asbestos gallery - asbestos photos

47A Strand St, Sandwich, Kent CT139EU - - 29 St Lawrence Ave Ramsgate CT110HZ

Offices: 01304 614647 / 614453 (24hr) 01843 592243 - For a Prompt Service First Call Direct - 07712068424

Sadly this is heard all too often and is usually untrue, any building built before 1999 (yes this is an official HSE figure) may have asbestos materials in them, later materials are usually low risk (cement, Artex, etc) but still contain asbestos, don't rely on limited knowledge, hearsay and the old geezer.

All images copyright of Kent Surveys and are not to be used without written permission. All information presented here is for general information on asbestos containing materials only and is not to be used as a basis for any asbestos related work including asbestos remediation and/or removal.

The following images are just a few of the different types of asbestos containing materials found during asbestos surveys, this is just a small range of different materials asbestos was used in, the actual unwritten list of asbestos building materials is estimated at 3000+ (plus 2000 technical materials) and still growing. The comments are for general guidance only.

You will find many references to AIB (Asbestos Insulation Board - 40% Amosite - Brown Asbestos) in the image descriptions, this is because although AIB is a single material type, it was used in many many different applications and locations, I feel it is important to illustrate this fact.

Once located it is easily manageable by painting and protection but needs to be detailed in asbestos surveys to prevent disturbance by tradesmen or staff.

AIB was used in the same locations/applications as wood, plasterboard, plywood, hardboard, chipboard, stirling board, lathe and plaster, mica board, ceiling tiles and many others. Because of its prolific use it is considered to be one of the main causes of exposure and subsequent death of tradesmen who regularly disturb this material not realising the risk.

Textured ceiling coatings (commonly known as Artex etc) have a low asbestos fibre content unevenly mixed throughout the material. If left alone it is quite safe and has low friability in normal circumstances, painting, over boarding and skimming are preferred to removal.

Although it is no longer notifiable to the HSE for removal by licensed contractors, the control measures still required to remove it are only slightly less strict than before, to comply with the revised regulations/guidance it still requires some form of liquid fibre suppression (paint stripper, steam etc) and should not be scraped dry, an enclosure (PVC tent) complete with a 2-way airlock, P3 rated masks (not DIY dust masks) and disposable overalls should be used.

The waste material (including the PVC 'tent') should be disposed of as hazardous waste not general building waste!. Many builders etc are now removing it without these precautions thinking its now classed as a 'safe' material, it is not! Scraping or dry stripping this material will still release asbestos fibres causing exposure! Do not be fooled! Take appropriate precautions.

(Most of the materials in the domestic gallery can also be found in commercial and industrial buildings)