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Posted By peter mcmahon
Could I have any thoughts or good advice on the use of a pressure washer to clean weathered asbestos cement roof sheets. It seems to open up a can of worms but people do like to see clean roofs.
Any info would be useful on alternative methods. And does the slurry have to be collected and disposed of as special waste??
Regards
Peter
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Posted By Bill Elliott
Peter - You need a copy of Asbestos Essentials Task Manual HSG213 from HSE £8.50 - The task guidance sheet A12 - gives detailed guidance on how to do the task you describe. NB (quote) High Pressure jetting should only be used in exceptional circumstacnes by specialist contractors. The best advice though - is also included "Moss and lichen growth is normal. It may not be attractive, but it is unlikely to be detrimental and so unless there is good reason for removal, it should be left in place".
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Posted By John Webster
From practical experience, irrespective of asbestos hazard considerations I would not recommend pressure washing asbestos "slates". I did this about 10 years ago on my own house. The washer strips the surface from the tile and although the finished result looks good whilst wet, the damage can be seen as white patches once the tile is dry. The tiles became more porous and therefore more susceptible to frost damage and regrowth of moss & lichen (and looked as if they could be more likely to release asbestos fibres).
These tiles have a life expectancy of around 25 years. If they are keeping out the weather, leave them alone. If they are becoming porous, replace them (as I subsequently did).
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Posted By Stuart Nagle
Peter.
Have you carried out a survey and had the condition of the Asbestos assessed, and do you have an Asbestos Management Plan?
Apart from the good advise given above, if the asbestos is in a friable condition washing it will cause further deterioration and will lead to asbestos fibres be 'leached' off the roof in the process. This is fine while the material is wet, but as it dries it will become airborne!!
If the material is in a poor condition, then the management options are to encapsulate it or remove it. Washing and further exposure to the elements will not assist it's overall condition, and if it is in a 'reasonable' condition now, may well lead to its further deterioration.
If in doubt, I suggest you consult an experienced Asbestos Surveyor first.
Hope this assists...
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Posted By Gavin Gibson
In addition to the asbestos related issues, be aware of the risks to staff / contractors using pressure jet wash equipment at height - you generate a high level of mist, make the entire area wet & slippery and the jet force could make you slip - falls from height are a current favourite with the HSE
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