What was asbestos used for?
The word asbestos comes from the Greek work ‘inextinguishable’ or ‘indestructible’. They used it for tablecloths, oil lamp wicks and funeral shrouds. In modern times asbestos has been used in many trades and industries including:- • Shipbuilding • Building and Construction works • Plumbers and Gas Fitters • Carpenters • Electricians • Metal Plate and Sheet Metal Workers • Vehicle Body Builders • Railway carriage construction • Maintenance trades • Electrical Plant Operators • Production Fitters • Construction Works • Electrical Engineers It uses have been vast and include:- • Insulation against fire, heat and sound. • Various building products such as corrugated roofing, gutters, water and drain pipes, ceiling tiles, chimneys. • Friction materials, such as brake and clutch linings. • Textiles, such as ropes, fire protective clothing, fire blankets, wicks for oil lamps etc. Asbestos usage in the UK was finally completely banned on 24th Augsut 1999. This was one month after the European
