Asbestos Vacuum Cleaner

[TimmyR]

I have some asbestos panels in my bathroom which are intact and I intend to leave them as its probably safer than removing them. There is however some general dust in the bathroom and I'd like to ensure that this is removed correctly just in case it has any of the fibres in it. I've been reading about this and have discovered you need a class H vacuum cleaner for this. Does anyone have any idea where I can hire such a VC from?

[skinz]

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/em4.pdf

 

T L Killis Sheffield

286 Glossop Road

Sheffield

S10 2HS

Tel: (0114) 273 1502

Tel: (0114) 272 7724

Freephone: 0800 387 517

[Specialist*]

I represent a company, leader in manufacturing vacuum cleaners for the recovery of designated substances such as asbestos.

 

Be aware: class H vacuum cleaners available on the market are actually not individually tested by manufacturers for filtration leaks. The class H works only as a presumption of conformity.

 

To ensure that you will use a safe equipment ask the manufacturer to certify that the vacuum cleaner you buy has been tested for filtration leaks as per EN 1822 (certificate with the serial number of the vacuum cleaner)

 

If the manufacturer cannot provide you such a certificate...then the "H" sticker on the vacuum cleaner doesn't mean anything more than if a happy face was put on it.

 

To my point of view these kind of vacuum cleaners are only good to unplug your toilet bowls. period.

 

Specialist

[mart]

I have some asbestos panels in my bathroom which are intact and I intend to leave them as its probably safer than removing them. There is however some general dust in the bathroom and I'd like to ensure that this is removed correctly just in case it has any of the fibres in it. I've been reading about this and have discovered you need a class H vacuum cleaner for this. Does anyone have any idea where I can hire such a VC from?

 

 

 

Specialist seem to know what he/she is on about. However, if you are not going to follow that advice, would it not be safer to vac this dust up with a normal vac than just leaving it in the bathroom?

 

It is conscientious of you to enquire about this.

[Rupert_Baehr]

While you're at it (and if you don't intend to remove them) why not paint the asbestos panels?

 

That should stop dust falling from them.

[Specialist*]

Hello Mart and Rupert,

 

Here is my answer:

 

1. Rupert is right. You can paint it but do not remove it. It is much safer to leave it as it is. Do not touch it.

 

2 Do not use any type of vacuum cleaner bearing the H sticker without making sure that it has passed an individual Aerosol Leak test and that its efficiency complies with EN 1822. Even if you have the proper vacuum cleaner, you still need to wear a respirator and protective clothing, and then you need to properly dispose of everything you have removed according to government laws.

 

3 If, after considering all the above, you still decide to remove it, because you feel that there is a health risk, please call specialized removal contractors. Do not forget to ask if the vacuum cleaner thet they will be using has been tested as per EN 1822.

 

Good luck,

 

Specialist

[spencermosel]

I use Nilfisk. It works well.

[Specialist*]

Hi Spencer, unfortunately the specific vacuum cleaner you use has not been individually tested at the manufacturer's plant for filtration efficiency once assembled and before being delivered.

 

The "H" sticker refers to a single test that has been performed once in a laboratory on a sample. Once this test performed the manufacturer is authorized to put a "H" sticker ("High" filtration efficiency) on all the units he manufactures without performing a filtration efficiency test as a routine verification.

 

Basically the manufacturer cannot demonstrate the specific unit you use has an efficient filtration system. This is something to be aware of and to look at when dealing with hazardous dust.