asbestos

[atm84]

So how do the domestic electricians amongst us deal with the silent killer. As I am sure most of you will be aware that domestic properties built pre 1997 is very likely to have asbestos in it. Art ex ceilings are one of the most common sources.

So what do you do when Mrs Jones wants some lovely recessed lights fitting etc? Or some floor tiles need lifting or holes need drilling etc.

Just wondering what most of you do. Do you turn a blind eye and hope it goes away, not wanting to upset the customer or do you ask them for an asbestos survey to be carried out.

 

[DPG]

Don't lick it

 

[mpb]

Quality dust mask and the vac running.

 

[7029 dave]

Yes, I bet all of us that have been around 30 years plus have been exposed to the stuff, saw an video the other year on, at one of our training centres, and Electricians are high on the yearly stat, it was quite high.!!

 

[atm84]

Yes and very little seems to get done about it at a domestic level. Its a different ball game in commercial work though.

 

[snowhead]

It would be interesting to know how many people who only do Domestic have done any, let alone regular Asbestos awareness training.

I'm Commercial and had massive exposure to sprayed Blue Asbestos in the late 60's.
I had 5 yearly free checkups into the 90's even after leaving that employment and a recent chest X-ray via my G.P.

I've lost count of how much awareness training I've done since.

 

[Badged01]

You only live once, don't worry too much about it ........ unless you want to live forever?!?!?

p.s. But if you do worry, go on one of the courses to learn about white, blue ....

 

[telectrix]

30 smokes a day for 50 years and you think i should worry about a bit of asbestos?????????

 

[jaypp]

It's a big concern, particularly wiring downlights from below before artex ceilings get tacked over. I'm surprised how flippant trades in domestic environments are and wonder if subconsciously it's because people live there, so, 'it must be ok'. A recent post here showing a picture of a consumer unit had a number of replies and no mention of the possibility of it containing asbestos. Made me think that there should be a 'sticky', or section with posts and pics of hazards as a quick reference for something you're not sure about (obviously with advice to have it tested to be safe). There is info on the net, but it can take a while to find what you're looking for as with most things!

 

[atm84]

I've just moved into a property, built in 1986. Consumer unit is in a cupboard outside in the porch along with gas meter. consumer unit is fitted onto what looks like asbestos boarding or maybe its fibre cement board. Not sure but its been drilled by the gas fitter, electrician etc when it was installed. Whole house has artex. I'm thinking of having an asbestos survey done. I've never come across one domestic property where the owner has ever had one done.

 

[Geordie Spark]

My Mother's Uncle died from it.

He worked with it for 30 years as a Lagger in a power station.

He was 83 years old when he died .......

 

[Risteard]

do you ask them for an asbestos survey to be carried out.

You should absolutely insist upon it.

 

[Englishman]

Thing is, it's everywhere and we'll always come across it, but in how much danger will we realistically be in? An artexed ceiling doesn't contain huge amounts of asbestos, and I don't think a bit of drilling would release a huge amount of fibres, nor would they be tha dangerous to us. Children and the elderly may be affected though?

 

[uksparks]

Artex contains less than 3%

 

[jaypp]

Thing is, it's everywhere and we'll always come across it, but in how much danger will we realistically be in? An artexed ceiling doesn't contain huge amounts of asbestos, and I don't think a bit of drilling would release a huge amount of fibres, nor would they be tha dangerous to us. Children and the elderly may be affected though?

Exactly. How can we be sure it's not on us when we go home? I see Geordiesparks point but, how would you feel if you'd been flippant and your kid was affected? Apparently, it only takes a single fibre (or can) and I will sleep well knowing I try to be careful!