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News Release from: Promat UK | Subject: Asbestos replacement issues
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 25 January 2007
Promat UK discuss asbestos replacement
issues
Promat UK, leading manufacturer of passive fire protection, insulation and heat resistant materials, discuss asbestos replacement issues.
Asbestos Replacement ISSUES 6 Asbestos has been used in many building products from the early 1900's until the late 1970's There are currently an estimated 1.5 million non-domestic premises containing asbestos
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 25 May 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Inhaled asbestos contributes to 3,000-4,000 deaths from asbestos related diseases every year.
This figure is set to rise to 10,000 deaths a year by 2020.
GUIDANCE.
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The dangers associated with asbestos and the link between the inhalation of airbourne asbestos fibres and diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and certain foms of cancer has been recognised for several years.
For this reason control measures are in force.
The "Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006" combine the previous three Regulations - prohibiton of asbestos - the control of asbestos at work - asbestos licensing and came in to force on the 13th November 2006.
Abestos that is in good condition should be left undisturbed.
But if it is in a poor condition and deadly fibres are getting into the air, work may have to be carried out to remove it and replace with a safe, fire resistant alternative.
REPLACEMENT.
Promat UK Limited are a leading manufacturer of passive fire protection, insulation and heat resistant materials.
The materials manufactured are recognised as some of the most suitable products for replacing existing asbestos based materials.
SUPALUX - A calcium silicate strong, lightweight non-combustible building board for use in many fire resisting and general purpose building applications.
Providing up to 240 minutes fire protection and thermal insulation up to 80degC.
MASTERBOARD - A calcium silicate board reinforced with selected fibres and fillers.
It is a versatile Class 0 building board suitable for use in a wide range of internal and semiexposed applications.
It is a material of limited combustibility and can be used in constructions providing up to 30 minutes fire protection.
Both SUPALUX and MASTERBOARD are not effected by moisture or condensation and will not rot.
They are resistant to attack by insects or vermin and will not encourage mould growth.
They have high dimensional stability and will not sag or bow in high humidities.
They can be fixed at any time of the construction even before the external walls are weather tight.
DALFRATEX - is a range of inorganic fibres and textiles.
The materials are capable of operating continously at 1000degC and at up to 1600degC for limited periods.
They provide flexible electrical insulation at high temperatures as high as 1000degC.
DALFRATEX products are available as textile cloths, tapes, sleeving, cords, braided packings, ropes and also bulk fibres and batts.
BENEFITS The use of asbestos products was promoted because of the properties it provided.
The alternative products that are available now as replacements have the added benefit of not being a danger to human life if exposed to dust particles.
As always take precaution and read the Safety Data Sheets of the materials before handling.
These are available from the Promat Technical Services Department on Tel: 01344 381400 or technicaluk@promat.co.uk.
Promat UK Limited provide products that give you the following properties:.
- fire resistance.
- thermal insulation.
- moisture resistance.
- suitable for most applications where asbestos products were used.
- boards are easy to work, fix and decorate.
"Asbestos - the greatest single cause of work related deaths in the UK" says HSE.
"If the current levels of exposure to asbestos are allowed to continue over the next 50 years, nearly 5,000 additional people will be exposed to asbestos fibres and will die from asbestos related diseases".
"These Regulations should go a long way towards preventing human suffering and misery, and they deserve the full support of the House".
HSE's Campaign to promote 'Duty to Manage Asbestos'.
"Asbestos was used heavily in the UK as a building material from the 1950's to the mid 1980's".
"Much has been removed from buildings, yet thousands of tonnes still remain.".
Bracknell Council "All materials containing asbestos can be harmful if fibres are inhaled".
"In recent years a number of alternative or substitute products have been developed".
Medway Council "Asbestos-related diseases already kill an estimated 3000 people a year in the UK.
This number is expected to go on rising well into the next century".
"It may reach almost 10,000 deaths a year." Health and Safety Executive.
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