How safe is it to have an out-house covered with white asbestos sheets?

Answer 1

I think the danger comes when it is drilled or cut. In its inert form it is unlikely to cause any danger. It would however be prudent to replace it at sometime in the future, especially if there are children around!

Answer 2

Asbestos was used extensively in the 50's and 60's. You can still see many buildings, large and small with corrugated sheets for roofing. As an out house it is safe as long as you do not drill, crush or break any of the panels. You must never demolish the building by yourself - that can only be done with a builder or demolition company who are registered to work with and despose of asbestos.

Answer 3

There are two types of asbestos in common use, white & blue. White asbestos was used mainly for household building, such as your shed, while blue was mainly industrial use. White asbestos is fine if it is not disturbed, broken, cut, or generally mucked about. Blue asbestos you are better off without. Disposal of either type requires specialist handling, and there are not many registered handlers in the UK. Consequently it is expensive. However, it is illegal to dismantle and dispose of it for yourself and so you have to make a value judgement. Personally, if the shed is in good order I would get it professionally assessed before deciding whether to spend the money or not. If it is not in good order your local authority can help you to find a licensed handler.

Answer 4

I would try using something else instead of asbestos. It's safer to use & safer when it needs to be removed. Why don't you dress up the out house by using Texture 111. A thatched roof would look nice on it also. I'm wondering if this out house is for daily use or just for show. If it has a window, I'll make a pair of blue & white checkered curtains for it. lol

Answer 5

Do Not be fooled by any hype. All asbestos is dangerous, the dust is worst. Even worse still is glass fibre lagging which is used in most lofts. Both of these materials have floating fibres which can get into your lungs your body defends itself by coating these fibrous particles and this coating grows as the fibres travel about. This is what causes asbestosis.
By the way, if you are worried about asbestos, then Really Worry about diesel fumes from lorries cars and busses. The particulates from diesel are far more dangerous than any asbestos fibres.

Answer 6

White asbestos is not as dangerous as the other types. as long as it isn't damaged (dust) its relatively safe.

Its the Blue you have to watch out for. If you do decide to change it please wear proper protective clothing, mask, eyes, gloves an skin.

Oh, an don't try an skip it as you will land a hefty fine, around £5000. You can hire asbestos skips from Premiere waste/ get waste etc. It is not necessary to pay huge amounts to specialist companies to remove as that variety is the safest, but do not break it up to much an wear PPE.

Answer 7

If the outhouse is new it wont be asbestos it will asbestalux a cement based product if it is prior to 1960/70 the odd are it is asbestos and you wll have to ge a specialist comany in to remove it if you can give me a date ie how old i can let you know more

Answer 8

Most Asbestos is in fact Asbestos cement, which is harmless. If you sheets are very old, soft, furry asbestos, stay clear.

Answer 9

Asbestos sheets are a no-go! seriously - we all know what asbestos poisening does to you. It's realy not worth using the chrysotile stuff - too dangerous!

Answer 10

I don't think asbestos is legal to use.
It won't help your resell value.