautions recommended by the HSE (disposable overalls, respirator etc) and taking it to my local recycling plant in bags provided by the local council.

Since the original quote I have one for £166 from another asbestos removal company which I might just go with since it avoid the hassle of having to get all the kit and spend time moving it myself.

keystone

TaraBT wrote: »

Yes, it's asbestos cement board (as identified by the asbestos removal company).

Yes thats what worries me because a) the cynic in me says they are bound to say that and b) I'm struggling to see how asbestos cement board would be used in a bathroom particularly when you say thats its only "halfway up the walls". I wonder if its possibly hardiebacker or aquapanel (or similar) both of which are cement based and used to provide a water resistant substrate for tiling over but NEITHER of which contain asbestos.

Any idea when the offending material was installed? If its anything after 1980 the its almost certainly NOT asbestos cement board. If its 50s or 60s then it could well be but then I'd expect it to be all over the wall if used as a liner and not just halfway up..

Cheers