Doncaster Council

Asbestos

Asbestos is the name given to a group of fibrous materials that occur naturally in many parts of the world. Three main types were used in commercial products, commonly known as blue, white and brown.

Where can it be in the home?

In the UK the use of blue and brown was banned in 1985 and the use of white severely restricted in 1999. However asbestos can still be found in everyday products made before those dates. 

Such products include:
sprayed insulation, lagging, cement products, roofing, weather boards, rainwater goods, chimney breast, vehicle brakes, roofing felts, floor tiles, textured paints (Artex), cookers, heaters, ironing boards, radiators, hairdryers etc. 

Why is it dangerous?

It is only dangerous if it is breathed in as tiny invisible fibres. Repeated or high concentration exposure can result in asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma. However the exposure encountered by members of the general public in the home or outside is very low and unlikely to present any risk.

Nevertheless it is wise to take precautions if handling any material suspected of containing asbestos.

The following questions and answers address some of the common concerns.

Questions and Answers

Q.  What precautions should I take when removing or repairing my asbestos garage ?

A. Thoroughly soak the asbestos sheets with water to reduce dust emissions. Try to remove as whole sheets and avoid breakage. Avoid the use of power tools. Wear a disposable dust mask marked EN 149 with an FFP3 filter. Wear disposable overalls or old clothing including a hat which can be thrown away. After removal wrap the asbestos in polythene, seal it with tape and label it asbestos. Treat the used clothing and dust mask in the same way.

For advice on how to dispose of the waste please ring Customer Services on 01302 736000.  Further information on disposal is available in "Related Links", Disposing of Asbestos from Domestic Properties, in the left hand menu.  

Q.  Do car brake linings still contain asbestos? 

A.  Although white asbestos may still be used for brake linings most modern cars use alternative materials. If you are unsure, use the dusk masks, clothing and bagging precautions above.

Q.  My ceiling has an Artex type coating how should I remove it ? 

A.  If possible don’t!   Paint, cover or plaster over rather than remove. If you must remove it, soak the surface thoroughly with warm water and scrape off wet. Do not sand or scrape off dry. Wear a dust mask.

Q. How should I dispose of asbestos materials ?

A. Asbestos materials should not be disposed of as normal household waste. Place the material in double strong plastic bags and label ‘Asbestos Waste’ Contact Customer Services on 01302 736000.  Further information on disposal is available in "Related Links", Disposing of Asbestos from Domestic Properties in the left hand menu.  

Q. Is my asbestos cement water tank safe?

A.  Even if asbestos fibres are released into the water there is no evidence that drinking asbestos has any adverse health effect. If frequent access around the tank is needed then sealing the outside surface with a decorative or other finish is a sensible precaution. 

NB. Dangerous fibres are only released if the asbestos product is broken, sanded, drilled or abraded in some other way. If left alone, and particularly if sealed with a spray paint, it is safe.

Q. Can I carry out DIY activities? 

A. The cumulative exposure from occasional DIY on asbestos materials is likely to be low. However, as significant intense exposure for a short time can result from DIY work carried out on asbestos containing materials, it is advisable to avoid such work if possible. 

If it is decided to carry out DIY activities then the following precautions are advised: 

• for each day of work wear fresh protective overalls or old clothing, head cover and dust mask marked to EN149 with FFP3 filter.
• take care not to create dust
• keep material wet during the work
• use hand tools rather than power tools
• do not scrape or sand asbestos before painting
• keep other people away and demarcate the area
• try not to go from room to room wearing the protective/old clothing
• do not clean up by dry sweeping,wet sweep only
• never use a domestic vacuum cleaner to clean up dust from asbestos containing material; this will just make any fibres airborne. Only an industrial vacuum conforming to British Standard 'Type h' can be used for such material
• at the end of each day dispose of the overalls/clothing (do not shake clean) and mask by placing in strong plastic bags labelled 'asbestos'
• shower immediately                 

Q. Can I remove asbestos lagging?
A.   Any work involving asbestos lagging, spray or coatings must be undertaken by an asbestos removal contractor licensed by the Health and Safety Executive and not by the householder.

Further Information

This information is for the guidance of the general public with regard to asbestos in their own premises.

Please note that Doncaster Council does not offer an asbestos inspection or removal service and is not permitted to recommend any particular company for this work. Yellow Pages will list companies working in this area, but please note the advice below.

Commercial organisations have to comply with current Health and Safety legislation.

Asbestos removal contractors must be licensed by the Health and Safety Executive for such work. 

If you require any further advice please contact :

Doncaster Council's Public Health Section  
PO Box 257,
The Council House, 
College Road, 
Doncaster,
DN1 IRN 

Telephone 01302 737573