Asbestos Cement Roof Sheets
Important Notice About Asbestos Cement Roof Sheets
We can all recognise the traditional asbestos cement roof sheets that are still common throughout the country on both domestic and industrial buildings.
Generally speaking, these sheets will contain only a small amount of white (Chrysotile) asbestos and as long as they are not disturbed and broken up, remain relatively safe.
Working on these sheets does not usually require a licensed asbestos contractor and they can be worked on by any competent roofing contractor.
Competence is important, because the HSE is likely to visit any site where works are being undertaken on an asbestos cement roof.
Recently, we have been made aware of several cases where the HSE have visited sites and insisted that although the work might not be licensed, that it should nevertheless, be treated as though it is licensed.
This can add significantly to your costs, so it is more important than ever to use roofing contractors with proven competency in asbestos roofing projects.
Remember also that some roof sheets contain both white (Crysotile) and blue (crocidolite) asbestos, though at present, ALL asbestos cememnt products are unlicensed.
The only way to know the composition of a roof sheet is to get it tested.