Fire Doors - Asbestos concern and disposal?

jazzy

I have just moved into a local authority flat which was built in the early 80's. The internal doors which are fire doors are the original doors and look awful. I have spoke to the LA about replacing the doors with modern doors, the LA told me that I could replace the doors at my own expense and that the only door that is required to retain a fire door is the main front door.

My concern is that these old fire doors contain asbestos, perhaps I should have an asbestos survey to see if there is an asbestos problem, do old fire doors have asbestos problems?

If I was to change the doors at my expense how do I dispose of the doors? dont suppose you are allowed to take them to the local rubbish tip?

thenakedchef

Hi
Yes in flats, only the front door has to be a fire door.
All internal doors are tenants responsibility.
If you have queries regarding asbestos on the internal doors, this would be a panel (like plasterboard) that would be fixed to the door rather than asbestos within the door. I would most likely say there would not be asbestos panels. You should contact your local authority repairs and ask for confirmation of this as they should have an asbestos survey on most if not all properties. The asbestos is fine if left untouched, and if you do want to remove, I would state my intent again to the local authority.
If these are asbestos, some local authority's have waste recycling centres which will allow disposal, but this is not something you could do. You would have to get an asbestos removal company in, who will take the doors off and bag these straight away ready for removal, they would then have to carry out the necessary air checks etc.
So first port of call again, is your local authority to get advice on the asbestos survey.

jazzy

Thanks for the excellent reply!

tim123456789

thenakedchef is being overly cautious here

if there was any risk to you in taking the doors off the frame and transporting them as complete units to the dump there would equally be a risk to you every time you open or closed one.

If you don't cut or destroy any part of the door ISTM that you can safely take them to the council dump yourself

tim

teneighty

Firstly, some early 80's buildings did still have asbestos in them so there is a small possiblity the doors contain asbestos.

Despite some of the advice above it is possible that the internal core of the door contains asbestos, not just a panel fixed to the face of the door. The local authority landlord should have a document for the building which suggests where asbestos may be present. Failing that the only way you can be sure is to get an expert to take a sample from the core of the door.

If you simply have the door removed intact there should be no risk of fibre release but you should make sure it is disposed off correctly if it does contain asbestos.

It depends how you feel about your responsibilities. I'm sure most people would just throw it in a skip or take it to the dump but that is not strictly the correct thing to do.

bob2

tim123456789 wrote: »

If you don't cut or destroy any part of the door ISTM that you can safely take them to the council dump yourself

That may be possible - many dumps will accepts asbestos waste from householders but check with them first. They may need to issue a permit - and will certainly have specific bagging and sealing requirements (e.g. double wrapped in strong polythene bags/sheets and sealed tight with heavy duty tape).

Do not just take the door and dump it in the normal household or wooden waste container!!!

tim123456789

b!!! wrote: »

That may be possible - many dumps will accepts asbestos waste from householders but check with them first. They may need to issue a permit - and will certainly have specific bagging and sealing requirements (e.g. double wrapped in strong polythene bags/sheets and sealed tight with heavy duty tape).

Do not just take the door and dump it in the normal household or wooden waste container!!!

Well yes. I was just making the point that you don't have to pay the stupid fee that the specialist remover will charge.

LA's are obliged to accept asbestos from domestic residents, the can't insist that you pay for commercial disposal. (Note that in multi-tiered districts this is a county responsibility)

tim

bob2

tim123456789 wrote: »

LA's are obliged to accept asbestos from domestic residents, the can't insist that you pay for commercial disposal. (Note that in multi-tiered districts this is a county responsibility)

Yes - the permit is just to place a limit on how much you can take in a year. It's usually free.

Just wanted to make sure the OP didn't think they could just go and sling it in the general waste skip.