Asbestos

[twohandstwokids]

We have lived in our house for 5 years. We get along with our Neighbour’s well. We don’t hang out with them but it is always polite conversation and a bit of a laugh.

This weekend they offered to cut the hedge from their property which expands into ours. They usually do this a couple of times a year. And then I also do it sometimes.

Neighbour husband (NH) cloned into our shed to do it and in doing so fell through the roof. They immediately offered to pay. But I immediately told them to abandon clean up as the roof potentially has asbestos.

We have resolved to get it tested before next steps. But it potentially could be a repair job of many thousands. As a result they are pushing for us to remove the asbestos ourselves as it’s so much cheaper. I don’t feel it’s worth the risk (although I do need to do a bit of research to be more informed about the dangers).

So, What would you do?

Excuse my language but no fucking way should you touch it! I recently had a garage removed and the professionals that came to do it were togged up like they were dealing with nuclear waste. They didn’t want me outside at all until they were finished.

What Judas said. It’s really not worth the risk. Hope your neighbour is ok.

If it's absbestos there are regulations about handling it when damaged and the disposal of it.

www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/em9.pdf

It isn't dangerous as sheets but the dust created through damage is a risk.

I absolutely don’t think you should expect them to cover the full cost of removal / repair. A contribution towards the cost yes, but it’s not their fault that you have failed to deal with this potential hazard until now.
But it definitely needs to be cleared up legitimately and according to the law of the Land and not a DIY job. Perhaps you could pay for that and they could pay for the replacement roof? Remember that the neighbour was actually doing you a favour by trimming your side of the hedge.

Do NOT touch it. It’s the small particles that are in the air around you that are harmful. Get a specialist in to deal with it. If disposing of it, it is to go into specifically sealed bags and into a specialist bin.