Asbestos
Asbestos poses a risk to health if the fibres are inhaled.
If you are unsure you should assume that the particular material is asbestos.
It is illegal to use asbestos in new construction, however, it may have been used in the past in which case exposure could result when carrying out building works.
The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987 requires employers to prevent exposure of employees to asbestos. This will soon mean that employers must find out whether or not asbestos is present in their building(s) and keep detailed records of its location. Currently the Regulations require that the employer make an assessment of the likely exposure to asbestos dust by his employees and/or any other person who may also be exposed. This assessment should include details of precautions to control dust release and prevent exposure.
If the asbestos is in good condition and is not likely to be damaged, worked on or disturbed it is usually safer to leave it alone but note its location.
If however the asbestos is in poor condition or likely to be disturbed you will need to decide if it needs to be repaired, sealed enclosed or removed.
Advice on identification and removal can be sought from an asbestos surveyor, laboratory or a licensed contractor. Only contractors licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) should carry out work involving asbestos. A list of licensed contractors is available from the Asbestos Licensing Unit (ALU) on 0131 247 2135.
For further information on managing asbestos the HSE have prepared a leaflet entitled "Managing Asbestos in Premises Opens in a new window".
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