Asbestos Flash Guards
Why Choose Reddish Vale?
- Full members of ARCA & ACAD
- CHAS & ConstructionLine Accredited Asbestos Removal Contractors
- Licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for asbestos removal since 1985
Contact us today for your free asbestos removal quote from our licensed contractors.
What are Asbestos Flash Guards?
Asbestos flash guards are a safety component found within older fuse boxes, historically used to prevent fires in the event of a blown fuse (i.e. when there is a severe overcurrent or short-circuit conditions).
Asbestos was added to flash guards (including asbestos paper) during the early 20th century due to its fire resistance, as it helped to absorb and extinguish the intense heat and energy emitted when a fuse blew. When left undisturbed, they are a low-risk material. However, if they are handled incorrectly, or the building is due to undergo refurbishment, demolition or significant maintenance work, the fibres could be released into the air which can pose serious health risks.
How Do You Identify Asbestos Flash Guards?
It requires a substantial amount of training to be able to detect asbestos with a naked eye. That’s why the only way to know if your property contains asbestos for certain is to have a professional asbestos survey carried out.
But, there are a few telltale signs you should look out for in the meantime:
- White, Grey/Blue or Dark Brown/Black: Usually white, grey or dark brown/black in colour depending on which type of asbestos was used, or whether a mixture was used. E.g. Chrysotile Asbestos – Grey/White. Amosite Asbestos (may have been used in mixtures) – Dark Brown/Black. Crocidolite Asbestos (sometimes mixed with the other 2 types) – Grey/Blue. But, the colour could appear differently if it has been painted in the past.
- Woven/Fibrous: Often loosely bound, resembling a rope-like or woven-style texture that surrounds the fuse. This texture stands out against the solid, plastic components of a more modern distribution board.
- Friable Texture: You should never attempt to handle or remove a potential ACM (asbestos-containing material) yourself, but if you can tell just by looking at your fuse box that the flash guard has crumbled (i.e. has a friable texture), this could be a sign it contains asbestos.
How Dangerous are Asbestos Flash Guards?
Asbestos flash guards were typically made using chrysotile asbestos (also known as white asbestos), which can be one of the most dangerous types. Chrysotile was generally incorporated into flash guards via woven asbestos textiles or compressed asbestos cement.
Due to chrysotile’s soft, flexible, serpentine fibres, it has the ability to spread quickly across the environment if disturbed. Inhalation of these fibres can pose a risk of developing mesothelioma, asbestosis or pleural thickening.
Although asbestos flash guards are unlikely to pose a risk if left undisturbed, they do have a crumbly texture which can cause the fibres to spread quickly if construction or demolition works are carried out at your building, for example.
That’s why you should have a professional asbestos survey undertaken first to confirm the presence, type and condition of the potential ACM at-hand. If asbestos removal is the next step, Reddish Vale’s specialists will be there every step of the way to help your building remain safe and compliant.
Get Your Free Asbestos Removal Quote Today
Looking for a great-value asbestos flash guard removal quote? Contact us today for your free, no-obligation project estimate today.
With offices based across Manchester, Lancashire, Yorkshire and the Midlands, we can provide safe, reliable and compliant asbestos removal, remediation and identification services nationwide.
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