Asbestos Information | Ford Environmental Ltd

1. What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was used extensively in construction and other products because of its strength, heat resistance and insulating properties.

The principal types historically used include chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite.

2. Where Can Asbestos Be Found?

Asbestos-containing materials may be present in many parts of older domestic, commercial and industrial buildings.

Examples can include:

Asbestos insulation board
Pipe and thermal insulation
Sprayed coatings
Textured decorative coatings
Asbestos cement sheets and products
Roofing and cladding products
Floor tiles and associated products
Bitumen-based products
Gaskets, seals and rope products
Some fire-protection products

This list is not exhaustive.

3. Can You Identify Asbestos by Looking at It?

                    You generally cannot confirm whether a material contains
                    asbestos simply by looking at it.
                

Materials containing asbestos can look very similar to asbestos-free alternatives.

Where identification is required, appropriate sampling and laboratory analysis may be necessary.

4. Why Can Asbestos Be Dangerous?

Asbestos presents a risk when fibres become airborne and are inhaled.

Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.

Asbestos-related disease can take many years to develop after exposure.

5. When Can Fibres Be Released?

The likelihood of fibre release depends on the type, condition and treatment of the asbestos-containing material.

Activities that may disturb materials include:

Drilling
Cutting
Sanding
Breaking
Grinding
Removing fixings
Demolition
Refurbishment work

6. What Should I Do if I Suspect Asbestos?

                    Do not drill, cut, sand, scrape, break or otherwise disturb
                    suspected asbestos-containing material.
                

Avoid unnecessary access to the affected area and obtain competent advice before intrusive work takes place.

7. Asbestos Surveys

An asbestos survey can help identify asbestos-containing materials and assess their condition.

The appropriate type of survey depends on the building and the work being planned.

More intrusive assessment may be required before refurbishment or demolition work.

8. Does All Asbestos Need Removing?

Not necessarily.

Depending on the circumstances, asbestos-containing material that is in good condition, unlikely to be disturbed and capable of being managed safely may sometimes remain in place.

The appropriate approach depends on the material, its condition, location, future work and the risk of disturbance.

9. Asbestos Removal

Where removal is appropriate, the method of work depends on the asbestos-containing material and the applicable regulatory requirements.

Controls may include segregation, controlled working methods, suitable PPE and RPE, dust suppression, decontamination and appropriate waste handling.

10. Licensed and Non-Licensed Work

UK asbestos legislation distinguishes between different categories of asbestos work.

Some work requires a licence from the Health and Safety Executive, while other asbestos work may fall within non-licensed or notifiable non-licensed categories where the applicable requirements are satisfied.

                    Ford Environmental Ltd will only undertake work that falls within
                    its lawful scope, competence and applicable licensing requirements.
                

11. Asbestos Waste

Asbestos-containing waste requires appropriate containment, handling, transportation and disposal.

It must not simply be placed into ordinary household or general commercial waste.

12. Duty to Manage

Certain people responsible for non-domestic premises have legal duties relating to the management of asbestos.

These duties can include identifying asbestos, assessing its condition and risk, maintaining appropriate records and ensuring relevant information is provided to people who may disturb it.

13. Important Disclaimer

Information on this page is general information only.

It does not constitute an asbestos survey, laboratory analysis, site-specific risk assessment or confirmation that any particular material does or does not contain asbestos.

Site-specific professional assessment should be obtained where appropriate.

14. Contact Ford Environmental

If you have identified or suspect asbestos-containing material and would like to discuss the next steps, contact:

Ford Environmental Ltd
Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Email: info@fordenvironmental.com