Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which is mined and resists exposure to fire, sound, water and chemicals. It is composed of millions of fibres which bind together to create a light yet virtually indestructible material.
White Asbestos (Chrysotile)
Brown Asbestos (Amosite)
Blue Asbestos (Crocidolite)
All types of asbestos are dangerous carcinogens, but blue and brown asbestos are more hazardous than white. Asbestos can be found in any commercial or residential building built or refurbished before the year 2000. It is in many of the common materials used in the building trade that you may come across during your work.
When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. When these fibres are inhaled it could lead to serious/fatal diseases. These diseases will not affect you immediately; they often take a long time to develop, but once diagnosed, it is often too late to do anything.
Common materials that may contain asbestos:
- Lagging/insulation
- Sprayed coating on ceilings, walls and beams/columns
- Insulating Board
- Floor Tiles, textiles and composites
- Textured coatings
- Cement products
- Roofing felt
- Rope seals and gaskets