Asbestos Flashcards
What is asbestos?
A group of naturally occurring mineral fibres that were widely used in construction and other industries due to their durability and heat resistance.
Why is asbestos dangerous?
Asbestos fibres can become airborne and when inhaled can lead to serious health issues including lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Where can asbestos be found?
In older buildings, insulation, flooring materials, roofing, some automative parts. Commonly used in materials manufactured in the 1980s
How to tell if a material contains asbestos?
Laboratory testing. If you suspect asbestos, best to have it tested by a certified professional.
What to do if you find asbestos?
Do not disturb it. If it is in good condition, it may be best to leave it alone. If you need to remove it or it’s damaged, hire a licensed asbestos professional.
Asbestos properties
fire resistance and insulating properties, high tensile strength, sound insulation, weather resistance.
Is there a safe level of asbestos exposure?
There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure. Even small amounts can pose a risk, especially with repeated exposure over time.
Where is asbestos commonly found?
Insulation: Used in walls, attics, and around pipes.
Flooring: In some older vinyl tiles and their adhesives.
Roofing: In shingles and other roofing materials.
Cement products: In certain types of siding and cement sheets.
If your home or workplace was built before the 1980s, there’s a higher likelihood that asbestos may be present.
Three main types of asbestos
Crocidolite (blue)
amosite (brown)
chrysotile (white)
Common types of asbestos
Asbestos insulation - applied to insulation pipes, boilers. Asbestos lagging.
Asbestos insulation board made from fibres and portland cement, fire retardant board.
Asbestos cement - mixture of chrysotile 10%-15% and cement to produce asbestos products.
Textured decorative coatings - Artex thin decorative and textured finishes such as paints an ceiling plasters.
Thermoplastic floor covering - 10-15% chrysotile
Regulations
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
Reg 4 - Duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic properties.
Reg 5 - Identify presence of asbestos and put controls in place.
Reg 6 Assess work that exposes employees to asbestos.
Reg 7 - Prepare a method statement before carrying out any work with asbestos.
Reg 8 - Licensing of work with asbestos by asbestos removal contractor.
Compliance with UK Legislation
Prevent exposure.
Inhalation can lead to chronic and fatal diseases. They attack the lining of the lung, upper bronchi and causes diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos related lung cancer, asbestosis.
Locate asbestos, ensure people are aware of its location and keep it in good condition.
Legislation
CDM Regulations 2015
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
Hazardous Waste (Eng and Wales) Regulations 2005
