Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral that became widely used in building over the last 150 years, with any building built before 2000 likely to contain the material.

Despite the health problems now associated with the material, asbestos generally poses no threat unless it becomes damaged or disturbed and its fibres are released into the air. Please browse the following links for more information:

• Why is asbestos dangerous?
• Asbestos at work
• Asbestos in the home

For more information on asbestos, please contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on 0845 345 0055 or ask a question using their online form. (External site)

Alternatively, please contact our Customer Services team at the Civic Centre on (0115) 901 3974, email foodsafety@gedling.gov.uk or visit our Special Collections page.

Why is it dangerous?

Asbestos became commonly used in the insulation and fire-proofing of buildings, with the material coming in three main forms and colours:

• Brown Amosite
• White Chrysotile
• Blue Crocidolite

Once disturbed, asbestos fibres are easily inhaled and can become lodged in your chest and lung tissue. Your body may find these fibres difficult to break down, making anyone working with the material over a number of years susceptible to lung diseases, such as cancer.

Asbestos at work

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched its ‘Asbestos: The hidden killer’ campaign to warn workers of the hidden dangers of working with asbestos. The campaign also looks to remind duty holders of their legal duties, with more information available on the HSE website. (External site)

Anyone responsible for managing buildings are also responsible for protecting people from the effects of asbestos, with more information available in the HSE's asbestos advice leaflet below:

• 'Manage Buildings? You must manage asbestos' PDF (342KB)

The HSE also offers self-employed workers advice on the safe removal of asbestos cement sheeting, gutters and small structures. For more information, please download the document below:

• 'Asbestos Essentials' PDF (319KB)

Asbestos in the home

If your home is more than 15 years old, it is possible it may contain materials containing asbestos. If you find asbestos in your home, there is no need to panic as we can come and collect this for you. For more information, please visit our Special Collections page.

We also offer the following advice for anyone that finds asbestos in their home:

• Leave it alone - it's usually safe unless it becomes damaged or disturbed.
• Paint indoor materials with an alkali resistant paint, such as PVA emulsion.
• Contact a licensed contractor to remove it. It is your responsibility to check the contractor has the relevant licence. A "Special Waste Consignment Note" provided by the Environment Agency must accompany each load of special waste. The contractor should provide you with a copy of this.

If you intend to transport asbestos cement in your own vehicle, please take the following steps to ensure asbestos cement does not contaminate your vehicle.

• Spray sheets of asbestos cement with water.
• Double wrap or double bag the asbestos cement with heavy-duty polythene and ensure the wrapping is secured with tape.
• Make sure anyone in the vehicle does not have access to the asbestos waste

You should contact Nottinghamshire County Council on 08449 808 080 before visiting one of their sites. For more information about the disposal of asbestos cement, please visit Nottinghamshire County Council's Asbestos advice page. (External site)

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