High winds causes damage to asbestos roofs across the country

Jan. 9, 2012 - PRLog -- The biggest risk seems to be to buildings already in a state of disrepair which may not stand up to the strong winds and as they are not occupied, the damage to asbestos containing materials may not be discovered for a prolonged period. Other properties at risk seem to be garage roofs made with asbestos cement sheets. This was such a widely used material in the 1970’s that 40 years later these materials can be easily damaged.

Since the mid-'70s, it's become common knowledge that asbestos is dangerous. When it is "friable" - a word applied to asbestos fibers that can become airborne - it can be inhaled and ingested. The inhaled and/or ingested asbestos fibers are the cause of a rare cancer called mesothelioma. While it's described as "rare," the incidence of mesothelioma is rising and is expected to continue to rise for the next 10 to 20 years as those people who were exposed to asbestos through the 1970s and early 1980s develop the condition. Because of the association of mesothelioma with asbestos, many people panic when they learn that their roofs are made with asbestos.

Here is some information and guidance to assist in knowing what to do if you have been affected by the strong winds;

What is asbestos cement?

Asbestos cement is a well bonded, sheet building material, commonly used for roofing and outbuildings such as garages. Care must be taken not to confuse it with asbestos insulation board which is similar in appearance, but much more hazardous since it is softer.

Advice and precautions to follow when dealing with asbestos cement

The following advice applies to asbestos cement only; other types of asbestos are more hazardous and require more stringent precautions by professionals only.

Breathing asbestos dust is dangerous. Any work on asbestos cement may generate asbestos dust and we advise that the following precautions are taken to minimise the risk:

Scientific Services may take a bulk sample to identify the type of asbestos, and provide advice.

Avoid creating dust from asbestos cement, never sand down or wire-brush asbestos cement.

Do not use power tools on asbestos cement.

Avoid breaking asbestos cement.

When working with asbestos cement it is advisable to wear disposable overalls and a face mask. Check that they are suitable for use with asbestos. You can get advice from safety equipment centres. After use, these should be disposed of as asbestos waste.

When removing asbestos cement, thoroughly wet it first, particularly around any fixings. Use an ordinary hosepipe or watering can for this, not a high-powered water jet. Add detergent to the water if possible. If fixings are difficult to undo, try to cut them off rather than break the asbestos.

I have some asbestos cement to dispose of, where can I take it?

Asbestos cement waste must be wrapped in a double layer of strong polythene and loose edges sealed with tape before being disposed of.

Private householders who live in the Kirklees area should take their asbestos waste to the Household Waste Recycling Centre at Emerald Street, Huddersfield. You must ring the site, telephone 01484 536967, at least 12 hours before you go, as you need to book a time to take the asbestos. If you cannot get through on that number ring 01484 226886 or visit their website www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/environment/pollution/asbestos.shtml#dispose

Other homeowners who live outside of the Kirklees area can contact their local council to ask where to dispose of asbestos. You can also contact a qualified asbestos removal contractor like Fibre who can dispose of the asbestos cement sheets for you under controlled conditions. If you would like any further advice or assistance, please do not hesitate in contacting a member of our team on 0113 3856640 who will be happy to help with your enquiry or visit our website on www.fibreservices.co.uk for further information. You can also visit the HSE website for further advice on asbestos and what action to take at www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos .

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Fibre Environmental Services provide specialist Asbestos removal and management services throughout the UK
Our team will provide asbestos removal solutions which are tailored specifically for you supported by our highly skilled professional workforce.