We look straight on to a large steel-frame shed-like barn. It is being converted into a row of houses. The team came at the weekend and removed the existing "asbestos" roof. It comprised large light-coloured corrugated panels which I suspect are actually asbestos/cement. The process was impressively quick, there was as far as I could see no preparation like covering or wetting the roof. What surprised me though was that the removers did not wear any protective gear, no overalls or masks. Is that normal? Is the risk from the asbestos so low that all you need is careful handling?
Asbestos cement roof - specialist clothing needed?
- Thread starter InMyHO
- Start date
We asked an azzy removal firm to collect a load of azzy. We'd bagged most of it, when he arrived, but the rest he threw loose in the back of the van (no bulkhead), gave me the collection slip and drove off. No mask or protective gear in sight.
Maybe it's not that normal to take more care then.
If the sheets come off complete, they are exceptionally low risk. I suited and masked up to do mine, but just crawled on it and undid all the screws. The panels just slid out with only 1 crack on the corner of one.
I cleared the double length garage roof in 2 hours on my own, then double wrapped it in plastic.
Glad I did suit up, but it was probably not necessary tbh.
I cleared the double length garage roof in 2 hours on my own, then double wrapped it in plastic.
Glad I did suit up, but it was probably not necessary tbh.
In the situation that you describe, the risk from the asbestos is far lower than the risk of falling.