INDUSTRY ALERTS:

Decramastic Tiles Asbestos

ASBESTOS IN EARLY PRESSED METAL STONE COATED ROOFING TILES PRIOR TO EARLY 1980s

Some versions of mastic or bitumen based Pressed Metal Roof Tiles produced prior to the early 1980s contain asbestos.
Mastic or bitumen was the most common material used to adhere the stone chip to the pressed metal at that time.

All mastic or bitumen based Pressed Metal Roof Tiles should be suspected of containing asbestos until proven otherwise. Particular profiles which are likely to be affected include decramastic and early harveytiles, however other profiles may be affected.

Pressed Metal Roof Tiles manufactured by other parties are believed to have been introduced and manufactured after the ban on asbestos was implemented, but the same care should be taken regardless for any Pressed Metal Roof Tiles which may contain a mastic or bitumen based product.

The presence of asbestos can only be confirmed through sampling and testing by an accredited laboratory in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 and the Approved Code of Practice: Management and Removal of Asbestos. A specialist company such as Hazmat should be engaged to undertake sampling, testing and remediation.

There are no risks associated with Pressed Metal Roof Tiles containing asbestos if they remain in good condition and are left undisturbed. A significant health risk arises when adhesive expires, stone chips become dislodged and asbestos fibres may become airborne and can be breathed into the lungs. This may occur if the tiles may be disturbed during maintenance, cleaning or removal.

Contact Hazmat for more information on 03 366-2262.