Asbestos-cement pipes & downpipes
Clarify the material and the pipe’s function before removal or replacement.
Discuss this projectCheck our approval with FPS Employment (French)
Pipes and their function
OVAM distinguishes asbestos-cement pipes from insulation around heating pipes. Asbestos cement forms the pipe body; insulation is a covering. Grey colour or an old manufacturer’s name cannot confirm composition. Compare the report with affected sections: cellar passages, vertical stacks, external downpipes or pipes concealed in ducts. State whether drainage or ventilation remains active; coordinate removal with maintaining or replacing that function.
Prepare your quote
Specify floors crossed, known access, visible connections and retained sections. Report known leaks or breaks without attempting repairs to suspect material. The quote must distinguish removal, duct access, waste and pipe replacement by the relevant professional.
- Identified pipe, report and network function
- Floors, ducts and shared access
- Coordinate removal, replacement and recommissioning
Before work starts
According to OVAM, some asbestos-cement applications may qualify for simple treatment if the required conditions are met; condition and dismantling arrangements must be assessed. Rigidity alone does not determine the method. The contractor’s employer must identify suspect materials before exposing workers, including in private homes. Also check the waste route applicable to the site.
Demotek SRL (enterprise number 0783.397.239) appears on the official FPS Employment list. Approval covers glove-bag removal and hermetically sealed enclosures. The method suited to your site is defined after assessment.
Asbestos rules and official sourcesYour questions
Can only the section obstructing my work be removed?
The request can concern one section, but the proposed separation and remaining connections need assessment. Do not cut the pipe to improve access. Describe the passage you need and what must remain; the removal scope will be defined after assessment.
The pipe passes through several flats. What should I prepare?
Contact the building manager or co-ownership representative and describe the floors involved. Ask for plans and information about the shared network. Identify who will coordinate access and possible service interruptions; work in one flat may affect others.
Which documents should I keep after waste removal?
Ask for records relating to your site. In Flanders, OVAM recommends asking the contractor for a copy of the signed identification form or equivalent proof showing the waste’s origin and destination. This traceability does not replace the documents needed to put the network back into service.