subject: Top 10 tips for working with Asbestos [print this page] As part of Action Mesothelioma Day on Friday 2 July 2010, the British Lung Foundation suggested some top tips lists for DIY enthusiasts to Be Asbestos Aware'. The foundation concerned with the increase of asbestos related diseases has listed 10 tops tips on how to stay asbestos free:-
-Asbestos containing materials in good condition are still a health risk and should be left alone
-It is always advisable not to sand, drill or saw objects which may contain asbestos such as textured ceiling coatings, floor tiles or asbestos cement roofs
-Common places where asbestos could be found include floor tiles, toilet cisterns, textured ceiling coatings, asbestos cement roofs, soffit boards and linings of boiler cupboards
-Always make sure you have the correct personal protection equipment including:
Properly fitted mask to the standards EN149 (type FFP3) or EN1827 (type FMP3)
Overalls and boot covers most home improvement stores will stock these
If you are doing DIY in your own clothes, remove them carefully to avoid excess dust and wash straight away, separately from other clothing, in a washing machine. Make sure you use a mask whilst dealing with them
-If in doubt contact an asbestos surveyor
-If you are working with asbestos materials always dampen down the surface to avoid producing dust
-Don't smoke, eat or drink in the work area
-If you disturb asbestos do not use a domestic vacuum cleaner as dust may pass through the filter hire a special (Class H) industrial vacuum cleaner that complies with British Standards Look up asbestos safety equipment hire' on the internet for where to find one
-Do not put asbestos waste in the dustbin seek advice from the council about how to safely dispose of it
-Always seek professional advice from your local authority or an accredited asbestos removal company before thinking of removing asbestos materials
