Where existing asbestos cannot be removed, the application of a resistant, impermeable sealant is applied to securely encapsulate or surround an asbestos containing material (ACM). This prevents the release of fibres under foreseeable conditions.
An asbestos survey may reveal that specific ACMs are in good condition. A decision may be taken for the ACMs to remain in place undisturbed, rather than risk the release of invisible airborne fibres if removal is attempted.
Asbestos encapsulation, which is subject to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), is carried out by a licensed contractor but a non-licensed removal can be undertaken if:
*Control Limits – maximum number of asbestos fibres that an individual can be exposed to whilst working with asbestos without using specialised breathing apparatus. Different periods of exposure are calculated to ensure that neither short nor long-term exposure becomes hazardous.
The type and condition of the ACMs will determine how encapsulation may be carried out. There are usually four standard methods which aim to maintain asbestos fibres in a safe condition:
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Asbestos becomes dangerous when the fibres are damaged or unsettled, and are set free into the atmosphere.
If those fibres are inhaled, it can lead to a variety of diseases, of which most are difficult to treat and can become fatal.
These include:
Many leading health agencies classify every category of asbestos as being carcinogenic.
Some of these investigations attempted to designate toxicity levels in asbestos, and concluded that Chrysolite, the serpentine asbestos category, is by far the worst in terms of danger to health.
There are six types of asbestos, which come under either the amphibole or serpentine mineral families, which are:
Chrysolite is the only variety to come under the serpentine group, which incidentally is the most deadly.
Its form is often formed of curly fibres and sheet crystals.
The remaining five come under the Amphibole group which have different fibres, often described as needle-shaped.
Although not as toxic as serpentine-based asbestos, they are still regarded as being highly dangerous.
We have the capability to provide a high quality and efficient service, to locate and identify any suspect hazardous materials. Our service is fast and efficient, backed up by extremely competitive rates. So speak to KD Asbestos first!
