1/2 BBL Brewery Set up

[alwilson]

Afternoon All,

(I'm not sure this is the correct forum for this, so apologies if not)

A friend and I are converting an unused garage to a brewery, a small 1/2 BBL set up. However, the roof is a cement/asbestos material - the typical corrugated roofing material for garages.

A chippie friend is going to insulate the entire structure and so the interior side of the asbestos will be covered up and lined and treated.

In the semi-distant future we'd like to attempt to supply some pubs locally to us with beer, so my question is, does this asbestos roof cause a problem with H&S, seeing as its being covered inside so the beer or vapor will never be in contact with asbestos?

I understand there is other red tape with HMRC and such, and I have the micro-brewers handbook which im going through, but couldn't find much on what is considered suitable premises by H&S.

So any advice, as always would be greatly appreciated.

thanks again
Alex

[masterosouffle]

You should be okay with it insulated, the problem with asbestos comes when working with it or it's damaged, I'm sure with suitable signage you'll be fine.
I imagine there are thousands of commercial premises around the country with asbestos in the roof, the costs will come should you need to change it.

[alwilson]

Cheers Souffle!

Yeah, we've been quoted 1k for removal and a new roof, the basic, cheapest roof possible - but if anything, I'd rather put that money in brewery equipment/ingredients than replace a roof we may not need to.

Our chippie mate is doing the insulation at cost (plus beer obviously) and thats looking like 600 quid.

Alex

[bod]

i would speak to your local Enviromental Health officers who deal with food prep and manufacturing. They would give you a better idea on if it'll be a problem, however some companies who may be youre customers in the future have very strict rules on the premises the produce is manufactured in, and asbestos is a serious issue for some judging by the contracts i had a part in when dealing with national customers of a food manufacturing factory.

as for HMRC, unless you get a right jobs worth, the rest of us a fairly decent...

[themadhippy]

Dont worry about it if its not damaged,paint it with a suitable sealer before you put in your false ceiling. , ive got an old wine making book that recommends asbestos powder as a filter material ,how times change