The marketing and re-use of asbestos products, including asbestos cement slates, is banned from 1 April 2000 in accordance with national regulations (S.I. No. 107 of 2000) implementing EU Directive 99/77/EEC. The relevant EU and national legislation allows for the retention of asbestos cement slates in the roofs of existing houses until the end of their service life, which is estimated at 50 years or more.
I am advised that there are no known hazards associated with the retention of asbestos cement slates in roofs. The asbestos content, typically 10%, is well contained in the cement content, 90%, of the slate; and would not be released in hazardous quantities even if the slate was cut or damaged. I am further advised that there is no health protection reason to remove asbestos cement slates from existing houses. If a householder opts to replace such slates, there is no grant assistance available from my Department for this work.
The Health and Safety Authority is responsible for the regulations on the protection of workers involved in the removal of asbestos waste from buildings, structures and installations containing asbestos and would be in a position to advise on this aspect.
If asbestos cement slates are being replaced, they should be removed intact from roofs. Guidance issued by my Department to local authorities recommends that asbestos cement slate waste should be packaged in strong double-walled plastic sacks, or other containers of equivalent properties, prior to deposit as landfill. The waste should then be deposited at least two metres below the surface.