Asbestos Waste Management Services

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material commonly used as part of building material since the 1950’s. It has now been banned from being used, but is still found in many pre-2000 buildings in products such as roof sheeting, AIB window panel, pipe insulation and sprayed coating.

Asbestos is classed as hazardous waste due to the fibres which make up the material, these fibres being too small to see, breathing in the fibres can cause diseases of the respiratory system such as asbestosis. Some types of asbestos are too dangerous to work with, with licensed contractors being the only people who can deal with the asbestos material.

Why is Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos still kills around 5000 workers each year, this is more than the number of people killed on the road. Around 20 tradesman die each week as a result of past exposure. However, asbestos is not just a problem of the past. It can be present today in any building built or refurbished before the year 2000.

When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. When these fibres are inhaled they can cause serious 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. This is why it is important that you protect yourself now.

Who's at Risk?

Workers involved in refurbishment, maintenance and other similar trades, could be at risk of exposure to asbestos during their work.

This include, Heating and ventilation engineers, demolition workers, carpenters and joiners, plumbers, roofing contractors, painters and decorators, plasterers, construction workers, fire and burglar alarm installer, shop fitters, gas fitters, computer and data installers, general maintenance, telecommunications engineers, architects, building surveyors and Electricians.

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