Asbestos advice

When asbestos materials age or become damaged they can release fibres into the air. These can be breathed deep into the lungs where they may stay for a long time, causing possible damage. When sufficient levels of these fibres are breathed in, particularly over an extended period of time, there is a risk of lung diseases, including cancer.

People who have worked with asbestos for many years or have washed the dusty clothing of those who worked with asbestos are more likely to be affected. Workplace regulations now protect such people.

A low background concentration of asbestos fibre is common because of how frequently the material was used over the years, however exposure to this low level is unlikely to harm people’s health.

Levels of fibres may be higher in buildings containing asbestos materials, especially where the materials are not sealed or have become damaged.

If in good condition, it is very unlikely that the levels of asbestos found in a building will be harmful. However, if you suspect you may have damaged asbestos materials in your home, you should contact us for advice.

Insulating board

• used for fire/heat insulation
• common in 1960s and 1970s housing
• found in ducts, ceiling tiles, wall/door panels, and partitions
• rare in homes built after 1982

Lagging

• insulates pipes and boilers
• usually in boiler rooms and plant areas of older blocks
• very uncommon in normal domestic rooms
• banned in 1986

Sprayed coatings

• used for fire protection on structural steel
• found around lift shafts and service ducts in 1960s blocks
• rare in home living areas
• use stopped in 1974, banned in 1986

Asbestos cement

• widely used for roofing and cladding
• found in garage roofs, soffits, flue pipes, water tanks, gutters and tiles
• generally low‑risk unless heavily damaged
• banned in 1999

Other building materials

• includes textured coatings (for example Artex), some floor tiles, roofing felt, tapes and blankets
• textured coatings banned in 1988

Heating appliances and household items

• found in some older heaters, gas fires and warm‑air systems
• also present in older oven gloves, ironing boards and fire blankets
• historically used in brake linings and pads

Since 1976, British manufacturers have put labels on their products to show they contain asbestos, and since 1986 all products containing asbestos carry the European label.

However, it must be remembered that these labels may have been removed, painted over or have faded over time and cannot be relied upon in all cases. The supplier or manufacturer of a product may be able to confirm if it contains asbestos, but may no longer be contactable.

Remember, asbestos-containing products can look very similar to those not containing asbestos. Although some materials obviously do not contain asbestos (such as glass, solid wooden doors, floorboards, bricks and stone), you should always presume any material contains asbestos unless there is strong evidence to suggest that it does not.

Advice from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is that asbestos materials in good condition, that are not likely to be damaged, disturbed or worked upon, are usually safer to leave in place. Attempts to remove it can potentially lead to higher levels of fibres in the air and for some time.

If you are planning home improvements or maintenance and have asbestos in your home, stop and seek professional advice from us before starting any works. Builders, maintenance workers or contractors must be informed of asbestos in your home before they start work. You are required to seek permission from us for alterations as part of your tenancy.

Asbestos materials that are damaged or deteriorating can release asbestos fibres and should be safely removed by competent persons.

In the majority of cases, depending on the type of asbestos involved, these persons will need to hold a special licence. The suspect material will need to be tested first to find out who is adequately qualified to safely remove it.

Contact us so we can carry out checks and then arrange for the asbestos to by removed by a licenced, or otherwise appropriately qualified, contractor as necessary.

Remember:

• presume all suspect materials contain asbestos until proven otherwise
• avoid disturbing or damaging any asbestos materials (regardless of condition)
• take care when doing DIY and if in doubt seek advice from us first, and
• if you suspect you have damaged or deteriorating asbestos in your home then stop and get in touch with us.