Asbestos

Nigel Hale
Member - 13 posts

Steve,

Some older artex typically contains between 2 and 5% chrystotile and although your survey samples have not identified any chrystotile, the surveyor is simply saying that there could be chrystotile in other areas of the covering. Without extensive sampling and analysis the surveyors would be remiss if they said anything else. The old addage is that 'Absence of evidence should not be taken as evidence of absence'.

The surveyors advice amounts to saying that the hazard from the artex is low so long as it is managed and it remains in a condition or location where it is not likely to become airborne or dispersed. In that case it should be made safe or removed. If you do decide to remove any areas of artexing or make any repairs you would be well advised to take further advice from an approved asbestos removal contractor - although there are circumstances where you can do some work yourself. For small areas the cost of geeting a contractor to remove the material is not likely to be great so that the savings associated with doing it yourself are equally not likely to be great.

Our Group of companies includes an asbestos consultancy and removal division who would be happy to provide further guidance if required. Should you wish to discuss this or any other asbestos related matters please contact Mr Chris Webber on 01992 535445.

I hope that this helps.

Nigel Hale

Environmental Management Solutions Group Ltd

Bill Parker
Member - 55 posts

The advice from Nigel Hale is quite right. The current Regulations permit you to remove asbestos when the complete job (including preparation) will take less than an hour. This is only practicable for small areas.

In fact, there are no known cases of Mesothelioma that have arisen from exposure to Chrysotile (white asbestos) but it is treated under Regulation in the same way as Brown and Blue, which, due to the physical fibre properties, are much more dangerous.

Chrysotile is chemically similar to talcum powder and its fibres are flimsy, such that they tend to break up and disperse, when ground or when mixed with water, for any length of time. Danger from ACM in only evident when fibres are ingested or breathed from the atmosphere. Wetting the artex thoroughly would prevent such case but you still have to dispose of it at a licensed site, should there be a suspicion of ACM.

In the case of "possible" ACM, as Chrysotile in Artex and similar decorating products, it might be best painted and left in situ; if it is good condition.

The HSE publishes a number of guides, on its web site, regarding working with asbestos. These are mostly free and easy to read. We have copies os various guides and a free paper on Asbestos and its hazards. If required, apply to me, Bill Parker at Helios Safety & Rescue, Unit 5, The Old Smithfield, Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 8DT

'phone 01952 461541.

John Richards - Thames Laboratories
Online advisor - 8 posts

Steve,

I would generally agree with the comments made in the on-line forum regarding artex and other textured coatings. The variability of the mix does creat problems and it is not unusual to find a mixture of result. Textured coatings are for the purposes of the asbestos licensing regulations are defined as coatings and coatings are licensed products requiring the use of licensed asbestos contractor.

The advice that you have been given regarding removal of the flaking material is probably correct, you do not however talk about extent, it maybe possible for you to undertake this work in house following the guidance contained in Asbestos Essentials (available HSE books) but for most organisations the cost of complying with the guidance given in this publication is such that a licensed specialist will be the easiest route to follow.

Best regards,

John Richards
Thames Laboratories

Anonymous

recently moved to new house. The landlord informed us that there is asbestos in the flooring and advised us that we should not disturb it. Further investigations have shown it to be chrystotile. We would like to know if this is safe as we have been there some time before we were informed. We also have a 9 month old that is crawling around.

Anonymous

I am presuming that the chrysotile will be in the floor tiles in your property, in which case the risk posed by this type of material is very low. The asbestos fibres are well bound into the matrix of the floor tiles and therefore will only become airborne if the tiles are damaged.

I hope this helps.

Rob Franklin
Asbestos consultancy & Management ltd
07730 416 690

Paul Chalkley
Member - 1 post

I have been asked to remove and dispose of a small ceiling that contains chrisotyle asbestos, If this takes less than an hour am I operating within guidelines.
Do i need to be registered for anything in order to dispose of this properly, or will I be allowed to take it to a registered disposal site without a requirement for a license when I arrive there.
Any other information would be appreciated.

Digby Saunders
Member - 5 posts

Hi, We are a charity shop with artex in a ceiling and have been given an improvement order. It will take longer than an hour to remove and we cannot find anyone to do it. Can I seal it in? Is the cost our responsibility or the landlords? The ceiling was damaged by a long term water leak before we took up the lease. Thanks Digby Saunders

Chris Salter
Member - 2 posts

Digby

My view is that it would depend on the extent of the damage; it may be possible to seal any cracks and paint the ceiling. But you would need advice from an accredited asbestos removal contractor; details should be available from the UKAS website.
It would also depend on how specific the improvement order is; if it expressly requires removal you may have no alternative.

Digby Saunders
Member - 5 posts

Thanks Chris,
It actually states 'any other equally effective means, to comply with the notice, may be used' . We have also had an accredited contractor who states that it can be concealed with the appropriate notices. Still not sure who is going to pay for it-we are trying the insurance company as it was damaged by a water leak from an upstairs flat. Thanks again, Digby