What is asbestos?

If you have any concerns about asbestos please call us on 0300 1234 009.

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Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral often used in a range of building materials from the 1930s to the 1980s. Left undisturbed it does not cause any problems. However, damaging materials that contain asbestos by sanding, drilling, sawing or scrubbing them can release asbestos fibres into the air. These fibres can then penetrate the lungs, where they can stay and cause disease.

While it was banned as a building material in 1999 if your home was built or refurbished between the 1930s and 1980s, the chances are that it may contain asbestos in the following materials:

  • airbricks and flue pipes
  • bath panels, decorative coating (such as Artex) and fire surrounds
  • corrugated cement sheeting on sheds and garages
  • guttering and downpipes
  • insulating materials on boilers, pipes and water tanks
  • internal partitions and airing cupboard linings
  • soffit boards and roof tiles
  • fuse boards and storage heaters

How we manage asbestos in our properties

We have a programme to identify and inspect places where asbestos has been used in our properties. If these materials are found to be in good condition, we will leave them and carry out regular checks.

But if they are damaged, we will arrange for specialist licensed contractors to repair, seal or remove the asbestos-containing materials.

If required, it is important that you allow the Association and our specialist asbestos contractor access to your property so that an asbestos survey can be carried out. Failure to do so would mean that the Association is unable to ensure the safety of yourself and that of our contractors, therefore repairs to your property may be put on hold until access is allowed to carry out an asbestos survey.

If you want to carry out any home improvements and are concerned that you may disturb an asbestos-containing material, contact us so exposure to the people living in your home and the person carrying out the work can be reduced or avoided.

If you carry out any work or permit others to carry out work without prior written approval, you will be liable for any costs of dealing with any asbestos incidents.

Find out more about staying safe in your home.