Asbestos: Difference between revisions

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The importation, supply and use of all asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999; the amhibole type has been banned since 1985<ref name="gov" />. Prior to use being banned, [[asbestos]] was used in many products including insulation material for buildings, boilers and pipes, car brakes, floor tiles and in 'artex' wall and ceiling decoration.

Solid and fibrous asbestos occurs in a variety of differing forms which need to be managed in ~~different ways~~.

Solid and fibrous asbestos occurs in a variety of differing forms which need to be managed by different means according to its risk; not all asbestos materials present the same risk i.e. the measures that need to be taken for controlling the risks from materials sush as pipe insulation are different from those needed in relation to asbestos cement<ref name="HSEDTY">[https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/duty.htm/ HSE]</ref>.

==Types of Asbestos<ref>[https://www.nationalasbestos.co.uk/types-of-asbestos/ National Asbestos Helpline]</ref>==

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The only way to confirm definitively if [[waste]] does contain asbestos fibres is to have a representative sample of the [[waste]] analysed in an accredited analytical laboratory<ref name="HSE">[https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/analysts-surveyors.htm/ HSE]</ref>. Laboratories undertaking this analysis must be accredited to International Standard ISO/IEC 17025 (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012) and be accredited the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)<ref name="HSE" />.

==Management of Asbestos==

Asbestos is dangerous only when disturbed. If it is safely managed and contained it doesn't present a health hazard<ref name="HSEDTY" /> but asbestos shoud not be removed unnecessarily as removing it can be more dangerous than leaving it in place and managing it<ref name="HSEDTY" />.

If ACMs need to be sealed, encapsulated or removed this can only be carried out by licensed contractors if the materials are high risk (e.g. pipe insulations and asbestos insulating panels). If the materials are lower risk (e.g. asbestos cement sheets and roofing) then an unlicensed but competent contractor may carry out this work<ref name="HSEDTY" />.

Asbestos generated from repairs to property i.e. asbestos roofing is [[Hazardous Waste|hazardous waste]] and most be treated and disposed of such. Most [[Local Authority|Local Authorities]] (LAs) issue asbestos permits to householders needing to remove of this low risk asbestos which allows them to deposit household asbestos at suitably licensed facilities such as [[Household Waste Recycling Centres]] or [[Transfer Station|Transfer Stations]] used by the LAs. There is often a charge associated with this facility.

In this instance the asbestos must be double bagged in appropriately labelled bags which highlights its hazardous contents.

High risk asbestos must be managed, transported and disposed of only be approporiately licensed contractors.

==References==