Im so grateful to you all for writing about this - as it is helping me think it through.
I suppose it may NOT be a good idea to ask the part timers to do it - because they may simply *not* be interested enough, in keeping the rules or listening to my safety lecture, and it would be impossible not to feel responsible if they take risks.
The thing is - I would not mind at all - doing the job myself - (removing the old roof sheets, that is- not fitting new ones - *IF* I didnt mind the climb. - Its not very high, but Im not as nimble on my pins as a decade or so ago) ..... because its very easy to see where the old asbestos/cement mix is a bit powdery, most of it is damp and mossy - and all reasonable precautions as listed - seem to me to deal pretty well with *white* asbestos risks ....
.....*for this particular situation*. I guess each set of circs needs evaluating separately.
(They would be hopelessly inadequate of course - for blue asbestos).
I know the risks are much greater for people who work with it regularly.
I know speciaIist companies who deal with all kinds of asbestos - exist - and I know they are expensive - I asked at the Mairie - for a local specialist - but they were mystified - (it could have been my french) ... no one seems to have any local 'asbestos specialists' info at all.
(I didnt ask at the waste depot - that might be an idea...) The work is usually done, locally as *ordinary roof repairs* - by non specialists, and many farm buildings still have heaps of the stuff - which is being replaced, somewhere nearby - often. (but by steel these days)..
I had devis from two other pro roofers, a while ago - only one of them recognized any risk - and added a bit extra for taking the stuff to the asbestos dump.
(This kind of roof material is accepted sans probs in the large waste depot - with approved asbestos dump, in a local town)
ah well - still dont know what to do -
but think I should definitely not, after all - allow the lads to do it.
Climbing is not so scarey if you do i like mountaineers - ie tie yourself onto the chimney maybe...use ropes,
The fellow who cuts the dead tops off my trees uses all mountaineering kit...(climbed to the top with a chain saw)
.....couldnt watch that.