Last Updated on November 19, 2024 by Dan

What is asbestos cement?

Asbestos cement is a mixture of both cement and asbestos, with the asbestos fibres content forming approximately 10-15% of the total product.

Asbestos cement was most commonly used as corrugated asbestos cement roofs on garages and sheds and also on outbuildings on farms.

Other products where asbestos cement was commonly used were flues, drainpipes and water tanks.

Asbestos cement roofs will normally contain chrysotile (white asbestos), but there are other types that may contain crocidolite (blue) or amosite (brown).

Even though asbestos cement contains asbestos fibres, it’s considered to be a relatively low risk because it doesn’t easily release asbestos fibres unless disturbed.

Do asbestos cement products have to be removed?

As asbestos cement is considered to be a low-risk product, then it’s perfectly safe to leave in situ, providing it’s in good condition and does not release asbestos fibres.

However, if the product becomes damaged in any way, is in poor condition or you are planning on any kind of renovation project, then yes, it will have to be removed.

A removal license is not required for this type of work involving an asbestos cement product, meaning you could potentially remove it yourself.

However, we would recommend the work be completed by a competent person who has completed non-licensed asbestos training.

Different rules apply to business premises and homeowners when it comes to asbestos products.

For instance, it is the owner of business premises or the person or organisation that has clear responsibility for the maintenance or repair of those premises, that will have a legal duty to manage any asbestos cement, which will include monitoring the condition of it on an ongoing basis.

So if the asbestos-containing material(s) condition deteriorates, under the duty to manage, they will have to arrange to have it removed from the business premises.

But, as a homeowner, you don’t have a duty to manage asbestos cement the same way a business does, although you do have to adhere to the procedure for safe disposal of asbestos materials.

Can I remove Asbestos Cement myself?

As stated above, this type of asbestos product (if in good condition) can be removed by homeowners themselves as a license is not required, although we would still advise against this.

But if you do decide to remove it yourself, you must be very careful and ensure the minimal release of fibres when handling the asbestos cement.

Asbestos cement products such as roof sheeting and rainwater goods are one of a few products you can remove yourself without a license provided they are in good condition, are handled with care and the materials (including any debris or asbestos fibres) are contained and disposed of safely.

Other examples include removal of textured decorative coatings, asbestos insulating board/panels and any other materials where the asbestos cement is either coated, covered or contained within another material such as paint or plastic.

However, If asbestos cement is in poor condition, has been substantially damaged or removal activity will mean that the material will be substantially broken up, creating significant quantities of dust and debris, then it will have to be removed and the work will be classed as notifiable (non-licensed).

Notifiable non-licensed work with asbestos needs to be carried out with the appropriate controls in place, and those carrying out the work must have had the correct level of information, instruction and training, to protect themselves (and others in the area) from the risks to health from asbestos related diseases.

So in circumstances where asbestos cement products are in poor or damaged condition such as asbestos cement sheets, you must not attempt to remove them yourself and instead hire a competent and appropriately trained person or company to carry out the work for you.

Tips for removing asbestos cement in good condition

Here are some tips for safely removing asbestos cement products yourself, providing they are in good undamaged condition:

• Dampen any sheets of asbestos cement before commencing work in case any pieces break off while you’re working. This may need to be done more than once. Be mindful not to use excessive amounts of water though.

• It’s important to avoid using any power tools or saws as these will release more fibers into the atmosphere. The aim is to avoid damaging or breaking the asbestos sheets and to remove them whole.

• Handle the asbestos cement sheets carefully and don’t drop them on the floor as they will break. Instead, hand them down to someone who is assisting you.

Ensure your personal safety

It’s extremely important that if you plan on removing any asbestos cement products yourself that you wear the correct clothing and equipment and follow safety procedures as follows:-

• You must wear a P3 disposable face mask to protect yourself against inhalation of asbestos fibers.

• You must wear disposable coveralls (type 5/6) with a hood and a pair of disposable overshoes or waterproof shoes such wellington boots that can be washed down afterwards.

• It’s highly advisable to wear disposable gloves when handling asbestos cement.

• If you are going to be working at height, you must use a suitable ladder and have someone to help you steady the ladder at the bottom. For very high locations that a ladder won’t reach, it is recommended to use a portable tower scaffold.

How do I actually remove the asbestos cement?

If the asbestos cement is in good condition and you do decide to remove it yourself, then it’s very important that you follow these steps:-

• It’s very important to prepare your work area. So remove any clutter and cover the ground and any other surfaces with polythene that can be disposed of later. You also must ensure that you have enough heavy duty bags or polythene for wrapping the sheets of asbestos cement in.

• Use a ladder that’s in good condition and sturdy enough to reach the asbestos material. Dismantle the asbestos cement methodically. Keep any power tools close by as you may need to unscrew fastenings.

• Hand each asbestos sheet down carefully to another person that is helping you and ensure they place them down carefully on the polythene sheet to prevent any damage to them.

• Once you have taken all the asbestos cement sheets down, make sure you clean up any debris that is left behind. Do not use a vacuum cleaner or a brush to do this as this will spread any dust! Instead, clear any debris by hand using wet wipes or disposable cloths. Then make sure any bits of debris collected is placed on the polythene sheet.

• Wrap the asbestos sheets in the polythene, or if small enough, place inside a heavy duty asbestos bag. Leave as full pieces and do not break them up. Seal with tape. If placed in a bag, repeat the process so that the pieces are double bagged for extra protection.

• Then you will need to dispose of everything else that has been contaminated with asbestos dust, such as the face mask, coveralls and polythene sheeting used on the ground. Also, you will need to wipe your footwear with a disposable wipe or cloth. Put everything into asbestos bags and double bag just as before.

• When everything has been cleared away and double bagged, don’t forget to wash your hands and face and any tools that have been used.

Where do I dispose of it?

If you are a householder and the asbestos waste is from your own home, then you can usually take small amounts to your local recycling centre if you have followed the safety procedures as outlined above.

Contact your local council for full details. You will normally have to telephone them beforehand to arrange this prior to visiting the site.

Asbestos waste must be transported in a car or van where it is secure and can’t fall out, so please don’t use a trailer.

Large quantities of asbestos sheets may be refused if you are not a business.

The other option is to ask a licensed asbestos removal firm with a waste carriers license to take the asbestos waste away for you, and take it to a site licensed for the disposal of hazardous waste.

You will have to pay a contractor for this service, but it’s usually easier (and safer) than having to transport the waste yourself.

Did you find this article interesting?  Then check out our other interesting articles below.

For all your asbestos training needs call us on 0161 761 4424 or visit https://www.armcoasbestostraining.co.uk/asbestos-training-courses/ to book an asbestos training course.

Need an asbestos survey or a refurbishment/demolition survey? Then contact us on 0161 763 3727 or by visiting our sister site https://www.armco.org.uk/

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Published Sep 16, 2019