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If your property is more than 15 years old, it's possible that it contains materials made from asbestos. If your home is rented, your landlord may have relevant information.

This advice is aimed at house holders. The HSE have produced a number of leaflets which are more appropriate for businesses. Common Locations of asbestos:

• Asbestos cement on garage or shed roofs.
• Asbestos cement shed and garage wall panels.
• Asbestos cement drain pipes.
• Asbestos cement or Insulation board soffit, infill panels and partitions.
• Asbestos cement on the side of bath panels.

What to do if you have asbestos in your home

• The general rule is to always leave asbestos alone, it’s usually safe unless it’s damaged or disturbed
• Paint indoor materials with an alkali resistant paint such as PVA emulsion, and never sand, drill or saw asbestos materials.
• Always seek advice before thinking of removing asbestos and follow the basic rules below if carrying out asbestos cement removal work. Do not attempt to remove asbestos lagging, spray coatings or Insulation Board by yourself as these materials can often only be safely removed by a licensed contractor. If in doubt ask for advice.
• Sometimes it will be necessary to take a sample, for example to identify the type of asbestos. There may be a fee associated with this analysis.

Asbestos cement can be safely removed by remembering these basic rules

• Prepare the work area – remove any unnecessary items, cover the floor and surfaces with disposable polythene sheeting.
• Wear protective clothing- disposable overall with hood, disposable paper face mask (for use with asbestos) and rubber or disposable gloves.
• Damp down - use a plant sprayer or hosepipe but don’t soak the area as this will make cleaning up more difficult.
• Remove the asbestos without breaking it up, wrap in heavy duty polythene sheeting or bags (such as can be obtained form builders merchants) and seal with tape.
• Visually inspect the area and clear up any debris by hand - wipe down with disposable damp clothes. Never use a vacuum cleaner as this will just spread dust around.
• Pick up polythene sheeting and remove protective clothing and dispose of both as asbestos waste.
• Wash hands and face after the job is completed.

Disposal of asbestos waste

Asbestos cement can be disposed of free of charge by householders but prior arrangements must be made with Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority. You can contact MWDA on 0151 255 1444 who will explain the procedure to be followed for wrapping the material and access to the Waste Reception Centre at Ellis Ashton Street, Huyton.

If as a house holder, you intend to transport asbestos cement waste in your own vehicle, you do not need to be a registered carrier provided that it is your own waste. Please ensure you take the necessary precautions so as to not contaminate your vehicle.