Asbestos Query

hometrader

Currently in the process of removing plaster from the walls of a 1930s terraced house, and have found a compressed cardboard-like, fibre-like substance nailed to the wooden lintel under the plaster. It is a wood colour - A bit orangey.

No idea re asbestos etc; Would this possibly contain asbestos as a fire-proofing for the lintel??

albert_s

picture?
1930s isnt the right timeframe usually, but could it be a later addition?

hometrader

Could be a later addition but I was sure that it was the original plaster. Can't find anything similar on Google. I have removed it today, so I can't take a picture now. So if it's asbestos it's too late!!

albert_s

I have probably cut thousands of 2" holes in asbestos,
still doesnt make it OK though,
you really need to find out, Im fairly certain its illegal to remove/move asbestos without proper licence etc.
not to mention the inherent risk involved.
BTW, when asbestos fibres become airborne it will take over 8hrs in a totally still air for them to reach the ground from 2m high.

hometrader

Fine, but you can't get everything checked out. It would be impractical, not to mention expensive.

Swipe

Sounds like it's too late now anyway. I guess he'll find out if it was or not in around 30 years time Joking aside, you'd have to be exposed to a fair bit of it over a period of time or be very unlucky.

hometrader

Swipe wrote: »

Sounds like it's too late now anyway. I guess he'll find out if it was or not in around 30 years time Joking aside, you'd have to be exposed to a fair bit of it over a period of time or be very unlucky.

Hahahaha, I suppose so. thanks anyway

albert_s

hometrader wrote: »

Fine, but you can't get everything checked out. It would be impractical, not to mention expensive.

I do agree,
but I dont make the laws.
I just dont always tell people what Im doing either.

leveller2911

Also depends on what type of asbestos blue and brown(most harmful) were mostly pipe laggings etc and theres also white which was mostly used for sheet materials. The latter was/is nothing like as dangerous as the Blue and Brown...
Interesting to note that the White asbestos is made from the same rock as talc...... apparently..:D

muckybutt

albert_s wrote: »

Im fairly certain its illegal to remove/move asbestos without proper licence etc.

It depends on the type of asbestos as to wether a licenced contractor is needed, however disposing of asbestos has to be done at a controlled / authorised asbestos disposal sites.
Placing asbestos in household waste or dumping it at a waste site is illegal under the Environmental Protection Act / Hazardous Waste regs.

Many council yards will accept household asbestos like garages and roofing materials, providing it is suitably double bagged and tagged.

When dealing with asbestos its always a good idea to contact your council, they will give free advice and sometimes inspect for free as well.

albert_s

muckybutt wrote: »

It depends on the type of asbestos as to wether a licenced contractor is needed, however disposing of asbestos has to be done at a controlled / authorised asbestos disposal sites.
Placing asbestos in household waste or dumping it at a waste site is illegal under the Environmental Protection Act / Hazardous Waste regs.

Many council yards will accept household asbestos like garages and roofing materials, providing it is suitably double bagged and tagged.

When dealing with asbestos its always a good idea to contact your council, they will give free advice and sometimes inspect for free as well.

its nothing to do with the type of assy,
its to do with the type and nature of the work.
if you have some unbroken assy sheets on your own garage roof you can remove them to the council tip OK,
if you are doing it for your next door neighbour and he is paying you then you need a licence.
all assy is dangerous, and how would you know what colour it is anyway without have a lab check?