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The word asbestos is derived from
the Greek meaning, literally “inextinguishable”
referring to its principal use as a thermal insulant.
Asbestos is the name given to naturally
occurring fibrous minerals that are contained within
rock and mined in many countries, including Canada,
Russia, South Africa, South America, India.
Asbestos occurs in two groups; amphiboles
and serpentine, based on their silicate crystal structure
type. There are six minerals in the asbestos group;
| Serpentine |
Chrysotile - ‘White’ |
| |
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| Amphiboles |
Amosite - ‘Brown’
|
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Crocidolite - ‘Blue’
|
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Fibrous Anthophyllite |
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Fibrous Tremolite |
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Fibrous Actinolite |
However only ‘White’,
‘Brown’ and ‘Blue’ asbestos
have had any real commercial significance as they are
the most naturally abundant minerals of the group.
Asbestos has a number of valuable
properties; these include physical strength, resistance
to chemicals, non-combustibility and good thermal and
electrical insulation.
Asbestos Pipe Insulation |
It should be noted that uses
of sprayed coating ceased in 1974 and asbestos lagging
is unlikely to be found in buildings constructed after
1975.
When asbestos is disturbed or damaged,
the fibres are released into the air and represent a
potential risk to human health through inhalation. The
fibres measure >5µm long and <3µm
wide, and can penetrate the lungs. Therefore the main
health consequences of exposure to asbestos fibres are
associated with the respiratory system.
The three main diseases are:
|
Asbestosis |
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Lung cancer |
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Mesothelioma |
|
Asbestos
products |
Uses/Applications |
Asbestos type |
|
Asbestos
Cement |
Corrugated
roofing sheets, roofing tiles, partition walls,
flat sheets, infill panels, bath panels, guttering,
water tanks, flue pipes, eaves soffits, fascia
boards, flower boxes. |
Amosite
Chrysotile |
|
Insulation
Boards |
Partition
walls, infill panels, boxings, ceiling tiles,
fire breaks, door lining. |
Chrysotile |
|
Sprayed Coatings |
Used on structural
steelwork, applied to walls and ceilings |
Crocidolite
Amosite Chrysotile |
|
Pipe insulation
/ Lagging |
Lagged pipes
in boiler rooms, hard set or preformed sections,
insulation to hot water cylinders, calorifiers
etc. |
Chrysotile
Amosite Crocidolite |
|
Asbestos
Ropes |
Used to seal
joints to boilers, flues, chimneys etc. gaskets,
kiln lining, heaters. |
Chrysotile |
|
Asbestos
Cloths and Textiles |
Fire blankets,
fire proof clothing, oven gloves, safety curtains.
|
Chrysotile |
|
Asbestos
Paper |
Electrical
insulation in switchgear, heat reflective layers
to boilers and electrical storage heaters. |
Chrysotile |
|
Millboards
|
Thermal insulation
to industrial ovens, steam pipes. |
Crocidolite |
| Gaskets |
To pipe flanges.
|
Chrysotile |
|
Asbestos
reinforced plastics |
Toilet cisterns,
battery cases, injection-mouldings in the motor
industry. |
Amosite Chrysotile |
|
Friction
products |
Brake linings,
to road & rail vehicles, lifts and other
machinery. |
Chrysotile |
|
Asbestos
thermoplastic or vinyl floor tiles |
Floor tiles,
stair nosings, skirtings. |
Chrysotile |
|
Asbestos
Bitumen products |
Roofing felt,
damp-proof courses, gutter linings, coatings on
metals, sink pads. |
Chrysotile |
|
Paints and
surface coatings |
Textured
coatings to ceilings and walls ‘ARTEX’. |
Chrysotile |
|
Mastics,
sealants, putties and adhesives |
Floor tile backing, seals to
window/door frames. |
Chrysotile |
Asbestos
Insulation Board (AIB) ceiling tiles |
Voelcker Consultants have been
involved in a wide range of Asbestos Surveying projects.
Our services include the provision of experienced and
qualified surveyors to undertake the three types of
survey as detailed within MDHS 100 and comply with EN45004 / ISO17020..
Additionally the association with
our preferred UKAS accredited laboratory complying with
ISO 17025 provides analysis of materials sampled.
We are able to provide a comprehensive
asbestos survey service including:
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Type 1, Type 2 and
Type 3 surveys |
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Risk Assessment |
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Asbestos Management |
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Advice on safe handling and removal
in accordance with HSE guidelines |
Regulation 4 – Duty to Manage – has been effective since 21 May 2004. The latest 2006 Regulations reinforce the requirement that all non-domestic premises must manage their asbestos. This is done by compiling an Asbestos Register – an up to date written record of the location and condition of asbestos containing materials.
We pride ourselves in being able to
tailor our service to client’s budgets and timescales.
Please
for a discussion of your requirements.
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