Asbestos cement roof - dodgy builders.

kolleykibber

Hi. This is a strange one, but I've seen a few asbestos questions on here so I'll go ahead and ask.

I've had a builder I got that was rated highly on the internet to replace my leaking asbestos cement roof on my shed. They came in with masks and bags and I went off to make them a cup of tea. When i returned I was horrified to find that they were just smashing the sheets and throwing them down. They must have smashed 3 sheets out of seven into pieces before I stopped them. I called them down and they made excuses that they needed to fit them into bags.

Eventually they left and got the correct gear and finished the rest by keeping the sheets intact and bagging them, but they have left asbestos dust all over. I imagine the shed is full of it and some of it has blown into the house as well. I picked up a cough, but that could just be my latent hypochondria coupled with anxiety and the 15 cups of coffee I drank to calm myself.

Anybody have any idea how much danger there is? Is there anything I can do?

They are returning tomorrow to put the new roof on.

Thanks!

muckybutt

To be brutally honest I would report them asap to your local authority. What they have done is highly irresponsible and down right dangerous and against the law (Health and Safety at work act).

Do not attempt to clean any of the dust yourself, if you can spray it over with water for now to keep the dust down to a minimum, avoid walking in that area until it has all been cleaned up.

Personally I wouldnt let them back on site as they seem completely useless. The sheet might only be low grade acm but never the less the sheet should not have been broken up. Now it has been broken it could well be classed as notifiable work and licensed work - the laws changed in 2012 for notifiable and non notifiable licensed work, removing asbestos cement board / sheeting is normally in the nnlw catagory providing the sheets are NOT broken.

Best thing to do is ring your local authority and seek their advice - environmental health. As for your health ac board is a low grade acm product and would be fairly low risk to your self, your coughing would not have anything to do with any acm fibres you may or may not have breathed in.

moob_2

You should contact the HSE, not the council. They are the enforcing authority for this situation.

kolleykibber

Hi guys. Thank you for your response. This is getting worse and worse. There is dust in the house and we have been feeling unwell. We have moved out. And have been advised to get a asbestos vacuum and clean up. I feel its near the situation where everything will have to be destroyed. Can anybody advise what I do from here. I am disgusted with myself that I was duped into belueving that these guys were registered. Were in cardiff.

cyclonebri1

Get some one specialised in straight away, you will never sleep again if you don't, sorry, but you know it's true.

And bloody well report them, simply soaking and spraying with water would have reduced the issue to near zero, dam cowboys.:mad::mad:

The likely hood of any problems developing are extremely slim, but given that it can take 25 years or more for any symptoms to appear, you owe it to yourself, your family, the neighbours and any one that comes into your house in the future, to sort this issue. cowboys.

warmhands.coldheart

kolleykibber wrote: »

...we have been feeling unwell. .

firstly I would definitly get onto the HSE immediatly and report this crowd... truely irresponsible.

As far as illness, I think that is the hypocondria, a bit of dust (Even if it did contain asbestose) won't kill you or make you ill instantaneously.... (Sorry not to belittle the situation)
But the presence is serious and would require a good deep clean of house. I think destroying stuff is a bit excessive, not much can't be cleaned now aa day. Are you 100% sure these sheets are asbestose and what "content" would they contain? it may be less serious than you think.... Get all the facts..

Mankysteve

Contact HSE as you have been advised already. They'll be able to give you all the advice you need.

kolleykibber

Thank you all for your replies. This is a wonderful resource. I shall be sure to pass the help on.

I got the builders to come around again. They picked up the last of the large debris and we discussed the situation about the dust in the house. I have an local expert coming to do an test.

The builders say they do this at least once a month, the way they went at it, I can believe it. They have no idea about the danger. They were quite open and decent guys and I saw the realization dawn across their faces as we discussed how they have in the past had broken sheets open in their van and how the fibres affect the lung. I think this is their last asbestos job. Clearly most homeowners have no idea either, for they have had no complaints. I have spoken to a lot of people since Monday, many have a story like this. Something is wrong. They should teach this in school.

The LA was very helpful and put me in touch with the HSE, but they are overstretched and it will take time it seems.

I went to the doc too. He also thinks it's an unfortunate situation but risk is very low. I never thought being diagnosed with hypochondria would be so joyful!

Thank you all again. I will post an update so others can also benefit from my 'learning experience'. :T