Is it safe

[kap]

Hi All,

Got a small job replacing the float valve on a cold water cistern for a friends parents.
I don't think it will solve the main problem which is that her mother is woken up by the noise of the cistern filling up for what seems like an age after showers have been taken.

Having removed all the clothes and stuff to uncover the cistern I was slightly surprised to find that it was all asbestos.

Now we all know not to break it or drill into it etc but my question is is it safe for continued use. The lid is also asbestos and the lagging is rather poor so some improvements could be made to keep out any insects if nothing else.

I am new to the trade so welcome some good advice

kap

 

[macplumb]

asbestos is only bad when it has been atomised and all the small particals are in the air. its when you breath this in it becomes bad news.
my old boss told me when he was younger ( when god was a lad) they used to have snowball fights with the asbestos lagging. NOT RECOMENDED

 

[danielp]

like most when replacing a ballvalve i rarely change the whole thing just undo the nut on the inside make sure there is a nice clean surface for the washer to sit against and your away

 

[migoplumber]

if you work for a company, inform them so they can follow guidelines.
if you work for yourself you are responsible for following guidelines. as stated above its only dangerous when dusty and airborn, but you have possibly created dusty and airborn by friction of rubbing items against it.
can of worms under current health and safety rules. the householder could even sue you for not following rules and putting her at risk!!
ring the hse, get advice.

 

[Bernie2]

Yes! Agree with Migo.

 

[kap]

Thank you chaps

 

[REDSAW]

i would get rid of all since it is family or friends and install new.
they will only thank you in the end.