Artex Ceilings

Asbestos is a natural rock.

When crushed it turns into small fibres that look like needles of glass under a microscope.

Asbestos was used for many purposes until recently. Its properties mean it is a very good insulation of heat and electricity, can be turned into useful roofing tiles, flooring tiles, and added to plaster in textured ceilings such as Artex decorative coating.

However, we now know asbestos is dangerous and the needle like fibres cause terrible illnesses when asbestos containing materials are damaged, the fibres can release and are easily inhaled. In the UK asbestos is no longer used, but many millions of buildings still have asbestos in them.

There are 3 main types of asbestos, white, brown and blue. White is not too bad, but brown and blue are very dangerous.

The type of asbestos most commonly found in UK homes is White.

Asbestos is only dangerous if the fibres are breathed in and get into your respiratory system allowing to cause illness.

Associated illnesses caused by asbestos exposure are:
•Mesothelioma
•Asbestos related lung cancer
•Pleural thickening
•Asbestosis

The types of asbestos containing materials found in the home are usually relatively low risk. i.e a floor tile or textured decorative coating, however once damaged may need to be removed.

It depends on whether or not any of the items have been directly affected by the asbestos-containing material, if they have, they will need to be cleaned by the removal contractor and should not be moved.

Items that have not been in contact with the asbestos containing material should be removed before the removal contractors arrive on site. This includes items such as wardrobes, cupboards, sofas, electrical items, tables, chairs etc.

If you have difficulties moving things, then please discuss this in advance with your SCI policyholder liaison officer. If any items of furniture cannot be removed prior to the asbestos removal works then every precaution will be taken to protect it and its contents.

As there will be a number of people working in the property, and therefore going in and out to the company vehicle for equipment, we advise that wherever possible people are not present in or near the working area.

We only require one person to be present during the works; please keep all children and pets away from the work area.

During the works we construct an enclosure, the enclosure will prevent any hazardous material being released outside the controlled working area.

The enclosure is usually attached to walls and ceilings by glue or adhesive tape. Whilst every effort is made to remove the adhesive residues, it is possible that some will remain which may cause a small amount of damage to any existing wallpaper or paint – your SCI policyholder liaison officer will advise you on how the repairs will be carried out.