Keeping Our Tenants Safe

Advice for tenants on asbestos

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a strong, durable, non-inflammable fibre used for reinforcing many materials used in buildings. It is also a good insulator so it has been used extensively to protect building structures from fire and excessive heat. As it is usually mixed with other materials, it can be difficult to identify whether the property contains any asbestos.

Where will asbestos be found?

Due to its many uses, historically, asbestos was widely used in the construction and refurbishment of homes. As such,  materials containing asbestos can be found in all types of buildings, especially those built between 1950 and 1980.

What are the risks with asbestos?

Serious health risks can arise from breathing in air containing asbestos fibres.

• Hazards only arise when materials containing asbestos are disturbed
• Asbestos is safe if it remains mixed, bound or sealed with other materials

What is our policy on asbestos?

The Council's policy complies fully with safety legislation and best practice. The main parts of the policy are:

• To fully investigate all reports of possible asbestos
• To actively survey our housing stock (and all other council owned buildings)
• To help identify and monitor materials which contain asbestos
• To keep a register of all known asbestos and maintain regular checks on its condition
• Not to remove asbestos where it does not constitute a hazard

What should I do if I think I have found asbestos?

If you have found or suspect that your home contains asbestos, do not disturb the material and report the matter to our Repairs Centre without delay by telephoning 01259 452000.

The Repairs Team will then attend your property and investigate the concern further.

Asbestos and Do It Yourself (DIY)

You are reminded that as per your tenancy agreement, you need to obtain permission from the Housing Service before making alterations or improvements to your home.

You should contact us before undertaking DIY work which would disturb the fabric of the building. Standard decorative work, such as scraping wallpaper or painting is perfectly safe. However, you must call us in advance of carrying out any work if you plan to:

• Remove, sand, drill or scrape artex
• Drill (other than minor work, for example to put up a picture frame or a hook)
• Plan work which would disturb any material in the loft area
• Plan work in the heating cupboard, on or around pipes which are lagged.

If you are in any doubt, please contact our Repairs Centre on 01259 452000 between 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.