Is this Asbestos? (photos)

[reoreborn85]

Hi there.

We moved into a house last year and we have a outhouse. We believe it MAY have been built in 1992 but we can't be 100% sure. I don't believe it is as it doesn't 'feel' like it. The roof 'leaks' due to them coming loose. and i am planning on putting on a solid wooden roof. My only worry is getting rid of these and the cost (we're literally working on an extremely tight budget). They're not broken etc. Can anybody tell from these photos?

 

[foxhole]

Impossible from a photo , but easy enough to remove , just avoid smashing it up and hose down before removal , helps avoid dust .

 

[reoreborn85]

Was worried that would be the case.

So assuming it is asbestos how easy would it be to get rid of ourselves? From what I've read wrapping it in polythene, wetting down and strapping up and you can take it to your local tip for free?

 

[Brigadier]

Was worried that would be the case.

So assuming it is asbestos how easy would it be to get rid of ourselves? From what I've read wrapping it in polythene, wetting down and strapping up and you can take it to your local tip for free?

I always caveat my responses with "I hesitate to give absolute confirmation one way or the other from a photo alone, and always advise having a sample taken and tested for certainty"...................

.........but, from the sheer lack of weathering, I would be surprised if it did turn out to be asbestos-containing.


If it does turn out to be a non-asbestos alternative, this in no way makes your life easier (in my experience, and with waste disposal).


Get it tested.
Get the analysis certificate.
Contact your tip.
Go from there.

If you're lucky, they'll tell you that they'll have it off you, and they will.
If you are unlucky, they'll tell you that they'll have it off you, you'll turn up there with your car full of the stuff, and they'll turn you away.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Was worried that would be the case.

So assuming it is asbestos how easy would it be to get rid of ourselves? From what I've read wrapping it in polythene, wetting down and strapping up and you can take it to your local tip for free?

Yes, but investigate your local council tip rules for asbestos. Might be worth getting an asbestos test kit first, it might avoid your needing to do anything special.

 

[Old Salt]

To me it looks like it has been painted at some time but could be asbestos cement. If you are going to do it yourself you need to keep dust to a minimum, wet the sheets, remove the fastenings and carefylly remove the sheets. Double wrap, tape and include an asbestos warning. Do not vacuum up any small pieces but wet and carefully sweep up and bag any residue. You MUST wear a face mask suitable for asbestos and disposable overalls and gloves.

I have worked with asbestos over a number of years and know what I am doing but if you are at all unsure get a certified remover to do it. Local tips will often take it by appointment but if their bin is full you may have a wasted trip.

Generally you agree the date/time, turn up, phone and they come and unlock, you dispose of the waste and phone again and they come and lock up.

It may be easier to pay a certified carrier and have them collect after you have removed.

I have added a link to the HSE website that will provide the official advice.

https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/a12.pdf

 

[stevie888]

I'd be confident that you have asbestos cement sheet there. Not a difficult diy job to remove safely. Angle grinding the heads off the bolts is the easiest approach.

If your local tip won't accept them then there are companies that collect, Either way check what you have to do by way of wrapping.

 

[foxhole]

My local tip and many others accept double wrapped asbestos.