asbestos in fireplace? Information, help and advice on many architecture, self build and design problems and issues

[lola1]

Our house is built in 1982. We have a red brick firepalce with a free standing gasfire that is attached to the wall. Can anyone tell me if any of the following materials could contain asbestos; metal plate behind the gasfiree, gray tape around the metal plate and esp the white/light gray cemet that can the seen in- between bricks. Also does anyone know in brick mortar (yellow sand colour) could contain asbestos. The whole firaplace sits on red ceramic tiles?

Would gas fire removal produce much dust?

Thank you.

[welsh brickie]

in my experience its unlikly it would contain asbestos,But wear a mask and gloves for removal

[NATIMES]

The HSE have some really useful guidelines about removing anything from the home that might contain asbestos. Might be overkill but better safe than sorry - see their advice at :

http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/essentials/

which was updated in Jul this year so very up-to-date