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While Asbestos has not been manufactured in the UK for a number of years, the material is still found in buildings as it was a very popular building material. Providing it is in good condition, and there is no risk of fibres being released, there is no direct need for Asbestos to be removed, but it is important to inspect the premises to account for any Asbestos that might be present.
The material
Asbestos was commonly used in buildings from the 1930s onwards, until the manufacture of the material was banned in 1999. It is estimated that about 0.5 Million non-domestic premises in the UK include some form of asbestos, and this includes many Churches and Places of Worship.
The risk from Asbestos is generally from the fibres that are released when the material is disturbed. These fibres enter the respiratory system and can cause a number of serious medical conditions including Asbestosis. These days it is maintenance personnel and contractors who are at most risk when they are working on or near the material, often without any knowledge that Asbestos is present.
Asbestos was often used as thermal lagging or insulation. It was also used as fire protection (sometimes being sprayed onto steel structures or being sandwiched within fire doors) and a woven fabric was often used for fire blankets. Asbestos cement is often found on the roofs of outbuildings and as guttering / down pipes and Asbestos was sometimes included in certain decorative wall and ceiling coverings. It is also found in some appliances, including boilers, electrical equipment and even organ blowers.
Inspecting for and locating Asbestos
It is essential that Churches and Places of Worship keep records of Asbestos and Asbestos Containing Materials within the premises. This information is passed onto personnel such as maintenance contractors that could be at risk should they be exposed to the fibres during their work. This would allow the contractor to take suitable precautions to prevent the release of fibres.
Some forms of Asbestos can be identified by a visual inspection. Some sources might be more difficult to identify, and even hidden, and it is safest to assume that the material or item contains Asbestos unless there is evidence to the contrary. For many Churches and Places of Worship, this process does not require a specialist contractor, but it is highly recommended that the person carrying out the inspection understands the inspection process and is suitable equipped for the task.
Dealing with Asbestos
There is no immediate need to remove all asbestos from buildings providing the risk of asbestos fibre release is low. In fact, in many cases, it might be safest to leave the material because the removal will release the fibres into the air. When the Asbestos is correctly sealed or encapsulated, no fibres will be released until the material is disturbed. It is important that Asbestos is correctly indicated with signs or labels and recorded to prevent the material being disturbed accidentally.
In the case of small, portable items (such as fire blankets), these may often be disposed of via the local Council. The item should be double-bagged and identified with a warning sign, before being taken to a waste transfer site that takes Asbestos. Local councils have different rules about the disposal of Asbestos, and it is recommended to contact the Environmental Health Department beforehand.
The removal of Asbestos is a specialist task involving specialist equipment and methods. In many cases this requires the contractor to be licensed by the Health and Safety Executive.
Additional Information
Asbestos: the hidden killer
A guidance manual is written specifically for Churches and Places of Worship entitled "Asbestos: the hidden killer'. It includes detailed instructions on how to identify and control asbestos, including essential check-sheets for pre-inspection and during inspection. Details are also given of how to obtain the necessary personal protective equipment and warning labels.
Please download the PDF Order form. Written by David Vosper MCIEH.
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