Asbestos is made up of thin crystal like fibres; it is a naturally occurring mineral and has been used in the building industry in the years between 1950's and 1980's due to its strength, resistance to heat and resistance to chemicals.
Asbestos was used in many different building materials during that period including insulation, cement, tiles, roofing and electrical wiring to name a few. If your home was not constructed during the 1950's to the 1980's it is still not safe to just assume that asbestos is not present. Think about whether any renovations took place during the period- if so it is quite possible that asbestos materials were used.
Identifying and spotting asbestos is not an easy task. Often asbestos is bedded into materials commonly used in the building trade which makes it hard to spot. The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) have now published a gallery of images of items containing asbestos in order to help tradesmen in particular be aware of what it looks like.
Asbestos can be very damaging to health and if you are working by a damaged area of asbestos or exposed to low levels over a long period of time you could be risking your health. If you come across a suspected area of asbestos whilst working you will need to leave the area, and seek the advice of an expert immediately. Asbestos is not usually dangerous unless it has been disturbed therefore by working in an area containing asbestos you could create problems.
It is likely that you will discover asbestos in many different areas of your home therefore being cautious whilst carrying out any DIY is important, especially on buildings that pre date the year 2000. Asbestos is commonly found in cement, in floor tiles and under carpets, in fire proofing materials, textured ceilings and coatings and in lofts.
Looking for asbestos is generally not recommended. Only asbestos that is damaged or disturbed poses a risk to your health. Often people are not aware that they have even come into contact with it due to it blending in with common household building materials.
Asbestos was used in many different building materials during that period including insulation, cement, tiles, roofing and electrical wiring to name a few. If your home was not constructed during the 1950's to the 1980's it is still not safe to just assume that asbestos is not present. Think about whether any renovations took place during the period- if so it is quite possible that asbestos materials were used.
Identifying and spotting asbestos is not an easy task. Often asbestos is bedded into materials commonly used in the building trade which makes it hard to spot. The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) have now published a gallery of images of items containing asbestos in order to help tradesmen in particular be aware of what it looks like.
Asbestos can be very damaging to health and if you are working by a damaged area of asbestos or exposed to low levels over a long period of time you could be risking your health. If you come across a suspected area of asbestos whilst working you will need to leave the area, and seek the advice of an expert immediately. Asbestos is not usually dangerous unless it has been disturbed therefore by working in an area containing asbestos you could create problems.
It is likely that you will discover asbestos in many different areas of your home therefore being cautious whilst carrying out any DIY is important, especially on buildings that pre date the year 2000. Asbestos is commonly found in cement, in floor tiles and under carpets, in fire proofing materials, textured ceilings and coatings and in lofts.
Looking for asbestos is generally not recommended. Only asbestos that is damaged or disturbed poses a risk to your health. Often people are not aware that they have even come into contact with it due to it blending in with common household building materials.
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To make an asbestos claim liverpool contact EAD Solicitors. For locum law jobs contact Sacco Mann.
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