1. Asbestos is dangerous
Asbestos garage roofs were very popular in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Asbestos was a newly discovered material that was found to be insulating, strong, heat resistant and cheap. As well as garage roofs it was used in a whole host of other things such as flooring tiles, fire blankets, brake pads, artex, roof insulation. If it is in good condition and left alone asbestos isn’t dangerous. However if it is contained in a cement that is degrading or is disturbed by being cut or sanded, fibres can be released into the air. These fibres can then be inhaled and once in the lungs are known to cause serious and even fatal diseases to develop many years later.
2. Asbestos needs to be disposed of properly
Asbestos cannot be taken to your local landfill site. It must be disposed of in a site that has a specially permit for this purpose. All asbestos waste needs to be double wrapped or double bagged in plastic sheeting, with the correct hazard warning signs clearly attached. This includes any clothing or materials that have been used while asbestos removal has been in progress.
3. The correct standard of equipment and clothing is required
When handling asbestos, wearing the correct standard of face mask, overalls and gloves is vitally important because the wrong ones do not offer full protection. Face masks or respiratory protective equipment (RPE) ust meet the standards set by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Although cotton overalls can be worn they will need specialist laundering after each use. If disposable overalls are used they must be meet the standard set out in the HSE guidelines.
4. Clothing and equipment must be used and disposed of correctly
A compliant face mask (RPE) is totally useless if it is not worn correctly. It must be worn at all times completely in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. There are also rules outlining the correct way to wear overalls e.g. The hood must be up so at all times so that it covers the straps of the RPE (face mask) and the legs should never be worn tucked into footwear. All clothes and equipment must also be disposed of in the same way as asbestos roof sheets. They should be double bagged in plastic and labelled.
5. Removing fragile garage roof panels can cause them to split
Most people want their asbestos garage roof removed because it is old and starting to leak. It is when a roof is in this state that roof panels are likely to be fragile and can crack and split as they are being removed. Under these conditions asbestos cement can release fibres into the air and becomes hazardous. An expert will know best how to remove a roof in this kind of condition with minimal disruption to the asbestos.
If you have an asbestos garage roof that needs removed or replaced it makes good sense to call in an expert. Garage Roof Scotland is licensed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to remove and dispose of asbestos safely.
You can get in touch with Paul on 07932637646