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#1 Posted : 04 March 2008 12:02:00(UTC)
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Posted By Mark Ruff
Is it possible to determine wether a ceiling tile is likely to contain asbestos by visual examination.
Also what type of asbestos are they most likely to contain....many thanks
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#2 Posted : 04 March 2008 12:04:00(UTC)
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Posted By The toecap
No it is not. It is possible to estimate the type and if it is present. But the only sure firte way is to have it tested or studied under a microscope. This must be done by trained people.
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#3 Posted : 04 March 2008 12:25:00(UTC)
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Posted By Robert K Lewis
Unless of course you are doing the visual examination of some very detailed purchase records, manufacturers information and installation records!:-)

Bob
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#4 Posted : 04 March 2008 12:42:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ron Hunter
Not conclusively, no (unless it has "asbestolux" printed on the unfinished face).
I believe these tiles used predominantly amosite (brown asbestos).
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#5 Posted : 04 March 2008 12:46:00(UTC)
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Posted By Dave Wilson
The legislation here is quite specific.

You have to ascertain whether it is / is not Asbestos by sampling, done by a UKAS accredited laboratory, you can take your own samples but have to do it safely. (Reg 4 and MDHS100)

If you do not do this then you have to legally ASSUME that it IS ASBESTOS and it is either blue/ Brown and treat it as such. (reg 5)
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#6 Posted : 04 March 2008 12:47:00(UTC)
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Posted By Dave Wilson
Asbestolux IS ASBESTOS you are probably thinking of SUPALUX
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#7 Posted : 04 March 2008 13:01:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ron Hunter
To Dave Wilson.
Read the question, read my answer.
I know exactly what I was thinking.
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#8 Posted : 04 March 2008 13:05:00(UTC)
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Posted By Dave Wilson
Ron is that a double negative as I read it that way, but now you say that then you are correct
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#9 Posted : 04 March 2008 16:30:00(UTC)
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Posted By Josh Scogin
It is almost impossible to ascertain wether tiles will contain asbestos on visual inspection as said above.

Supalux is a common substitute for asbestos tiles, if unpainted/unsealed most of the time you can observe "shiny bits" which are flakes of mica which were added to the tile. But i wouldnt go by this rule religiously, i would recommend getting a UKAS accredited surveyor / lab to analyse your situation.


hope this helps
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#10 Posted : 04 March 2008 16:32:00(UTC)
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Posted By Josh Scogin
Oh sorry and also , all types of asbestos was used for ceiling tiles ( if they are asbestos insulation board ).

They are usually predominantly filled with amosite, with crocidolite and chrysotile not uncommon to be found alongside.
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#11 Posted : 04 March 2008 16:34:00(UTC)
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Posted By GeoffB4
Excellent Josh. Could you recommend one!

;-))))
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