Asbestos insulation, asbestos coating and asbestos insulating board can only be removed by companies licensed by the Health and Safety Executive under the Asbestos (Licensing) regulations 1983. A 14-day notification period is required by the HSE for such work.
The danger from asbestos is ever present as buildings that contain asbestos are now in need of repair, maintenance and demolition. Whilst the use and importation of most types of asbestos is now banned, huge quantities are still in existence within the fabric of buildings.
Asbestos is contained in various types and concentrations in many products - and this list of by no means extensive -
- Pipe Insulation - Boiler Insulation
- Fire-proofing - Sound-proofing
- Roofing Sheets- Roof tiles
- Gutters - Down pipes
- Wall boards - Ceiling linings
- Ceiling tiles - 'Artex' and similar
- Floor tiles - linoleum
- Fire Doors - Shuttering to ducts
- Electrical Fuse Boxes - Fire Blankets
The risks from asbestos do not only apply to those involved in the demolition or asbestos removal industries. Building maintenance workers, plumbers, electricians, computer installers, cable layers, and so on are all at risk anywhere that drilling, cutting and sanding of asbestos containing materials is carried out.
 Even vibration from hammering or drilling may raise dust from asbestos containing materials, which can be breathed by other people in the vicinity.
Thus teachers, pupils, nurses, patients, doctors, factory workers, office staff (this list goes on) - virtually anyone can be at risk from asbestos. In fact the majority of mesothelioma cases now diagnosed are people assumed to have had accidental exposure to asbestos in the workplace.
Asbestos Removal
If you require advice on the removal of asbestos products Amber Asbestos Services can recommend methods for safe removal & disposal. In addition we can provide details of Health & Safety Executive licensed contractors.
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Asbestos Health Risks
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