Home Safety - Asbestos
While well-maintained asbestos in your home does not pose a
health risk, if any of it has to be removed, or is damaged as part
of DIY work in your home, it can be dangerous to the health of your
household. That is why it is very important that all Council
tenants seek permission from their local area housing office before
carrying out any alterations in their home. As part of considering
your request for permission your home may be visited and the area
where you wish to carry out work inspected by housing services
staff to ensure that there is no danger caused by asbestos.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is the common name given to a group of natural minerals
made up of many small fibres.
It was widely used in building materials from 1930 until about
1980, mainly to insulate properties and protect them against fire.
Asbestos concrete was also used to make roof slates, rain water
gutters, downpipes and decorative plaster finishes. This means that
houses and flats built or refurbished in this period may contain
some asbestos materials.
Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are unlikely to have been used
in properties built since the mid-1980s, and from 1993 the use of
asbestos in most products has been banned.
When is asbestos a problem?
Generally speaking asbestos is not dangerous. It only becomes
dangerous if asbestos-containing materials are damaged or
deteriorate with age. When damaged, asbestos releases tiny fibres
into the air. Breathing in these fibres can cause serious damage to
the lungs.
Where in my home could I find asbestos?
Asbestos is most commonly found in:
- facia and soffit boards
- panels beneath window frames
- roof felt or lining panels
- roof sheets or tiles
- roof cement cold water tank
- old ventilation pipes
- textured coatings and ceiling panels
- hot pipe insulation
- garage roofs
- garage facia boards
- bath panelling
- garage window lining
- panels behind fires or heaters
- fire door panels
- service ducting
- partition walls
- garage rainwater downpipes
- floor tiles and linoleum in kitchen and bathroom.
This is not an exhaustive list.
What do I do if I find asbestos?
If you think any material contains asbestos, or if you think
your home contains damaged asbestos material, then don't try to
deal with it yourself. Contact The Housing Repairs Centre on 0845
30 11 110.
Never drill, sand, saw or disturb any asbestos-containing materials
which are in good condition.
Can I remove asbestos from my home?
Sometimes it is necessary to remove asbestos materials, but this
work should only be carried out by a contractor with a special
licence issued by the Government. They must follow strict
regulations to make sure asbestos is removed and disposed of
safely.
