Asbestos

Asbestos is a hazardous material that was once widely used in construction. Specific safety measures are required to identify and manage areas where it could still be found.

What is asbestos?

In good condition, asbestos is not a risk to your health.

Asbestos is a strong, naturally occurring material which can resist heat and chemicals. It was commonly used in building materials between the 1930s and the 1980s – buildings that were built or changed during this period could contain asbestos.

Read our asbestos policy for council homes.

What are the health risks?

You are not at risk if parts of your home contain asbestos, as long as it is undisturbed and undamaged. You are only at risk if you do any DIY, such as drilling, sawing, scrubbing or sanding, to parts of your home that might contain asbestos. DIY can result in brief but high levels of exposure to asbestos fibres that put you and your family at serious risk. Exposure to asbestos can be fatal.

What should I do when I want to do DIY at home?

If you’re planning to do some DIY, get in touch with our Health and Safety team first so we can check our records and let you know if any asbestos is present or offer advice. If you are a tenant, we may carry out an asbestos survey if we think it’s needed.

Where can asbestos be found?

Remember – not all homes contain asbestos.

Areas where asbestos can be found include:

roofs and exterior walls
around boilers and pipework
interior wall panelling and interior walls
some ceiling tiles and decorative Artex
some flooring materials such as tiles
some air systems
domestic equipment or household items bought before the year 2000 such as fire blankets, ironing surfaces and oven gloves

See the Health and Safety Executive web page on where asbestos could be found in the home.

What if I think there's asbestos in my home?

New tenants

We will let you know if there has been an asbestos survey, what asbestos was found and where, when you move into your new home.

Existing tenants

Contact us and we will check our records to advise if any asbestos is present. We can arrange for an asbestos survey to be carried out if we think it’s needed.

Leaseholders

We can offer you information and advice. You will need to arrange and pay for your own asbestos survey and any removal that may be necessary. Always use an approved contractor who is licensed with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

You can find a licensed asbestos removal contractor on the HSE and Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) websites.

How do I get rid of asbestos in household items?

Under no circumstances should you attempt to remove or work on any items you think may contain asbestos. Please visit our managing asbestos in your home page to learn about safe disposal.

Published on: 30/01/2024