Asbestos

Mr sandison commented...

Can you please advise me of how to identify White Asbestos ( Not sure if it is just white due to age ) it is not corogated butit is in thin flat sheets on a garage. Regards.

27/07/2010 12:21:10

Administrator commented...

The best way to identify the presence of any sort of asbestos fibre is by getting a sample analysed. You can read more on the asbestos sample analysis page.

27/07/2010 12:35:51

Paola Bruscoli commented...

Hello, I wonder if you could advise me on the following matter. I am about to sign an exchange contract for a home and we asked the vendor to provide us with an inspection for asbestos in the garage. The report we received has detected Amosite (Brown), as Boarding/panels in the garage ceiling, in good condition, currently unsealed and possibly to encapsulate, for a surface of ca 18 sqm. An accompanying photo shows some cracking of some panels (painted in white). The report suggests to "monitor" it, based also on the low frequency/usage expected from a garage. Indeed we might want to make a more extensive use of the garage (play area for the kids and gym for us parents). Could you please give give me an idea of the costs for removing and/or encapsulating the panels (min and max, all range of actions)? What is a reasonable treatment to do given the use we would like to do? Shall the works be carried out from the vendor or the buyer? The current report in fact has a 0.00 GBP quotations costs for the vendor. In the same property, in the kitchen, I have been told from the real estate agent that the floor is plain, brown-looking cork. Not being familiar with this material used for flooring, I wonder if by chance this is not instead some more asbestos: could it be the case? The surveyor didn't specify anything about that. Many thanks in advance Paola Bruscoli

29/07/2010 21:40:29

Administrator commented...

Paola It sounds like you've had a proper asbestos survey carried out at your house. If this is the case then you should assume that only the asbestos identified on the report is present and the tiles won't contain asbestos. If the insulation board is in good condition then there is no need to do anything with it. If you are going to carry out works that will disturb your board then it is safest to get it removed first. This would most likely cost in excess of £3k but you could get a more accurate cost by filling in our quote form (top right). Nobody is liable here so I guess its down to you to negotiate with the vendor.

30/07/2010 12:15:24

Ann David commented...

Please advise - a builder recently removed corrugated sheets of asbestos from the top of an outdoor shed and then proceeded to break up the sheets in order to put them into a polythene bag for removal. I am concerned about the safety of the area where this process took place (air born particles?) and also about the stone and earth ground which has many minute particles on it at present. How can the ground surface be best cleaned and do I need to worry about the area in general? Thank you. Ann David

11/08/2010 22:10:02

Administrator commented...

Ann The material that your builder removed is low risk but by breaking it up he has exposed himself to high levels of asbestos fibres. I'm assuming that you were not helping him do this so you would have been safe. The concentration of fibres around the area is likely to be higher than in normal ambient air but is unlikely to pose a significant danger. If there are obvious debris then you may consider hosing them down and removing them, otherwise the area should be safe and the air born particles will have been dispersed by the wind.

12/08/2010 09:24:38

Rebecca Morton commented...

Hi there, We are purchasing a property and I have had lab tests done and made arrangements to remove AIB from the property - 40% asbestos. My neighbour invited my son (2 ys) and I (pregnant) in to see her cats. She and her husband told me they didn't believe it was Asbestos (!) and that they had just had theirs removed. This was sixteen months ago and I freaked and left asap. Will this have caused us an exposure and will the fibres still be in higher than environmental levels in there? I am very worried

17/08/2010 11:50:22

Administrator commented...

Rebecca An exposure such as this would be no more dangerous than smoking a single cigarette and, as with fags, Its continued exposure to asbestos which is hazardous to health. If your neighbour has removed this material without using the correct procedure their property is likely to be contaminated and you should advise them to get an air test carried out.

17/08/2010 22:35:08

Lindsay Winther commented...

When the service engineer called recently to carry out the annual service on my parents boiler, he refused to do the service when he saw that there was an asbestos gasket inside and told them that it had to be removed. The same company has been servicing the boiler for 25 years and this hasnt been raised before. Is it necessary to have the gasket removed?

18/08/2010 22:03:21

Administrator commented...

If the gasket is in bad condition or is likely to be damaged during the course of any works then the engineer is right to refuse to work with it. Otherwise I see no reason as to why there is a problem.

21/08/2010 11:25:26

Rebecca Morton commented...

Hi there, I am worried about Asbestos Insulation Board again. We have had some removed from our property by licensed contractors. For some reason they didn't include the door of the cupboard which someone else told me had an AIB panel on it and is painted. It has been put outside our front door as I thought I would bag it up and ask the council to collect which they do in this area. However my small son and I were in the vicinity and the plumber has bashed a hole into the door and through the board. I noticed this relatively quickly I think and have covered it with tape. Would there have been dangerous fibre release from this as we passed by into and out from the house before I noticed?

12/09/2010 14:53:55

administrator commented...

Rebecca. Asbestos is similar to cigarette smoking in that a single exposure (no matter how large) will not cause problems. It is prolonged exposure that is the issue so, unless you walk past this door every day for a prolonged period, you will be safe. You should also speak to the plumber because he should have been suitably trained (by law) to recognise asbestos in its many forms.

15/09/2010 07:47:42

Rebecca Morton commented...

Thank you. I have noticed that there is some AIB on the farm where I currently live, it is damaged and forms part of an outbuilding that is like a tunnel that we all walk through everyday. It is not a narrow tunnel but now I have been learning about Asbestos, I see it where once I did not! Would this have posed us a problem or would the wind disperse this in general. We walk past it everyday but I imagine that most people do have this kind of contact without knowing in the general environment?

15/09/2010 19:23:30

Administrator commented...

Rebecca. Its difficult to say without seeing it but, if its damaged AIB it does pose some danger. As a farm is a working environment the farmer (or landlord) is required, by law, to hold a register of all asbestos containing materials. They are also required to manage (make safe) any materials that are on the register. So, the farmer should know whether it is or isn't asbestos.

16/09/2010 10:00:48

William Kelly commented...

hi, ive just bought a house (1970`s build) that is in need of a full central heating system as the house currently has a dry air system i want it removed i would like to take it out myself once the gas/electrics are disconnected but have noticed that the duct work is insulated and wrapped in plastic throughout is this likely to be asbestos??

16/09/2010 10:02:32

administrator commented...

Unlikely, because of the age. Although thermal insulation was not offically banned until 1985 it was voluntarily banned in the 70s. Might be worth taking a look under the plastic just to make sure that there is not an older material underneath.

16/09/2010 10:06:20

ANGIE commented...

Hi, my garage roof has asbestos sheets which overlap into our neighbours garage as they are joint. As my roof is cracked in several places, I would like to remove this, we would need to remove whole sheets and this would leave a gap on our neighbours side which we are prepared to fix at our expence but the neighbour refuses to give permission. would we be able to cut the sheets in a controlled setting or how can we get him to agree?

20/09/2010 09:51:32

Administrator commented...

Angie. This is a really tough question to answer. I can't think of a way that you can cut these sheets off cleanly without contaminating your neighbour's area and you're not going to be able to remove them cleanly without access to their yard. I guess you'll just have to keep trying to persuade them. Sorry.

22/09/2010 10:18:13

Gina George commented...

I recently helped a friend put up a shelf now I am not sure if she had asbestos in her walls I had a little dust on my clothes when leaving have I now contaminated my house by coming in with the clothes?

22/09/2010 10:19:23

Administrator commented...

Gina. It is unlikely that she had asbestos within her walls and even if you did pick up some debris it won't be a significant amount. I suggest you wash the clothes or, if you're really paranoid, destroy them. You should bear in mind that asbestos is present in ambient air and we inhale some fibres everyday. Its only long-term expsoure to high concentrations of fibres that causes problems.

22/09/2010 10:24:44

Nicole commented...

Hello, my husban may have been exposed to asbestos at work ( he works construction) his boss left the job and my husban was demoing a wall down his boss came back and had him stop because he said it looks like asbestos my husban was coverd from head to toe in it he had a pack of gum in his pocket he was eating it through out the day and said it felt like sharp fibers was in it he was thinking it was dirt so later on that day he looked in his shirt pocket were the gum was and it was full of what they think was asbestos so not only did he inhale it but digested it to his boss said hecontacted a asbestos clean up crew to test it and clean it up but it's been 4 days and they have yet to show my husban grabed his own sample of it just incase what else should be do I'm worried for him and also the kids and I he was coverd in it and I handeld his clothing to was it he also claims he's had chest pains and can't breath well after he was exposed!

28/09/2010 18:51:25

Administrator commented...

Let me put your mind at rest and say that although this level of exposure won't be good for any of you it certainly won't cause any serious long-term damage. It roughly the equivalent of a non-smoker smoking a couple of packs of cigarettes. Your husband's employer has, however, acted very irresponsibly. Before demoing any property it is a legal requirement to get a type 3 survey carried out to identify any potential asbestos nasties. Clearly this hasn't been done, or, the surveying company have been negligent.

01/10/2010 10:04:18

Polly commented...

At the weekend we tried to smooth over the textured ceiling in our baby's nursery with one of the new-fangled filler products, which instructed us to scrape off the peaks before applying. After doing this without masks (it created some dust) we then realised there may be a risk the ceiling texture could contain asbestos. The house was built in 1987, so just on the borderline. We have a young baby and are terribly worried we may have put ourselves and her at risk. The ceiling is now covered with paint, so no longer a risk. However, it is very hard to get a sense of whether the contamination to our clothes or any dust that has spread (by air or feet) to the rest of the house is a risk. Will it be enough just to clear up carefully using sponges without raising any of the dust, and then move our little girl back in?

28/09/2010 22:53:14

Administrator commented...

Polly. This type of contamination would be minimal because the asbestos content (should it even be present) is less than 3%. I'm suprised, however, that you were given this advice. Just wipe down the surfaces and discard the sponge.

01/10/2010 10:32:20

satpal commented...

I have a property which uses storage heaters. I beleive that the heaters aere lined with asbestos. How much would it cost for the removal and disposal? Thanks

04/10/2010 14:36:35

Leanne commented...

i live in a council property and am doing bilding work in the garden, i had a landscaper visit and he found asbestos, and told us to stop work and phone our local council, they have said they wont knock down the wall to remove it as it shouldnt be a problem, all they are willing to do is put a peice of ply wood over it to block it up. i have 2 children and pets and am concerned about it. are they meant to remove the asbestos? i am unsure of what to do. Thankyou

05/10/2010 21:06:11

Administrator commented...

Leanne, if its outside it poses far less danger because the fibres will be dispersed. It sounds like its probably asbestos cement which poses minimal danger if left in-situ. Did your landscaper indicate which type of asbestos it is?

05/10/2010 22:47:10

Administrator commented...

Satpal, you'll need to request a quote through the form top right.

05/10/2010 22:49:57

Leah Bryan commented...

Hi How would I obtain an asbestos register report for a property?

06/10/2010 10:53:14

Administrator commented...

Leah, you need to get an asbestos survey carried out at the property. You can get a FREE quote in the top righthand corner.

06/10/2010 14:38:20

Mrs. Wilcox commented...

My new kitchen is to be installed fom Monday 11th. Yesterday, when a friend came to clear the old units we discovered that there are three panels of asbestos of approximately 6'H and .50cm. We stopped work immediately when we found that one panel was/is stuck to a cupboard side which has to be removed. Being a widow and in a retirement flat, I am most anxious to 'do' the removal correctly. The asbestos panels are about 1.5cm. Please advise me as this needs to be seen to almost immediately. Thanks so much. Z. wilcox.

08/10/2010 07:26:44

Administrator commented...

Mrs Wilcox, it sounds like you have AIB. If this is the case your kitchen fitter SHOULD refuse to work on your kitchen until the material has been removed. You cannot get thermal insulation products removed quickly because the works have to be notified to the HSE 14 days in advance. I suggest that you get your free quotes from the form above and make it clear that you want to be contacted today. The removal company will probably be able to come round and tell you whether it is AIB straight away and then let you know exactly how quickly you can get it removed or even that its non-asbestos and is safe.

08/10/2010 09:34:39

tina commented...

I worked on a couple of houses for a makeover programme we had to paint walls and broken surfaces after the contractors had ripped out kitchens and bathrooms etc also cleaned up a little of the remaining rubble do contractors check for asbestos before doing this kind of work if not am I at risk and could I have brought home particles of asbestos on my clothing or hair shoes etc. Also I worked on a open building site where there were two old sheds with asbestos corrugated roofs slightly damaged with a whole and under one of them was a pile of corrugated what I assume to be asbestos cement sheets also so am now worried about exposure from all of the above. Thank you for your help

13/10/2010 10:08:41

Administrator commented...

Tina, your employers certainly should have made sure that asbestos wasn't present but this limited exposure does not pose any significant danger to your health.

19/10/2010 13:19:22

Michael commented...

Hi, in our back garden we have several sheets of asbestos which are laid horizontally against some fencing and have been there for a number of years. Most of the sheets are in one piece but some of them have been slightly damaged. They are currently covered by foliage such as small conifer trees. As they sheets are lying there untouched and they do not get disturbed would you consider this to be a particularly high health hazard?

14/10/2010 20:43:51

Administrator commented...

Michael, I'm assuming that you are referring to profiled cement sheets (as commonly found on shed & garage rooves). If so, they pose a minimal health hazard even when slightly damaged.

19/10/2010 13:24:23

anthony commented...

I have recieved a valuation report in respect of my new purchase and the surveyor, has reported that parts of the soffit boards at eaves level , together with terminal roof leve, and sheeting beneath the stairs main contain asbestos material. can u advice me on what steps I should take and approx cost of removal, thanks alot... Tony...

16/10/2010 14:11:46

Administrator commented...

Anthony, soffits can be either asbestos cement or AIB. The former is relatively safe and can be removed in the same way as you would remove cement from a shed roof. If you decided to use a removal company then I'm guessing you're looking at £400 or £500. The latter is a whole different ballgame because its a thermal insulation product and should be removed by a licensed contractor. The costs of this is likely to run into several thousand pounds.

19/10/2010 13:30:17

tina commented...

also after having been on the building site with the asbestos cement roofs after leaving I had a burning sensation in my nose and the follwoing morning I woke up with burning in my ears throat and nose and this lasted for a few weeks could this have been a symptom of exposure?

19/10/2010 13:45:53

Administrator commented...

Tina, this sounds more likely to be something like glass fibres but I guess it could have been caused by exposure to asbestos.

25/10/2010 13:12:13

Mia commented...

Hi, in Jan 15th 2010 I had a contractor fit an electric extracor fan in my kitchen (via local council) without any checks for asbestos they positioned the extractor next to the riser (containing A.I.B) and drilled into it to secure wiring (breaking the board) this created dust that I was instructed to just keep hoovering up, this I have done every week since as I was unaware that my property even contained Asbestos. At the time of fitting and breaking the board I was pregnant and two months later gave birth to my son, I am absolutely terrified that he had been put at risk, has he? Last week (9 months later) I am still having Asbestos on my kitchen floor, whether it is falling out of the wall or was missed when the extractor was fitted I do not know but I have panicked arranged and paid for a localised clean, the council following that attended and placed tape over the A.I.B. Please advise is my son at risk?

27/10/2010 21:04:12

Administrator commented...

Mia. I sent you an email last night because it sounds like you are at risk. There are three factors; 1. The material is badly damaged, 2. Damaged Asbestos Insulation Board is a high risk product. 3. You are regularly accessing the area where the asbestos is located and there has been long-term exposure. Given that you have been exposed to this hazard by a workman your best route is probably to contact the HSE as soon as possible and I'd urge you to do so.

28/10/2010 08:17:50

George commented...

Hi, today me and some friends were clearing out an old barn/shack and found what looks like some asbestos sheet. Some is on the ceiling and there are some broken bits on the floor. The area where it is on the floor the wall is partly missing. If it is asbestos will we be at risk being in there and as it is quite open would the dust have been blown away or could the air still be contaminated?

28/10/2010 21:44:21

Administrator commented...

George. You are definitely safer in a well-aired area. You've not specified whether its cement board or insulation board but either way one contamination like this is not going to do you too much damage. The landlord of the property should be made aware so he can take the appropriate action and hopefully remove the item.

01/11/2010 07:51:28

Christina commented...

I have been putting up a couple of shelves in a house built in 1980 and has now ocurred to me there may have been asbestos in the walls either cement or insulation board. Do you know when they stopped using these in the uk for wall linings? If this was asbestos am I now at risk? thank you

03/11/2010 22:47:10

Administrator commented...

Insulation board was used up until 1980 and banned in 1985. Cement is a bit patchier but was probably used up until the start of the 90s but only banned in 1999. You're only at risk if the material is still in-situ and is damaged (particularly AIB).

04/11/2010 09:03:44

joanna commented...

there is a piece of asbestos millboard or inuslation board that is broken that is covering a barrel it's in the outdoors but I have been around this for a few hours. It was quite windy would this be giving off a lot of fibres that I would have inhaled?

15/11/2010 14:15:53

Administrator commented...

Joanna, a few hours isn't going to do you any long-term harm. If its outside many of the fibres will be dispersed but best not to spend too much time in the vicinity.

15/11/2010 19:07:39

Davina Evans commented...

My partner & I have been living in a Council flat since September 2010. On 26th October, we came home to find part of our ceiling had collapsed due to heavy rain coming in through a leak in the roof. We advised the Council who sent out someone to test for Asbestos on Monday 1st November before any repairs could be carried out (the roof would have to be fixed first anyway!). The tester took samples of all the ceilings in the flat. After chasing the Council on 11th November, we were (reluctantly) advised that all samples had come back positive for Asbestos, but we were not told which 'level' it was (brown, white, etc...) and when I asked for a copy of the Report for our GP's to log onto our medical history, we were denied on two occasions. Is this legal? Can this be denied if it is our health at risk? We are unable to cover up the hole in the kitchen ceiling very well as whenever it rains the patch comes off with the water. Also, as we are in a block of flats, there is a communal entrance which, whenever the door is slammed shut, causes a vibration effect and more debris falls out! The damage is above the oven as well so we could be ingesting anything either by breathing or eating! Surely, under the Freedom of Information Act, or the Environmental Information Act we are entitled to see the Report? We may have to get our own independent test carried out, but feel we shouldn't have to if there is a perfectly good one that has freshly been done! Please help!!

16/11/2010 15:57:11

Administrator commented...

Davina, I'm afraid I can only comment about asbestos legislation as this is my area of expertise. This is quite a common question and personally I would think that it would have been easier for them to simply send you a copy of the report. I guess they are worried that by doing so they may implicate themselves in some way.

17/11/2010 10:53:32

Mike commented...

I am interested in starting a career in the asbestos industry as a surveyor/analyst in the Essex area. I have previous laboratory experience but not asbestos related and I also have surveying experience as a qualified Home Inspector. However, it seems that all asbestos vacancies advertised need at least the P401 qualification and 3-6 months asbestos industry experience, which I do not have. Do any companies consider candidates without these minimum requirements and if not, what advice would you give me in order to gain them and get a foothold in the industry? I've contacted some recruitment agencies to ask these questions and without fail I have been completely ignored and not had a single reply. Hope you can point me in the right direction. Many thanks.

17/11/2010 17:25:55

Administrator commented...

Hi Mike, tough one this. The industry seems to be slowing down in the south-east these days. That said, Essex is the heartland of asbestos and there must be plenty of companies in your near vicinity. I would suggest that you ring round and ask if anyone is looking for a trainee or even send them your CV. Google 'asbestos survey essex' or go through the certs on UKAS. Future Select used to be a good agency for trainees. Good luck.

17/11/2010 18:14:04

Shane commented...

A recent homebuyer survey revelaed that the flu in the two story house may be asbestos as the house was buily in 1981 and is an ex council property. The homeowners had the gas fire removed and bricked up 6 years ago. How extensive is the work to remove the flu if it is asbestos and how much/long would i expect it to take if we purchased.?

05/12/2010 12:00:36

Ian commented...

I had a thin panel above a door in my garage removed professionally (it was amosite) but last night I was tidying up and managed to pick up a small fragment (like a very small flake of paint) of the board. I think this was from when the board was sampled as when it was removed it came out in one piece. Anyway I took it straight outside and left it there. Other than washing my hands I guess that I need not do anything else? I have to admit I have a fear of the stuff and actually touching it hasn't helped! Secondly my house has what I think is known as paramount partition in it (it was built in the 60's). After removiong a light switch I can see the egg crate inner, but on the inside face of the plaster board there is like a white wash or resin. I can not find anything out about paramount partitions, do you know if there is any asbestos risk? Should it be tested before any major work? Regards,

06/12/2010 08:40:02

Administrator commented...

Shane, it sounds like the work would be extensive (not to mention expensive) and you're likely to cause more fibre release than if you left the product in-situ. The flu is likely to be cement and this asbestos material type poses very little danger (if any).

07/12/2010 13:50:27

Administrator commented...

Ian, you haven't put yourself at any risk by picking up the flake. I'm afraid I can't offer you any insight into paramount partitions.

07/12/2010 14:08:43

neil commented...

Hello, I want to make my garage into a gym and a bit concerned about the roof being asbestos. Obviously I will be breathing more intense. Am I right thinking this or totally wrong? Cheers, Neil.

10/12/2010 15:38:26

Neil Dickson commented...

Hello, I want to make my garage into gym ( just some weights and running machine, bike) is that a good idea if the roof is Asbestos will it harm me in any way? Regards, Neil.

13/12/2010 16:27:11

Administrator commented...

Neil It really depends whioch type of asbestos it is. Asbestos cement is rock hard and doesn't release many fibres when in good condition. Asbestos insulation board is thicker and softer and contains a much more dangerous asbestos type. Either way, if the material is undamaged and coated with a sealant you should be safe. if you are worried about the material it would be worth getting it tested (sampled and analysed).

16/12/2010 09:00:15

Komlan commented...

A recent survey on my property suggests a risk of asbestos in the living room and landing ceilings due to artek? The buyer would like me to carry out works or agree a reduction in price prior to exchange of contract. Could you advise next steps and what price bracket should I be considering for both situations? Many thankls

16/12/2010 14:16:09

Administrator commented...

Komian, I would suggest that you get it tested 1st. If it is asbestos then its perfectly safe so there is no reason to get it removed, and it poses more danger if you do start removing it. If they insist then I guess you'd be looking at around £1000 per room to get it removed by a professional company but as ever its worth getting a professional quote using the form above.

16/12/2010 14:40:03

Mary commented...

I have recently had a new boiler fitted in the kitchen. When the engineer drilled into the wall he found it was an asbestos sheet. There was brown dust all over the floor & surrounding appliances. He had walked all through the house & didn't seem too concerned. I have not vacuumed it up & don't know how I should deal with it. I am concerned that I have been exposed to asbestos fibres & worried about the long term implications. How long would the fibres be in the air? Can I ask a specialist to do a survey with a view to sealing the wall & if so, how much would this cost?

16/12/2010 17:24:06

Martin Karaszy commented...

Could you please advise approx cost for an Asbestos survey on a commercial property 1750 sq ft, built in 2007 made of metal and brick, modern type office / light industrail

17/12/2010 19:21:18

Administrator commented...

Mary, you probably will have been exposed to asbestos fibres but a one-off exposure like this is not going to cause any long-lasting damage. Vaccum up the dust and dispose of the bag. If its Asbestos Insulation Board seal it with paint or a PVA solution or if its really badly damaged approach a removal contractor. If its cement then its safe to leave it. If you're not sure which material it is then ask the fitter or get it analysed.

24/12/2010 14:26:29

Administrator commented...

Martin, you'll need to get a quote from the form above.

24/12/2010 14:26:59

Ben commented...

Hi can you please tell me what the liklihood of finding asbestos in a bedroom partition wall and the wall by the window in a 1980 system built house not council. Thank You

26/12/2010 11:25:43

steve commented...

we have a neighbour who was stored a few bits of asbestos in garden, its not many bits, but they are broken we have been told they have been there a year or too, its old asbestos roofing sheet which was on a shed, we walk near the area are we at risk from dust or have they long since disperserd?

28/12/2010 02:59:47

Ben Davey commented...

Hello there, i am about to buy a new flat and have just had a homebuyers survey done, in which he flagged up the possibility of the tiling in the communal hall as well as the tiling in a small cupboard in the house containing asbestos. The surveyor recommended a asbestos survey being done on these and i am about to go back to the estate agents to mention this. Is it my respobsibility to have that survey carried out or the freeholders (it is a leasehold flat)

28/12/2010 16:53:21

Administrator commented...

Ben, the chances of finding the more dangerous types of asbestos such as insulation board are low as it wasn't really used beyond the late 70s. The chances of finding asbestos cement are small but realistic.

30/12/2010 05:10:59

Administrator commented...

Steve, asbestos cement poses little risk wherever it is but if its outside and its in such small quantitites then its perfectly safe.

30/12/2010 05:12:07

Administrator commented...

Ben Davey, the freeholder is responsible for the communal areas and is required (by law) to get a survey carried out. Very few of freeholders of domestic properties have actually done so and it only becomes an issue if they employ someone to work in those areas (i.e they are not under any obligation to do it for you). There is no onus on anyone to get an asbestos survey carried out within the non-communal parts of domestic properties although many people do so for peace of mind (especially if highlighted withing a building survey).

30/12/2010 05:18:03

Sally commented...

Hi I'm having a few sleepless nights. 10 years ago we did a lot of building work on our 1930s house. This involved taking plaster off walls cutting channels for electric and heating pipes ect. and taking out an old tiiled fire place. There was a square board behind the gas fire/back boiler could that have been asbestos we didn't think about it at the time and just put it in the van with the rest of the rubbish! The boiler was put in about 1980. We also just cleared up th rubble and mess with my usual vacuum it one of those without a bag so covered myself in dust emptying it aswell. i then carried on using the vacuum around the house for years after that, I'm now worried i might have spread asbestos all around the house as my children were young at the time. if i did will it still be present .

05/01/2011 12:33:47

Administrator commented...

Sally, if the board did contain asbestos you will have exposed yourself but a one off like that is very unlikely to cause you any long-term damage, It would be about the same chance as smoking a single cigarette and getting lung cancer from it. As for the vacuum, it may well have been contaminated and there probably was some level of further exposure but its very limited and you and the kids should be fine.

07/01/2011 18:36:20

steve commented...

hi thanks for your reassurance, just another quick question, my parents have an old redundant asbestos water tank, we store items up in the loft once or twice a year and have to pass it again is this something we need to be concerned about, it has flaked in places

10/01/2011 03:30:24

Chris commented...

Hi, We are having our kitchen floor tiled. We started pulling up the old lino and found some plastic tiles underneath. Several of these broke and came up with the lino. They are about 9" square and grey. We thought they might have asbestos in them, However the tiler turned up this morning and said thay are fine - Marley tiles which he has lifted hundreds of times - and he is now lifting them all without any protection; They have been stuck down with bitumen. At the moment I am inclined to let him continue, but keeo the room isolated as much as possible to stop dust being walked throught the house. Then when the job is finished wipe down all surfaces. Does this seem reasonable?

10/01/2011 09:45:04

Ash commented...

Hi, thanks for this really useful site of info. We live in a property built in the late 60s and have artex on just about all the ceilings. We have just had a plasterer in to skim it but half of the plaster and artex came down over night. There is an almost latext like quality on the surface of the artex (possibly just gloss paint) We are not sure what to do next. Scrape off the plaster and artex or perhaps consider taking out the whole ceiling and putting up new plasterboard and then skim? If we were to get samples done would we need to take several for each room? Thanks for your advice.

12/01/2011 23:31:02

Administrator commented...

Steve, you don't need to be concerned at all. It would cause more fibre release if you moved it.

17/01/2011 14:26:41

Administrator commented...

Chris, yes, there would be a minimal amount of fibre release from a composite product such as these.

17/01/2011 14:27:44

Administrator commented...

Ash, thanks, you should take a couple of samples from opposite corners of the room. The cheapest and safest way would be to use a specialist product such as X-tex. Go easy though, its pretty nasty stuff and you need to wear the appropriate protective clothing.

17/01/2011 14:30:19