Asbestos checks

We carry out asbestos surveys on the type and amount of asbestos in our properties.

We maintain an asbestos register of survey information. We match properties that have not had an asbestos survey to similar property type within your area. This gives us an idea about what type of asbestos may be in your home.

Properties will be inspected again from time to time depending on the types of asbestos found and the level of risk.

If the asbestos is in good condition and is unlikely to be disturbed or damaged we will leave it in place. It does not pose a risk to your health. We may seal materials containing asbestos to stop any fibres escaping and action any further works required to make the area safe.

If we need to remove asbestos from your home we will keep you informed about the work and what we will need to do.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral found in rocks all over the world. Asbestos fibres are strong and flexible with excellent fire proofing and insulating qualities. They were used in building materials between 1930s and the late 1990s.

Peak use was in 1960s, but the use of asbestos in the construction industry was finally banned in the UK in 1999.

Almost all buildings during this period are likely to have some Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs).

The three main types of asbestos used in the UK:

• Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
• Amosite (brown asbestos)
• Chrysotile (white asbestos)

White asbestos, the least dangerous of the three, is the most typical type found in the home. It is not possible to tell whether a material contains asbestos by looking at it.

Why asbestos is dangerous

When asbestos materials age or become damaged they may release fibres into the air. These can get breathed in, causing asbestos related diseases. The most likely affected people are those who have worked unprotected with asbestos for many years.

The risk of fibre release in materials used in domestic properties is unlikely unless the material is being disturbed or damaged.

The greatest risk arises when ACMs are sawn, drilled or sanded as asbestos fibres released cannot be seen. DIY work can result in brief but high levels of exposure to asbestos.

If ACMs wont get disturbed and are in good condition, it is safer to leave them alone and manage the risks.

Where asbestos could be in the home

The following items may contain ACMs:

• roofs
• claddings
• soffits
• window sills
• bath panels
• chimneys/flues
• water tanks
• floor tiles and
• textured coatings (Artex or similar)

There are many products, but this list is not exhaustive.

Home improvements

If you want to make home improvements other than decoration, please contact us to get our permission.

If you think you may have asbestos in your home and wish to carry out an improvement to this area, please always talk to us first.

We can check our records and tell you if any asbestos is present in your home or arrange for our specialist contractors to carry out an asbestos survey.

DIY rules

• Do not drill, saw or sand anything you think may contain asbestos.
• Keep activities to a minimum in any areas where material may contain asbestos.
• Do not dust, sweep or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos.
• Take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos materials or asbestos containing products.

Please note that you can:

• Paint decorative coatings (Artex), but do not sand it down, scrape it, or drill into it.
• Hang pictures, but use picture hooks and pins that are knocked in instead of drilling holes.

Who to contact

If you have any concerns about asbestos in your home, please contact us.

Further information about asbestos is available on the Health and Safety Executive Website.