Asbestos cement cladding products have been used to prevent fire or heat transmitting between materials and to sustain main frame structural integrity during fire. They were mass produced as cheap roof and cladding sheets and boards. They are commonly found in industrial and agricultural buildings, barns, sheds and garages fixed to portal frames, walls, roof trusses, panel systems, lift shafts and service routes.

PPE requirements indicated are for guidance purposes only. DRIDS has identified the PPE that is mandatory on all demolition projects and ones that may be required subject to site specific Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS). Hover over the icon to determine the types of PPE required for the removal of this material.

Asbestos cement cladding products should only be removed by competent contractors. They are to be carefully deconstructed, segregated and stored safely according to strict guidelines and protocols. They should be removed from site as quickly as possible and always with the appropriate paperwork. Do not grind or disc cut sheets. Broken cement products from works such as fire damage clearance may be deemed NNLW always refer to the site specific RAMS for confirmation.

Specialist asbestos moving equipment and tools, scaffold towers, power lifts, asbestos bags, asbestos dust suppression and monitoring equipment, dust containment screens, appropriate access and RPE & PPE, polythene for wrapping of material and lockable waste skips.

Asbestos cement cladding products are commonly fixed in place with brackets, hoops, nails, drive nails, hook bolts, screws, wooden plugs, nuts and bolts, metal straps, mortar, screed, putty, mastic or other binding agent. Some asbestos cement products required no fixings, they were placed between other sheet materials in panel systems, doors and floors. Asbestos cement guttering and downpipes were sealed at the joint or collar with bitumen, putty or mastic.

Subject to task-specific Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS). Only remove asbestos cladding cement products if appropriately trained, or use specialist contractors. Wear gloves and respiratory protective equipment when handling asbestos cement cladding products to prevent inhalation, irritation, cuts and abrasion. Use eye protection when using hand tools. Limit hand, arm and whole body vibration when using impact tools. Use appropriate access and protective equipment determined by RAMS.

• What to do? Guidance
• NFDC Guidance
• Control of Asbestos
• Asbestos FAQ
• Removing Asbestos Cement Sheets
• Asbestos Removal Contractors

• Working at Height
• Manual Handling
• Safe Use of Hand Tools