Asbestos
If you have any questions or concerns relating to asbestos that are not answered below please ring the repairs helpline on 0800 389 8083.
Asbestos was commonly used in buildings up to the 1980’s. It does not pose a risk to health if it is undamaged or in a position where it cannot be disturbed easily.
The policy of Three Valleys Housing is to leave asbestos in place unless it is in an unsatisfactory condition or likely to be frequently disturbed or where it can be removed as part of a repair, improvement or alteration. This is in line with current recommendations from the Health and Safety Executive.
In the long term we will remove all asbestos from properties although we do not need to do this in the short term. This is because there is only a risk to health if asbestos fibres are breathed in and asbestos is generally found where this is unlikely to occur.
Questions you may have
Where is asbestos found in homes?
• Insulation of pipes and boilers
• Insulation board to partitions and ducts
• Some ceiling and floor tiles
• Certain textured coatings such as ‘Artex’ (this is a trade name)
• Asbestos cement sheets used as roofing, ceiling or wall panels, gutters, rainwater pipes and soffits. What do I do if the materials containing asbestos in my home are damaged?
Report it to us immediately on 0800 389 8083 and we will inspect it to determine if there is any risk.
You say there is asbestos present in my home but you are not removing it – why?
Depending on the risk asbestos may be left in place if it is not a danger and is not likely to be disturbed. It may be sealed with paint or plastic film.Why have you removed asbestos from empty properties but not from mine?
When a property is empty it is an ideal opportunity to remove asbestos with minimal risk and disturbance.Can I decorate and carry out DIY?
Yes, but you must take note of any advice you have been given about asbestos in your home. Asbestos should not be removed, disturbed or rubbed down.
If your improvements are likely to increase the asbestos risk you must comply with the asbestos regulations and use a specialist licensed contractor. Remember you need our written permission to carry out any alterations in your home.
Do's and Don't
Do contact use straight away in the following circumstances:
• If materials that you believe contain asbestos have been damaged or disturbed in any way
• If protective coatings or sealants are peeling or breaking off, or if any special warning labels have been removed
• Asbestos cement products e.g. gutters, soffits or shed roofs normally have a hard surface. If this surface appears broken, damaged or eroded
Don’t:
• Work, damage or remove materials containing asbestos. This has to be carried out by a licensed specialist contractor
• Sand down, drill, cut or scrape any materials that you think may contain asbestos
• Break off pieces or break up large pieces of material that you consider may contain asbestos
• Jet wash or clean down asbestos cement products e.g. shed or garage roofs.
Further information about Asbestos can be found here.
Revised 21 May 2008 (PC)