Is this asbestos? Or Not?

Jamie' · May 9, 2019

Hi all, just wondering what you all make of the insulation bellow? Is this asbestos? Never seen it before was changing a fuse board and loads of started coming through the ceiling.

[ElectriciansForums.net] Is this asbestos? Or Not?

Bobster · May 9, 2019

Well, the quality of the photo isn't great. A closer up, in focus shot would help.

However there is only one way to truly know, an that's to have it tested.

No asbestos register? Floor doesn't look like a domestic environment. Unless it's in a garage etc..

Jamie' · May 9, 2019

That’s as close as my phone will let me and doesn’t stay sharp

ruston · May 9, 2019

Does it look like this , if so it is Vermiculite . It was used as insulation for boilers etc.

Pretty Mouth · May 9, 2019

Looks like vermiculite. Good soil conditioner. Google says it sometimes contained asbestos fibres

Bobster · May 9, 2019

It doesn't look like any asbestos I've seen before.

However, like I said, the only way to be sure is by having it tested.

Intoelectrics · May 9, 2019

As Rob said ^^^
Asbestos can be found in many products and with varying degrees of amounts (%'s) and varying degrees of severity. If its a commercial or industrial premises then there should be an asbestos register available. If not the only way to be 100% certain is to get in a specialist and have it tested.
If you go to the HSE website they have good guides on what procedure you should take if you happen to come across what you suspect as asbestos.

Here is a link to it HSE: Asbestos - health and safety in the workplace - http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/

Personally it doesn't look like any material I have come across that contains asbestos. but you would be very surprised on the vary products out there that do contain asbestos in some degree or other. An example of this is things like - old toilet seats and floor tiles...

ruston · May 9, 2019

If it is Vermiculite google it .
A quick google turned this PDF up . But best to satisfy yourself , depending on the environment it could have been used with asbestos.

https://www.vermiculite.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Vermiculite-is-not-asbestos.pdf

StephenRowley · May 9, 2019

Where was the insulation?
What age of building?

DPG · May 9, 2019

Don't lick it.

Intoelectrics · May 9, 2019

DPG said:
Don't lick it.

Licking it would be ok, its snorting it you have to worry about.

Bobster · May 9, 2019

It doesn't cost much to have it tested so you're sure.

@SparkyChick is probably a good person to talk about it. I know she posted about going on training and having things tested fairly recently.

Intoelectrics · May 9, 2019

Rob said:
It doesn't cost much to have it tested so you're sure.

@SparkyChick is probably a good person to talk about it. I know she posted about going on training and having things tested fairly recently.

there are many training courses available but the most common are either a 1 day or 1/2 day course. The 1 day course is asbestos awareness with additional training allowing you to work with non licensed material. The 1/2 day course is just an awareness course. I have completed both courses. I highly recommend the full 1 day course. This enables you to get a good understanding of whats involved in asbestos and guidance on how to deal with it, yourself or if necessary by a licensed contractor.

Here is a link to a website that offers what I'm talking about, there are plenty of training centres country wide that offer similar.
Asbestos Awareness Training Courses - https://www.oracleasbestos.com/services/asbestos-training/?mh_keyword=asbestos%20training%20course&mh_matchtype=e&mh_keyword=asbestos%20training%20course&mh_adgroupid=75131800492&advert=345491305623&gclid=Cj0KCQjwn8_mBRCLARIsAKxi0GLiJ0FLqr9q3iaBn2t6SEhHWF_jWOQzzKIV6MnAxBDzrkWvPfroHi4aAnH-EALw_wcB

Intoelectrics · May 9, 2019

Just to add, personally I feel that for the small cost of the courses its worth the money for a few of reasons.

1. Peace of mind that you have good awareness of the possible hazards of asbestos and if or when you are likely to come across it
2. A good understanding of the types and severity of asbestos and where you are likely to find it.
3. Knowledge of how to deal with, work with or avoid it if you do come across it.
4.Many companies ask for you as a contractor to provide evidence of asbestos awareness training before commencing work (this will increase in the future)
5. When presented with an asbestos register you will have a better understanding of what you are reading and looking at.

The scary thing is most of us (at least around 30+) have probably ingested into our lungs more than too much asbestos over the years. Based on the lack of awareness prior to the late 90's early 00's the health department expects a significant number of carcinogenic related deaths to increase dramatically for the next 20-30 years due to us lot breathing in all this crap without realising it.