Asbestos
Sample picture of a small piece of asbestos
Information about safely removing asbestos.
There are three main types of asbestos
- White asbestos (chrystotile)
- Blue asbestos (crocidolite)
- Brown asbestos (amosite)
However they can not be identified by their colour.
Only white asbestos is now used in the UK, mostly for the manufacture of asbestos textiles, gaskets, friction materials such as brake pads and clutch linings, and asbestos cement products.
Blue and brown asbestos (the two most dangerous forms have not been imported into the UK for over 20 years and is banned by law. You may still come across them in older properties as pipe lagging, insulating board, ceiling tiles and panels.
Health Effects
Inhalation of asbestos fibres, even at low pressure levels can cause asbestosis or fibrosis (scarring) of the lungs, lung cancer and mesothelioma – a cancer of the inner lining of the chest wall or abdominal cavity. It is therefore important to avoid all release of asbestos dust to the air when handling this type of waste to minimise the risk to anyone who may come into contact with this waste.
Before you prepare asbestos waste for disposal
Before you begin to prepare your waste for disposal it is advisable to contact the Household Waste Disposal Centre at Saltcotes Road, Lytham as this is the local site for domestic asbestos disposal. Should you have any queries please contact Lancashire County Council Waste Helpline on 0845 0500 957.
Usually only small amounts of asbestos waste can be disposed here and may be required to be double wrapped in plastic sheets. Normally the site can provide these sheets.
How to prepare asbestos waste for disposal
WARNING!
FIBROUS ASBESTOS, SUCH AS PIPE LAGGING SHOULD ONLY BE REMOVED BY A LICENSED, SPECIALIST CONTRACTOR. IT IS TOO DANGEROUS TO REMOVE YOURSELF. ALIST OF CONTRACTORS CAN BE FOUND IN THE YELLOW PAGES.
- Damping down the waste and keeping it damp will assist in reducing the release of fibres in to air.
- Large pieces of asbestos should be wrapped in heavy duty polythene sheeting (polythene sheets from DIY stores may be adequate) and sealed with tape to avoid dust release.
- Smaller pieces should be double-bagged in heavy duty polythene bags and securely sealed.
- The area where removal has taken place should be thoroughly cleaned and wiped down with damp cloths. On no account should a domestic vacuum cleaner be used for this process.
Discard all equipment and clothing after use. Disposable overalls, masks, gloves and wipes should be treated as asbestos waste and bagged accordingly
Transportation and Disposal
Once the waste has been securely wrapped and sealed the waste can then be disposed of.
If you are going to carry your own waste contact the Disposal Site and notify them that you are coming. Asbestos waste should be transported in an enclosed van or car boot NOT in a trailer where it might fall out and be a risk to others. Care should be taken when loading and unloading the waste to ensure the wrapping is not punctured which may lead to the release of fibres. If you employ a contractor to dispose of your waste they are required by law to comply with relevant Environmental Legislation including DUTY OF CARE, REGISTRATION OF WASTE CARRIERS and THE SPECIAL WASTE REGULATIONS 1996.
Useful Contacts
Fylde Borough Council Community Services Directorate (Environmental Health) 01253 658658
Environment Agency
01772 339882
Health and Safety Executive
01772 836200
