Old ash box - asbestos?

[T2000]

Hi folks
I've taken out an old Potterton back boiler
It was standing on a sheet of asbestos cement board, so have removed that

Underneath is an old cast iron underfloor draught as box. It was filled with rubble and ash - I gather blocking these up was a requirement when fitting a gas fire.

I need to remove the iron ash box as it is in the way of bricking up the opening etc.
The box is, understandably, insulated. Surrounded by what looks like white glass fibre.

Guessing a few people will have encountered this before.
Is it usually found to be asbestos?
(I realise testing is the only way to be sure and will be treating it as if it is asbestos until known)

Thanks

 

[centralheatking]

I would get yourself some heavy duty black plastic bags, a face mask, and some long marigolds. Really wet the white stuff and keep it wet. Use the plastic bag like picking up dog poo and using the bag as a barrier and scoop up by hand into the bag. Then reverse the bag over the stuff and seal with gaffer tape. Repeat until clear take to the council tip which will take sealed up 'asbestos' . I doubt its dangerous as you think
this is what we have done for years (61) centralheatking or you could put a blow torch at it ... an in joke about me on PF.

 

[T2000]

Thanks centralheatking - so you reckon it probably is asbestos?
It feels like it has a fairly consistent woolly texture, as opposed to spun out of fibrous rock, but I've not encountered the stuff before.