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Asbestos Information

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, made up of long thin fibres. These fibres can be dangerous if they are inhaled as dust and are known to contribute to increased risk of lung cancer.

Asbestos was commonly used as an acoustic insulator and in thermal insulation, fire proofing and other building materials and many products in use today contain asbestos. Most of these are materials used in heat and acoustic insulation, fire proofing, roofing and flooring

It should be noted that you can no longer buy, use or re-use asbestos products in Ireland i.e. under EU legislation there is now a ban on 'placing on the market' asbestos and asbestos containing products. Therefore if you are removing for example an asbestos containing roof, the material must go for disposal and cannot be re-used or adapted for re-use. However this does not cover those premises which have existing asbestos containing materials which must be managed, maintained safely, repaired, removed and/or disposed of as waste. Therefore there still exists the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres in air if care is not taken regarding existing asbestos materials. Also consideration must be given to those who may be a risk from exposure to asbestos fibres (i.e. existing asbestos in buildings) and appropriate protections and controls implemented to protect those who may be at risk.

Main types of asbestos

Blue asbestos

This is also known as Crocidolite and was used in applications such as sprayed or limpet asbestos on the underside of roofs or on girders and steel work. However it also can be found on its own or as a mixture (with other asbestos fibre types) in many other products and in specialised high temperature applications.

Brown asbestos

Also known as Amosite, this kind of asbestos is found in many common building materials e.g ceiling tiles, lagging etc.

White asbestos

This is the most common type of asbestos found in buildings in Ireland and is also called Chrysotile e.g corrugated sheeting for roofs or cladding, pipes, slates, tiles etc.

Common uses of Asbestos

  • Steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts insulated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper tape. These materials may release asbestos fibres if damaged, repaired, or removed improperly.

  • Resilient floor tiles (vinyl asbestos, asphalt, and rubber), the backing on vinyl sheet flooring, and adhesives used for installing floor tile. The process of sanding tiles can release fibres. So can scraping or sanding the backing of sheet flooring during removal.

  • Cement sheet, millboard, and paper used as insulation around furnaces and wood-burning stoves. Repairing or removing appliances may release asbestos fibres. So may cutting, tearing, sanding, drilling, or sawing insulation materials containing asbestos.

  • · Door gaskets in furnaces, wood stoves, and coal stoves. Worn seals can release asbestos fibres during use.

  • Soundproofing or decorative material sprayed on walls and ceilings. Loose, crumbly, or water-damaged material may release fibres. So will sanding, drilling, or scraping the material.

  • Patching and joint compounds for walls and ceilings, and textured paints. Sanding, scraping, or drilling these surfaces may release asbestos.

  • Asbestos cement roofing, shingles, and siding. These products are not likely to release asbestos fibres unless sawed, drilled, or cut.

  • Artificial ashes and embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces. Also, other older household products such as fireproof gloves, stove-top pads, · Ironing board covers, and certain hairdryers.

  • Automobile brake pads and linings, clutch facings, and gaskets.

Identifying asbestos containing products

Many products that contain asbestos state the fact on the label. However, if you are unsure as to whether a product contains asbestos, you can contact the manufacturer or supplier directly to find out if asbestos is contained in the product. If you are still unsure, you should contact a competent person or consultant who will identify if the product is asbestos containing and will assess the risk associated with the material i.e. the potential for asbestos fibres to be released and become airborne. Advice can be obtained from the asbestos removals contractors, asbestos consultants, the Department of the Environment, or relevant Local Authority (relating to waste, disposal, dangerous buildings and environmental pollution matters). Where concerns relate to the workplace or work activities the Health and Safety Authority (as the Enforcement Agency dealing with the protection of the safety, health and welfare of workers and others affected by a work activity) also can give advice regarding the operation of removal and safe procedures relating to working with asbestos containing materials.

What are the dangers of asbestos

The following diseases are linked to asbestos fibre exposure:

  • Lung cancer

  • Asbestosis - this is a scarring of the lung tissue. The scarring occurring when acid produced by the body to try and dislodge asbestos fibres damages the lung tissue instead. This leads to inadequate oxygen intake to the blood. Asbestosis restricts breathing and leads to the volume of the lung being decreased and resistance in the airways being increased.

  • Mesothelioma - this is a cancer of the pleura (lining of the chest) and the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity).

Repair of materials containing asbestos

It should be noted that having identified that asbestos containing materials are present does not always imply the need for that material to be removed and disposed of as waste. It can on occasion be the safer option for all concerned to maintain the asbestos (in safe manner) rather than to remove i.e. disturb the material thus increasing the risk of potentially releasing fibres and creating possible exposures scenarios. This decision should obviously be based on a risk assessment evaluation which should only be performed by a person competent to make such an assessment and ensuing recommendation(s).

If deciding to repair and maintain the asbestos containing material rather than remove then it must be maintained in a safe way (i.e. prevent the potential for release of fibres to air and be kept in a condition whereby it will not be disturbed accidentally or otherwise). For this reason any asbestos, having been identified and assessed, which remains in the premises, should be labelled clearly for asbestos and also its location clearly marked on the plans of the building i.e. so if in the future maintenance or refurbishment work is performed or the building is sold onwards or goes for demolition, those involved will know that there are asbestos containing materials present and so will be able to plan their work accordingly and avoid potential situations which could cause exposure to fibres.

With any kind of repair, the asbestos remains in place. Repair usually involves either sealing or covering the asbestos material. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a sealant, which will either bind the asbestos fibres together or coat the material so that fibres cannot be released. Covering (enclosure) involves placing something over or around the material that contains asbestos to prevent the release of fibres, e.g., exposed insulated piping may be covered with a protective wrap or jacket. However when encapsulating asbestos containing materials it should be clearly indicated that the asbestos materials exist within. This is essential regarding future work or damage which could arise through accidents etc and also is necessary so if demolition is considered later-on the presence of asbestos is known prior to commencing any further work.

Home repairs on asbestos material are not recommended, as they can often do more harm than good. Contractors who can repair materials containing asbestos can be found in the phone book or you can contact you local authority for advice. If you have any doubt as to whether or not a product etc in the home may contain asbestos fibres, the best approach is to assume that there is asbestos and seek the advice of a competent person to confirm positively or negatively if asbestos exists. Should asbestos be confirmed advice should be sought as to the best way to proceed i.e. remain and maintain safely in place, enclosure, seal or encapsulate or remove. Whatever follow-up action is decided it must be done based on a risk assessment, taking account of the condition, location, quantity, type, further risk of deterioration, possible future disturbance etc of the asbestos containing material(s) i.e. any factor which will determine or influence the ease at which fibres could be released to air and so potentially be breathed into the body. Remembering that the route of concern regarding risk to health is via inhalation (noting that the asbestos related illnesses affect/target the respiratory system i.e lungs and associated areas about the lungs).

Removal of asbestos

Removing asbestos is a complex procedure and must only be done by a contractor who has the necessary training. Improper removal increases the risk of fibre inhalation. In other words if removal activities are not done in accordance with recommended practices the release of fibres and thus exposure can be high due to the uncontrolled nature of the work performed .

Disposal of asbestos

Asbestos is a toxic and dangerous substance and should only be disposed of in the proper way. You should contact you local authority for advice and only hand over the waste to local authority waste handlers or to someone who has a permit from the local authority to handle such waste. Specific legislation exists (Dept. of Environment) relating to waste (including the disposal requirements for asbestos containing waste). Local Authorities have control over municipal dumps in this country and as such determine what can or cannot be placed in their dumps. Again for further information contact the relevant Local Authority i.e. in the area where you wish to dispose of the asbestos material.

Asbestos do's and don'ts for the homeowner

Do try to avoid activity in areas where there is damaged asbestos material.
Do take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos material.
Do employ trained professionals to remove or repair asbestos. It is highly recommended that sampling and minor repairs are also done by professionals.
Do not dust, sweep or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos.
Do not saw, sand, scrape or drill holes in asbestos materials.
Do not use abrasive pads or brushes or power strippers to strip wax from asbestos flooring and never use a power stripper on a dry floor.
Do not track material that could contain asbestos through the house. If you cannot avoid walking through the area, have it cleaned with a wet mop.
Do not break up asbestos cement sheeting into smaller pieces for ease of disposal, remembering the fact that when asbestos fibres remain tightly bound in a matrix of cement the risk of release is reduced.

Asbestos contractors

There are a number of private contractors and independent consultants who are qualified to survey and/or remove asbestos. Their phone numbers and contact details are rreadily available through telephone enquiries and/or electronically. Currently in Ireland there is not the requirement for a specialist asbestos removal contractor to be licenced. However this does not detract from their responsibility to be adequately trained and competent to do asbestos work. Likewise it should be noted that not all asbestos removal work must be performed by specialist asbestos removal contractors. Where the risk of release of fibres is minimal and the job is done correctly whereby the legally set 'action level' will not be exceeded then the activity does not have to be notified to the Health and Safety Authority prior to commencing work. For certain such jobs (without any additional complications) therefore a regulatar building contractor could perform the task in a safe and appropriate manner. However for all asbestos removal operations the contractor (specialist or otherwise) must prepare in writing a Method Statement for the job. This Statement will outline the control measure and precautions planned and implemented for the work and relate specifically to job, activity, site, taking account of the need to remove the asbestos safely and in such a manner that his workers or others in the vicinity are not put at risk from possible exposure to asbestos fibres.

For information - Currently there are ongoing plans to establish an Asbestos Federation (of Ireland) which will encompass members from the specialist contractors, other contractors, asbestos consultants, demolition contractors and other interested persons. The plans for this Federation are almost finalised and it should formerly be established and operating before the end of Summer ('03).

Health and Safety Authority

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has legal powers under the European Communities (Protection of Workers) (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations, 1989 (as amended) to ensure the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work. The Authority is responsible for policing anyone engaged in work with asbestos, including professional asbestos removal and surveying firms so as to ensure that the worker protection legislation is implemented.

The Authority must be informed (notified) 28 days before an operation is planned whereby the 'action level' may be exceeded. It also requires a method statement from anyone planning to remove asbestos (all activtivies). This document should give details about the plan of work, e.g., how many crew members will be working on the job, the measures to be used to protect the workers, the measures to control the potential release of asbestos fibres to air, etc. This document must be prepared in advance of the work commencing, must be available at the worksite, and understood and complied by all those involved in the specified work acivity to which the method statement refers. A risk assessment for particular hazards like asbestos is also required e.g. regarding construction works etc The 1989 Act requires all employers to prepare a Safety Statement, in which all hazards at the workplace are identified and the risks associated with those hazards are listed together with the assessment of how to control the risks.

The Authority receives a large number of notifications regarding the intent to remove asbestos on a daily basis. The notification form is accompanied by the method statement. While the Authority endeavours to review a representative number of these Method Statements, it is not possible to look at everyone received. In addition the Authority does not approve method statements nor by virtue of not being able to examine each one can it be assumed that once the 28 days is complete the Authority has approved the method statement and considers the document and associated planned work activity upto accepted standard. Whether the Authority gets to examine/view a notification/method statement or not does not detract from the responsibility on the contractor to prepare and have available this documentation.

However, the HSA through it inspectorate may inspect sites where work with asbestos is being carried out and its inspectors can call on a site without giving notice. They must be given full access to all areas of that site to ensure that the Regulations are being complied with. All HSA inspectors have the authority to close down a site immediately if they have reason to believe that dangerous practices are in place, which may adversely affect the safety, health or welfare of workers or others. A prohibition notice can be placed on the site or specific operation and remains effective until the reason for issuing the notice has been rectified or remediated. If an employer fails to act positively and fully regarding corrective action and the requirements set down in a prohibition not then the Authority can begin prosecution. The case can be taken to the District Court or High Court, dependent on the circumstances and seriousness of the infringement. If a person is convicted of an offence under the Asbestos Regulations (1989),as amended, the court can impose a fine not exceeding 1,270 euro on summary conviction. As well as or instead of this, the court can order that the accused make the necessary steps to remedy the situation within a specific time. If, after that time is up, these steps have not been taken, that person is guilty of an offence and on summary conviction, can be fined 127 euro for every day the offence continues.

The HSA advice on finding asbestos is to leave it where it is, providing it is in good condition, it is managed on-site and ensure it remains in a safe condition. This advice is dependent firstly on the fact that an appropriate risk assessment has been performed by a competent person. As previously stated if asbestos is to remain on-site its location, type, condition etc must be recorded, the asbestos material clearly labelled and its location indicated on the plans or designs of the premises. This information must be presented to any workers (e.g., those laying cables, maintenance, plumbers, painters, computer installers etc) who may come in contact with the asbestos during the course of their work, so that they are aware of the possible risks to their health. If workers have any concerns about working in vicinity of asbestos containing materials, they can contact the HSA where inspectors are available to answer questions and give advice. If necessary, a HSA inspector can examine a site on the basis of a complaint received and if the asbestos poses a serious risk to health, the inspector can order that the site be shut down until work is done to eliminate the risk. If the asbestos is in good condition and there is no risk of fibres being released to air then there is no health risk and so should not be grounds for concern.

Currently in Ireland, the legislation requires that if you are carrying out any work on your building, even if it is merely putting in new lighting or computers, you must be sure that you will not be disturbing any suspect material like asbestos. If you do not carry out a survey to confirm the nature of any suspect material found, you must assume that it is asbestos and deal with it accordingly. Any building owner who is renovating or demolishing a building is required by law to identify any particular risks, such as asbestos or asbestos-containing materials at the design stage of the job i.e. prior to commencing work/demolition. Based on the risk assessment, the owner must make every effort to remove these materials or to make sure they do not pose a threat to the health of his workers or others who may be affected. Asbestos must be removed before a building is demolished to prevent the risk of the fibres spreading and contaminating the surrounding areas and those who may be in the vicinity.

The Authority recommends that employees should have medical certification regarding fitness to work before starting work on an asbestos process that they have been notified about. The employer should pay for these medical expenses. Employers who are responsible for those working in an environment with possible asbestos containing materialsare required by law to follow these guidelines:

  • Identify any asbestos on a site before work commences.

  • Assess the risks to employees' health from the work that they do and decide what precautions are necessary to protect them (i.e. assess the type, condition, quantity, location of material(s) etc.

  • Provide employees with information, instruction and training so they know the risks involved in their work and the precautions they should take.

  • Provide employees with the necessary protective gear (clothing and respiratory protective equipment) and be responsible for its cleaning and upkeep, as appropriate. · Make sure there are adequate facilities for employees to wash, eat and drink.

  • · Prevent employees' exposure to asbestos or do all that is possible to keep the amount of asbestos in the air to a minimum. · Dispose of any waste containing asbestos properly.

  • Let employees know the results of any measurement of asbestos dust in the air in their work area. There are limits to the amount of asbestos dust a person can breathe over an eight-hour period. The limits are 0.3 fibres per millilitre of air for blue and brown asbestos and 0.6 fibres per millilitre of air for white asbestos.

Office of Public Works (OPW)

The Office of Public Works is responsible for monitoring asbestos in all government buildings, including schools. At the moment, it is attempting to identify all asbestos in the nation's schools. Based on risk assessment and the results of surveys done by asbestos professionals, it is making decisions on how and when the asbestos needs to be removed. It is important to remember that if asbestos is in good condition, it poses no threat to health but because of the proximity of children to this material, the decision is being made to remove asbestos, even if this would not normally be considered necessary. If you have any concerns about asbestos in your child's school or in any government building, you should contact the Office of Public Works directly.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The Environmental Protection Agency deals with the licensing of storage for hazardous waste, like asbestos. Special care must be taken when dealing with waste like asbestos and any company or local authority that stores this waste must do so in the correct way. Asbestos containing waste should be disposed of as quickly as possible and in accordance with local regulations. If you have asbestos waste that you need to dispose of, you should contact you local authority to see if the landfill site will accept the waste. You can also contact one of the private companies that are licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency to store hazardous waste prior to disposal. All asbestos waste should be clearly labelled and bagged in plastic to prevent dust fibres escaping into the air.

Local Authorities (LAs)

Local authorities are responsible for investigating any incidents of air and water pollution in their areas (e.g., incorrect disposal of asbestos) and can prosecute any infringements of the Air Pollution Act, 1987 and the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977.

Penalties under the Air Pollution Act, 1987

Anyone who is found to be in breach of the provisions of the Act is guilty of an offence and can face the following:
For a summary conviction in the District Court: a fine not exceeding 1,270 euro (as well as a fine not exceeding 127 euro for every day on which the offence is continued) or imprisonment for any term not exceeding six months. If the court decides, you could be subject to both a fine and imprisonment.
On conviction or indictment in the District Court: a fine not exceeding 12,700 euro (as well as a fine not exceeding 1,270 euro for every day on which the offence is continued) or imprisonment for any term not exceeding two years. Again, if the court decides, you could be subject to both a fine and imprisonment. A local authority can serve a notice to anyone it decides is breaking the law under the Air Pollution Act. This notice will specify what corrective measures must be taken to prevent air pollution and give a time limit for these measures to be taken. If a local authority considers that an individual or company has ignored its warnings and recommendations, it can take a case directly to the High Court. An injunction can be issued by the High Court, which will allow the local authority to deal with the situation immediately. This path is usually reserved for dealing with dangerous pollutants like asbestos, which the local authority considers to be a serious risk to public health or the environment.

The local authorities are also responsible for issuing waste collection permits. Any company that collects hazardous waste must have an up-to-date permit, which guarantees that it has the proper facilities to transport and dispose of waste like asbestos. You should always make sure that you only use certified companies when dealing with hazardous waste. Check with your local authority to make sure the company you choose has the correct permit.

Rates

Prices for professional asbestos removal or surveying vary, depending on the firm. For more information, you should contact a contractor directly. There is a flat rate of 1,200 euro for waste collection permits. For more information, contact your local authority.

How to apply

There are contractors that specialise in removing asbestos. You can contact these firms directly. . The Environmental Protection Agency or your local authority should be able to provide you with whatever basic information you need about domestic and industrial asbestos problems relating to disposal, pollution, waste etc. While the Health and Safety Authority deals specifically with worker protection and the industrial sectors rather than domestic premises, if a domestic premises is having work performed then it can be deemed a work place for that purpose and those working at the site must be afforded the required level of protection for them to perform their work in a safe manner without risk to their safety or health.

You should contact the the relevant environmental health officer in your local authority's Environment department if you have concerns about asbestos in public areas. Equally if you have concerns relating to a workplace and/or work activity advice can be obtained from the Health and Safety Authority. The Office of Public Works is responsible for dealing with asbestos in government buildings and schools. Any concerns about the dangers to those who work with asbestos should be addressed to the Health and Safety Authority. Waste collection permits are available from your local authority and can be downloaded from reachservices.ie. For hazardous waste storage licences, you must apply to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Further Information:

Health and Safety Authority - http://www.hsa.ie
10 Hogan Place Dublin 2
Tel: 01 614 7000
Fax: 01 6147020
E-mail: infotel@hsa.ie

Environmental Protection Agency - http://www.epa.ie
PO Box 3000
Johnstown Castle Estate
Co Wexford
Tel: 053 60600
Fax: 053 60699
E-mail: info@epa.ie

Office of Public Works - http://www.opw.ie
51 St. Stephen's Green
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 647 6000
Lo Call: 1890 213 414
Fax: 01 661 0747
E-mail: info@opw.ie