Asbestos In your home?

Would you know what to do if you came across asbestos in your home?

How do you know if you have asbestos in your home?

I’ve written a guide for you all to read to help with a few simple steps of how to recognise and action asbestos in you home.

Asbestos is a natural material made up of tiny fibres. These fibres are usually fixed in another material like cement or insulation board, but they can be released into the air by cutting, breaking, drilling or sanding.

Asbestos can be found in many places – workplaces, public buildings, schools and also in the home.

Why asbestos may be a problem

Building materials containing asbestos were widely used from the 1930s and in particular from the 1960s onwards. Asbestos has also been used in heat resistant household products, such as oven gloves and ironing boards.

Here are some examples that may contain asbestos:

• airing cupboard walls
• pipe lagging
• cement fireplace surrounds
• ceiling and wall panels
• roof tiles
• cement pipes
• garage roofs and walls
• fuse boxes
• floor tiles
• rubbish chutes
• paints

How to identify materials containing asbestos

You will need to have the material tested by an asbestos analytical company who can advise exactly what the material is and if it contains asbestos.

You can seek advice from your local council or speak with and asbestos company who will be able to advise you of what to do.

What to do if you suspect asbestos in your home

• DO NOT attempt work involving sprayed asbestos, lagging or insulating boards, as this must be undertaken by a licensed asbestos removal contractor. If in doubt seek advice.

Beware when doing DIY

If you have asbestos materials in your home, extra care should be taken when doing DIY.

DO NOT attempt work involving sprayed asbestos, lagging or insulating boards, as this must be undertaken by a licensed asbestos removal contractor.

For more information about asbestos in the home and guidance about how to handle this, please contact the experts on 0113 3856640 and speak to a member of the team who can provide you with support and information.

NHS asbestos refund law opposed by insurance companies

Legislation to refund the NHS in Wales for the cost of treating asbestos
sufferers is unnecessary and impractical, say insurance firms.

They claim the cost of recovering the money would outweigh the benefit to the public purse.

Proposals going through the Welsh assembly would force businesses to pay the medical costs of staff who suffer from exposure to asbestos.

But insurers say the assembly lacks the power to change the law.

We do not think the bill delivers the objectives of reducing the financial burden on the NHS, or of helping to support asbestos-related disease claimants”

The proposal is contained in a private member’s bill by Labour backbencher Mick Antoniw, who wants companies to reimburse the NHS for treating employees who fall ill after working with asbestos.

In evidence to AMs, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) says the bill would impose new costs for asbestos-related claims.

Insurers would not have accounted for this decades ago, forcing them to recoup the money from current policyholders, it says.

Although it recognised the assembly’s power over health policy, “we do not believe that such modification of insurance policies falls within its competency”, it said.

It also warned that the administrative burden of recovering money would outweigh what it is estimated to bring in.

The ABI said a package of proposals to help sufferers from asbestos-related diseases will be introduced across the UK by 2014 anyway. They are mainly aimed at mesothelioma – a cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

‘Further complexity’

Its evidence lists the practical problems to recovering the cost of treating diseases, and says a proposal to refund the money to the Welsh government instead of specific parts of the NHS “creates further complexity”.

The bill fails to give concrete examples of how the money raised would help asbestos sufferers, it added.

It said: “We do not think the bill delivers the objectives of reducing the financial burden on the NHS, or of helping to support asbestos-related disease claimants.”

What it does have the potential to achieve is to release not insignificant funds back into the healthcare system in Wales”

Asbestos was widely used as a building material from the 1950s until the 1980s, often as fireproofing and insulation.

Pontypridd AM Mr Antoniw has previously said the cost of treating sufferers is a huge financial burden for the NHS.

About 90 deaths a year in Wales are thought to be caused by mesothelioma. The care provided by the NHS in Wales for victims is estimated to be more than £2m per year.

The Recovery of Medical Costs for Asbestos Diseases Bill would mean the Welsh government could recover the cost of treatment from an employer or an insurer after a judgement or settlement in civil claims.

It would also apply to employers outside Wales if the victim was treated by the Welsh NHS.

In a separate submission, the Forum of Insurance Lawyers foresees practical problems with the bill and suggests it could be challenged under the European Convention of Human Rights.

However the charity Marie Curie, which provides palliative care for terminally-ill cancer patients, supports the legislation.

“What it does have the potential to achieve is to release not insignificant funds back into the healthcare system in Wales,” it says.

Well peeps, you make your mind up about what you thin it right in this ever complex and disturbing issue.

People need to remain aware of asbestos and the dangers and education in this matter is key. Be aware, be safe!

Asbestos and Fires

asbestos exposure after fires

With all the dangerous fires happening in NSW, I thought it appropriate to offer some advice reagrding asbestos and exposure due to fires. This is a really tragic occurrance and if my advice can offer assistance to anyone then I hope my knowledge will help.

Asbestos and Fires

Asbestos that is exposed to fire or extreme heat can become brittle and breakable, or friable. Apart from age, which can turn asbestos from a safely encased substance into a dangerous and exposed one, fire is a threat to public health well beyond what damage flames and heat can produce.

In the cast of asbestos fibers, fire increases the likelihood that they will be released into the air. Once airborne, these tiny fibers are able to be inhaled or ingested by residents, emergency workers or cleanup workers, laying the groundwork for asbestosis or mesotheliomacancer.

History of Asbestos and Fire

Asbestos is one of the most heat-resistant substances known to man, yet it can be highly toxic when it is confronted by fire. The seemly magical ability of the material not to burn was displayed by the Roman Emperor Charlemagne (800-814), who used an asbestos tablecloth to convince some barbarian guests that he had supernatural powers. After the banquet he would throw the tablecloth into the fire and leave it for a while to burn off all of the food scraps and then snatch it from the flames to show everyone that it was not burned and clean.

Centuries later in a more modern world, asbestos curtains were used in theaters to separate the audience from the stage and could be quickly lowered to contain a fire on the stage. For example, the historic Iroquois Theatre fire in Chicago in 1903, quickly spread out of control when the asbestos curtain became hung up on the stage lights and could not be lowered. Many of the projection booths in theaters were also treated with the fireproof material to contain any fire resulting from the highly combustible nitrocellulose film that was used through the 1930s. Asbestos shields were placed under furnaces and stoves to protect wooden floors while asbestos roofs and ceilings prevented the spread of chimney and roof fires.

For a great part of the 19th century and most of the 20th century, products made with asbestos or with some asbestos products were used to keep houses, ships, buildings, pipes and other things from getting too hot and from catching fire. But when structures did catch fire, those products were exposed in various ways, leading to toxic contamination. Smoke also carries contaminants.

Smoke Inhalation

Smoke from debris piles is made up of carbon dioxide, water vapor, carbon monoxide, fine particulate matter, hydrocarbons and other organic and non-organic substances. Smoke can contain toxins, including minute asbestos fibers, particularly when hazardous materials are burned. Materials of particular concern related to asbestos are insulation, roof materials, drywall, ceiling tiles, flooring and asphalt.

To limit exposure to hazardous material, individuals should remain at least 1,000 feet away from burning debris piles and wear appropriate protective clothing. Most protective equipment that firefighters use will eliminate the exposure to the fibers but in the secondary stages of the fire, firefighters may remove the protective gear for greater comfort and not realize that there may be high asbestos levels present.

Fires and Asbestos Debris

Fires leave a residue of ashes, half-burned materials and unburned materials that are otherwise destroyed or ruined. This debris is almost always removed from a fire site, and sometimes it contains dangerous asbestos. Only if a fire site is examined specifically for the existence of asbestos can cleanup workers be assured that none of the mineral is present.

If in doubt regarding whether asbestos is present in teh rubble after a fire get it tested by experts to ensure you don’t put yourself or others at risk.

Signing orf for now my peps sending you all love.

“Happy 2013 to …

“Happy 2013 to all my peps hope this year will bring you peace harmoney and love to you all.”

What is asbestos and what are the risks?

Like leaded paint and gas fires, dears, asbestos is a word that just reeks of the pre-Health & Safety world in which people unwittingly existed, day in, day out, in houses and workplaces chock-full of toxic and dangerous materials. 

Though it is now known that not everyone was unaware of the hazardous effects of working with raw asbestos before even the 1950s and 1960s, this didnt prevent thousands of workers being effectively sent to their deaths when they were employed to construct and work in buildings incorporating the material in question.

Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral that became a prized building material from the late 19th century onwards. Being an ideal soundproofing material with great tensile strength as well as being fire and heat-resistant and invulnerable to electrical and chemical damage, it became an invaluable commodity among manufacturers and builders. When used in construction, it was often mixed with cement. It was also considered an ideal material for hotplate wires and building insulation. Blue and brown asbestos was only banned in the UK as relatively recently as 1985 and white asbestos not until 1999.

The risks
The link between those working with asbestos as a building material and their contracting serious illnesses as a result was first commented on in 1898, though the two were not completely connected until much later, quite possibly because of its commercial value. In 1952 it was suggested that products containing asbestos should carry warning labels, but this was never instigated.

The inhalation of asbestos fibres over a prolonged time period can lead to debilitating sickness and is often fatal. As a result, it is those who worked with it on a day-to-day basis between the 1950s and the early 1980s are those most likely to be seeking asbestos compensation. One-off incidents of high-level exposure to asbestos are, however, unlikely to result in disease – just as with long-term exposure to low-levels of the material.

The diseases most likely to result from chronic asbestos exposure are asbestosis and pleural abnormalities like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Incubation periods can last up to 30 years. 
The issue of asbestos exposure is also pertinent in cases where the material or asbestos-containing materials become airborne. This can happen owing to wear of tear of a building containing it, potentially putting its inhabitants at risk. However, the fact remains that construction and maintenance workers are still at the greatest risk of asbestos poisoning, as their work may well involve the disturbing of the material. Likewise those in janitorial positions are also at risk, as they may unwittingly find themselves clearing up old materials that contain large amounts of asbestos, so it is not only those who worked with it in the past five decades who may be making claims.

If you or anyone you know has been exposed to asbestos in either in your living or work environment, notify your GP of your situation as soon as possible if you are feeling unwell.

Aunty Asbestos meets Alan Mitton!

Well, I was a little excited about meeting Mr Mitton, knowing that he knows lots about asbestos.

We ll I was not disappointed, he is like a font of knowledge when it comes to asbestos and uses and the locations it is found. 

After picking through his brain I decided to ask him my hit list of questions;

What’s your favourite item of clothing?

 Belstaff leather jacket , makes me feel sub 40

 If you could be an animal for a day, what would you be?

Anything that hibernates

What do you like about working for Fibre?

 Seeing the transformation from a small company to a major player in the industry

 Why is Asbestos still an issue today, hasn’t it all been removed?

 Most asbestos present in the UK still hasn’t been identified and still isn’t been managed properly, you can pick any sector and find massive failing in asbestos management and removal. It’s a bigger issue now than ever before as people have a false sense of security.  

 What is your favourite biscuit?

 Wagon Wheel, although there not as big as they used to be

 Name the strangest asbestos removal project you have worked on?

 Grytviken Whaling Station in South Georgian or above Henry VIII’s bedroom at Hampton Court Palace, there are some other but cant mention them due to the 1989 Official Secrets Act.

Who is the greatest person you have ever met?

Professionally Gordon Brown at Downing street when he was PM, Personally my partner Amanda who gives another dimension to my life and makes me a better person  

What makes you an expert in asbestos?

It’s usually just because I know more than the other people in the room

Where would your favourite place be?

Sounds silly but Anglesey for  simple days out fishing with the kids, surfing or catching crabs in the harbour as the tide comes in. You can travel all over the world but sometimes the simple pleasures are the best.

Where is the most unlikely place you have come across asbestos?

Ural Mountains in Russia where Asbestos Insulation Board had been crushed and used for building footpaths

 Cats or Dogs?

Dogs , cats are evil

Alan Mitton Asbestos Man

Well some interesting facts there for you all to read. What an enjoyable afternoon that was with Mr Mitton. He has promised to send me some details of his famous cooking recipes too.

Why asbestos is a problem

Ok darlings, here is another of my informative posts about asbestos. This was prompted by Vera from the local Parish council asking me why asbestos was a problem if so many people used it initially.

Well, this got me into a huge conversation about the dangers and how people didn’t realise this when they were using it and making some many things with it. SO for your benefit and for my dear friend Vera, here goes another Aunty Asbestos information lesson;

WHY ASBESTOS CAN BE A PROBLEM

Asbestos material in good condition does not pose a risk to health, but if the material is damaged it could release asbestos fibres into the air. If the fibre is breathed in the lungs can be damaged.

The more fibre breathed in, and the longer the total exposure period, the greater the risk to health. People who worked with asbestos for many years, for example as a part of their job, or washed the dusty clothing of those who worked with asbestos, were most likely to be affected. Now that asbestos fibre is no longer imported in to the UK. These traditional ‘high risk’ occupations have ceased to exist. The ‘new at-risk group’ are building trades and demolition workers; they are likely to be disturbing asbestos based products, on a regular basis, over a prolonged period of time (a working life). This may create health problems later. Regulations protect these people.

WHY ASBESTOS CAN BE A PROBLEM IS EVERYONE EXPOSED?

Asbestos occurs naturally, and because of this, there are detectable fibre levels everywhere. Low-level exposure is not considered to be a significant risk to health, although any exposure should be reduced to the lowest practical level. Fibre Levels may be higher when asbestos materials become damaged. You should obtain advice on the appropriate action to take, before materials deteriorate, or before disturbing them. High-level short-term exposure to asbestos fibre can occur during DIY work. For this reason, avoid creating dust when working with materials, which may contain asbestos and avoid drilling, sanding or disturbing them.

WHERE CAN ASBESTOS MATERIALS BE FOUND?

Building materials containing asbestos were widely used from 1930 to around 1980, and particularly from the 1960s. Buildings constructed, altered or refurbished during this time may have had asbestos materials used. Asbestos was used in heat resistant household products, for example, oven gloves, over door seals and ironing board rest pads.

The use of asbestos in these products decreased from the mid-1980s. And since 1993 the use of asbestos in most products has been banned.

It is not always easy to tell if a product contains asbestos, as newer asbestos free materials often look similar.

Hope this have given you all a little more insight into why asbestos is a problem.

Any more questions dears ask the experts, Fibre Environmental Services, they live and breathe asbestos, well not literally peeps, but you know what I mean.

Let it snow….

 Long time no speak, my little peeps.

I had such a great time with Mr Birchall, can’t wait for my next encounter with one of Fibre’s finest Mr Mitton, might even get a little smitten!

The days are drawing nearer and nearer to Christmas and I’m in a reflective mood of times gone by. I remember there was a time they used fake snow for a variety of reasons, making shop displays look festive, creating that festive look in your home, decorating outdoor areas and grottos with the snow.

                        The problem was that this particular snow was actually Asbestos. Way before they discovered how dangerous asbestos was they used it for many different uses, one being creating fake snow.

The asbestos created such a perfect bright fake snow and became very popular, but little did people realise the effects it would have on them in the future.

Asbestos in still a huge issue today and had been used in various building materials from the 1960’s. If you can gain some information from this, then my suggestion would be to remain vigilant about asbestos.

If you find any old looking Christmas decorations lurking in your loft and come across something that looks like fake snow, then dispose of this immediately through the correct channels.

Fake snow today is asbestos free and much fun can be had creating a winter wonderland before the actual snow has fallen.

Enjoy this festive time, with family and friends while I pop off to make a cup of tea, no gin today luvvies as I’m saving myself for the Parish Christmas brunch.

Auntie Asbestos meets Tony Birchall….

Auntie asbestos meets Tony Birchall

Well darlings, here I am with Mr Tony Birchall, Health & Safety Manager here at Fibre and I have to say, what a dresser. One assumes Health & Safety peps are a little boring but judging by Mr Birchall’s bright patterned shirt, he’s not afraid of colour.

Ok, I’m going to ask you a few questions so my followers can get to know you a little better., let’s go, don’t worry I don’t bite, darling…

What is your favourite drink?

Water, but if it’s alcohol it has to be San Miguel.

What is your favourite biscuit?

I don’t do biscuits I’m afraid.

How did you get to work in the asbestos industry?

My parent’s started their own asbestos stripping business in 1984 and I used to answer the phone during the summer holidays whilst still at school.

Name one interesting fact that you don’t think I would know about asbestos? 

If you were an ugly baby, asbestos would have been applied to your face instead of your bum (talcum powder). 

Is asbestos still a relevant problem?

Asbestos is an escalating problem with an increasing amount of people dying each year as a result of exposure to asbestos.

If you could change into anyone for the day who would that be?

Kate Winslet’s boyfriend! Only joking, to be honest I’m fine as I am. 

Do you like fish? 

I ate it raw in Iceland (and I don’t mean the Supermarket).

How long have you been in the asbestos industry?

I have worked in the asbestos industry for 16 years now. I have been an asbestos removal operative, Supervisor, Analyst and Operations Manager in a Supervisory Licence capacity. I did all this as I was studying health and safety management at more senior level.

Have you ever met anyone with more knowledge than you about asbestos?

Yes, my father Ron Birchall.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

New Zealand.

Tony on his way now, he left quite quickly really, was hoping we could of had a nice brew together. Well I feel I know Tony so much better now, what a pleasure I had meeting him, maybe he’ll take me for a drink as I think I look a little like an older Kate Winslet too with better teeth!

Goodbye for now peps, next I’m onto Mr Mitton.

Time to meet the boys…

Hello Peps, what a fabulous jubilee weekend I had, very entertaining indeed.

Mavis my good friend thought she would try and train her cat Dave to stand on his back legs and take a bow for the Queen. This may of worked well, had it not been for the ambition of Mavis’ dream and the fact Dave is a rather large cat, that struggles to balance on 4 legs let alone 2. After 30 minutes of watching Dave trying to perform. The fun erupted with Mavis’ husband Derrick carrying a tray of tea for everyone, standing on Dave, who screeched forward into my ornamental fish pond, the tea fell everywhere and land on my new raffia wedges! I was rather displeased, I’d bought them speacially for the Jubilee.

Anyhow, we mopped up the mess and all had some lovely tea. This whole day got me thinking about people and the fact that some of my neighbours I don’t even know.

What I have decided to do is meet some of the lovely chaps at Fibre and do a Anutyview with them. I’m going to ask them some questions which I think would be of interest to all you peps out there.

Watch this space for the new Auntyviews with the Fibre team, starting Next with Mr Tony Birchall.