The health risks of asbestos have been known for a long time, but only relatively recent studies managed to link respiratory cancers to asbestos dust. The danger arises when asbestos structures, constructions, and products are broken, dismantled, or processed, releasing very fine, invisible fibers into the environment. When a person inhales asbestos fibers, they embed into the respiratory tissue like tiny needles, causing various incurable cancers and asbestosis.
Due to asbestos exposure, approximately 20,000 deaths from lung cancer are recorded annually in European countries. The harmful effects of asbestos usually appear after 20–30 years. In terms of toxicity, asbestos is comparable to arsenic and mercury.
In 1976, asbestos was added to the list of carcinogenic agents by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a harmful, cancer-causing substance. Since January 1, 2005, legislation in Lithuania, as well as in all European Union countries, has banned the use of asbestos and products containing it. However, a significant number of people still come into contact with asbestos or products containing it.
For more information: www.asbestuine.lt
- Rural residents who are at least 18 years old can apply for aid. Applicants who have not yet completed a project under other Rural Development Program measures may also submit a support application, unless otherwise specified in the legislation.
- The applicant is reimbursed 100% of the costs for asbestos waste transportation and disposal services; however, a 30% margin is applied, with any excess beyond this margin not being reimbursed.
- Applicants eligible to participate in the program are those who have been continuously engaged in professional and/or economic activities in a rural area up to the date of submitting the support application, or those who have continuously declared their residence in a rural area up to the date of application submission.
- Support for the project is not provided if its implementation location is – sodo bendrija.
- The maximum allowable aid amount for the implementation of one project is €2,000 including VAT, with the support intensity being up to 50% of all eligible project expenses.
For more information: www.asbestuine.lt
Asbestos-containing waste is accepted at the asbestos storage facility in accordance with the following main requirements:
- Asbestos-containing waste must be collected separately and not mixed with other waste;
- Asbestos cement sheets can be placed on pallets and must be wrapped in plastic packaging film. Asbestos waste (small pieces) must be packed in sealed plastic containers (double plastic bags, bulk bags, barrels, containers, etc.) and placed on pallets, wrapped in plastic packaging film, so that the equipment at the landfill can unload the cargo.
- Other asbestos-containing waste must be packaged—wrapped in film (at least 2 layers) or placed in sealed containers and stacked on pallets. The pallet with the stacked asbestos must be wrapped in plastic packaging film so that the equipment at the landfill can safely unload the cargo.
- Packaged asbestos-containing waste must be labeled in accordance with the requirements of the Waste Management Regulations (with a Hazardous Waste Label).
For more information: www.asbestuine.lt
- Landfill: Kaupių Village 4, Žygaičiai Municipality, Tauragė District, phone: +370 640 33719. Landfill working hours: Monday-Sunday – 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Price: €231/ton – for both individuals and legal entities (including VAT).
Waste acceptance site (for up to 100 kg of asbestos) is free of charge, available only to single individuals:
| Adress | Telephone | work schedule |
| Paberžių g. 14 A, Tauragė | 8 655 82558 | II-V – 08:15-18:00 VI – 09:00-13:00 VII-I – closed 12:00-12:45 – lunch |
| Statybininkų g. 4 E, Jurbarkas | 8 650 72314 | II-V – 08:15-18:00 VI – 09:00-13:00 VII-I – closed 12:00-12:45 – lunch |
| Pilies g. 3, Vingininkų k., Šilalės r. | 8 655 09131 | II-V – 08:15-18:00 VI – 09:00-13:00 VII-I – closed 12:00-12:45 – lunch |
| M. Jankaus g. 37, Pagėgiai | 8 655 84578 | II-V – 08:15-18:00 III-IV – 09:15-19:00 VI – 09:00-13:00 VII-I – closed 12:00-12:45 – lunch |
For more information: www.asbestuine.lt
CONDITIONS FOR STORING, WAREHOUSING, AND COVERING SHEET METAL
Handle sheet metal sheets carefully when loading and unloading by hand. Do not push them on top of each other or pull them apart from stacked sheets to avoid damaging their top coating.
When unloading sheets longer than 2 meters by hand, carry them in a vertical position.
It is recommended to stack packages in a single layer. Stacking in two layers is only allowed if the packages are identical, meaning they have the same length and weight, or if the upper package is shorter and lighter.
The distance between the package and the ground must be at least 100 mm.
When storing products for a longer period, avoid environments where sudden fluctuations in humidity and temperature frequently occur. Such conditions can lead to the formation of water vapor condensation. Failure to follow this guideline may result in the appearance of white corrosion spots on galvanized and aluminum sheets, and gray spots on aluzinc and polyester-coated sheets.
When storing sheet metal products outdoors for a short period (e.g., while roof installation work is being carried out), it is recommended to place the metal sheets at an angle to protect them from water accumulation on the surface over time. It is also essential to ensure their basic protection from wind gusts.
If the metal sheets become damp, they must be separated from each other using wooden planks or placed separately to allow the surface of the sheets to dry.
If the sheets are used for roofing, the roof must be designed so that water never accumulates or stands on the metal panels, including at the proper anchoring angles and where profiles overlap. The roof slope must be no less than 2 degrees.
If the products are used for interior work, their quality will only be guaranteed if there are no harmful effects or condensates inside the building that could damage the surface of the metal over time.
It is necessary to avoid contact between steel sheets and insulating materials, impregnated wood, and other products that can cause corrosion.
Only professional tools designed for cutting metal should be used. If the metal has been cut using an angle grinder, customer complaints will not be accepted.
When the sheets are installed, all tools, waste, and similar items must be removed and cleaned up. All waste and metal shavings must be carefully removed from the roof covering using a broom or a soft brush, without damaging the coating of the roof sheets. It is also necessary to clean off any markings made by pencils or markers.
The buyer or their authorized representative must inspect the quality of the roofs covered with metal sheets annually. Roofs must be regularly cleaned, and any observed damages (scratches, dents, bulges) must be removed or repaired.
Strict adherence to the rules regarding the protection of the metal surface from moisture effects and mechanical damage prevents grounds for customer complaints.
If you correctly follow the transportation, storage, and installation guidelines provided above, you will protect the metal sheets from corrosion and yourself from losses.
UAB Skardų fabrikas is not responsible for the occurrence of corrosion or any other types of damage to the metal if the recommendations provided above were not followed.
This instruction has been prepared based on the recommendations provided by the metal processing industry in European countries.