asbestos fuse carriers and flashguards

[Hawk]

Is it safe to remove a fuseboard containing asbestos or does it require a specialist to remove and dispose of it safely? Obviously I would have to disconnect everything first.

 

[amlu]

if they are intact then it should not be a problem. is bad when you create asbesto dust by breaking them or drilling into it.

 

[OldSparky27]

Reckon you'll do more damage to your lungs walking down the high street than pulling these guys .

 

[Leesparkykent]

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/a30.pdf

This is the guidance for removing/disposing of flash guards in switch gear.

 

[GMES]

I can't see a problem, If you are worried when removing the board just cut the cables just above the carriers so you don't need to actually remove the carriers.

 

[OldSparky27]

Are you being serious -? how about calling in a bomb disposal unit as well ?

 

[GMES]

Are you being serious -? how about calling in a bomb disposal unit as well ?

That's very thoughtful of you, do you have their number for the op.!!

 

[Leesparkykent]

Are you being serious -? how about calling in a bomb disposal unit as well ?

Asbestos isn't really a joking matter tbh. I only posted the link as it's the official guidance from the HSE with regards to the removal and disposal of such an item. Might come in handy to other members/users of the forum in future who search for similar threads.

 

[Darkwood]

Are you being serious -? how about calling in a bomb disposal unit as well ?

The Asbetos used for Arc shields is classed as Hazardous waste and as a forum we have to give the correct advice thus for its safe removal and disposal as linked to HSE document in post 4.

As arc shields tend to be bitty and fibrous they do pose a real risk so to suggest its overkill to follow the HSE advice is giving poor advice in itself.

As I lost my grandad to the very lung condition it causes because he was exposed on 1 occasion 40yrs prior then my stronger views may be slightly biased but its in the interest of the forum to show the actual goverment guidance on this matter.. debating its relevance after is open to discussion but please bring something to the table to suggest why your so strong on your opinion.


PS - Welcome along to the forum OldSparky27

 

[Pete999]

Is it safe to remove a fuseboard containing asbestos or does it require a specialist to remove and dispose of it safely? Obviously I would have to disconnect everything first.

As safe as crossing the street as long as you are careful,

 

[Dizzy_Maskell]

That's the rules nowadays but like every h&s in today's world u need to be careful what u do that might leave u open to prosecution

 

[Hawk]

Yes it was a serious question as I have seen first hand the effects of asbestosis! Personally I am quite prepared to remove it to allow for the new fusebox. Was just seeing the opinions of others. Some flippant responses. In my experience flippancy causes death!

 

[enlighting]

I have had quite a bit of experience with these as of late, on one job I found so many it was actually easier for me to call in a licensed contractor to remove them.

However it is classified as a non licensed disposal, so if its just the one CU you can easily do it yourself. Just take the precautions listed in the earlier posted document. Also worth noting is the fact you don't have to disturb the carriers themselves, i just cut off the cables above the fuse and then remove, allowing for the removal of the entire board for double bagging. Also make sure you dispose of them properly, don't just chuck them in the old dears bin (which I have seen!!).

Another thing I had to do was ensure my risk assessments and method statements include the disposal, if your on a bigger site and you get caught without them it tends to make people unhappy.

 

[GMES]

Yes it was a serious question as I have seen first hand the effects of asbestosis! Personally I am quite prepared to remove it to allow for the new fusebox. Was just seeing the opinions of others. Some flippant responses. In my experience flippancy causes death!

Hawk to my knowledge there was only one flippant comment and won't be anymore, so let's move on.

 

[Harni]

Quite safe to remove providing you don't damage any of the asbestos. And I'm only commenting because I've done my asbestos refresher yesterday so its still fresh in my mind!
I don't like the idea with some people though of not taking any precautions or care. If you do create a hazard with it, it may affect you later in life which you may not care about but its the other people in the building it could also affect. Its a selfish outlook in my opinion!