Asbestos fears over warehouse blaze
RESIDENTS living close to the scene of a huge warehouse fire in Rochdale are being urged not to clean up ash and debris as it may contain asbestos.
Around 100 firefighters tackled the blaze at the factory in Albert Royds Street, Belfield, from 1.10am yesterday. Homes were evacuated, four schools were shut and the nearby railway line was closed. Fire chiefs said the burning building contained a ‘small amount’ of asbestos.
Council chiefs have urged residents in the area not to clean up any ash which may have fallen on their property.
Instead, people are asked to call the council, which will arrange for specialist cleaners to remove debris.
The town hall said that although ‘risks to health are low and there is unlikely to be any significant exposure to asbestos,’ it is sensible to take precautions. “During the fire at Albert Royds Street local residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed,” the council tweeted.
“It is possible that asbestos-containing material may have been deposited in ash or debris. However, this is of no significant health concern as asbestos fibres are held tightly within the body of cement products, such as corrugated roofs.
“It is important to realise that, according to Public Health England, the risks to health are low and there is unlikely to be any significant exposure to asbestos.
“We are arranging the clean-up of the area.
“If you find ash or debris from the fire on your property, you are advised to leave it alone and to contact the council on 01706 647 474. If it is absolutely necessary for you to remove debris yourself – such as from a car windscreen – first dampen down the debris using water, then either gently flush away small particles to the drain or, wearing protective gloves to prevent scratches, pick up larger pieces carefully. Place them within two plastic bags, one within the other (double bag), seal the bags and call the council number to arrange collection/take it to your local household waste recycling centre.
“Do not sweep up or vacuum debris.”
A spokesman for the fire service said it was too early to establish the cause of the fire.