Asbestos

Read the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance before undertaking any work which may involve asbestos.

Generally, you should use a specialist contractor to remove asbestos but if you decide to remove the material yourself, you can reduce the risks in the following ways:

  • wear a disposable overall
  • wear a dust mask approved for asbestos obtained from safety equipment suppliers
  • spread a plastic sheet under the work area to collect dust
  • dampen the asbestos with a garden hose, sprinkler or watering can carefully remove the sheets, try not to break them up
  • clean up settled dust with a damp cloth and seal in a plastic bag while still damp
  • do not use a domestic vacuum cleaner as fine asbestos dust will pass through the filter. Industrial cleaners suitable for asbestos can be hired
  • keep children and those not involved away from the area
  • place the asbestos in bags, tie and seal them
  • take the bags to the KCC disposal site. Phone ahead to the disposal site of your choice to check that there is an available bin to take your asbestos
  • tell the site manager you have domestic asbestos waste
  • wash well afterwards

Asbestos recycling centres

Find your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre