Asbestos safety
Asbestos safety
Asbestos is a construction material widely used in buildings up until 1999. It is a naturally occurring fibre that’s fire resistant and provides good insulation.
The Health & Safety Executive has confirmed that asbestos is not dangerous if it’s left alone and not damaged.
However, asbestos can be dangerous when the fibres are released (like sawdust) and inhaled. This usually occurs when it is disturbed by drilling, sanding, sawing, or it being removed.
If the asbestos material is in good condition, it’s often best left in place.
Our role
We’re legally obliged to maintain a safe environment for residents and colleagues within the home of each resident, and within all communal areas of buildings and other properties we own and/or manage. To do this:
- We maintain an asbestos register for our properties which we regularly update and use to monitor asbestos and potential risk. This is available on request by contacting us on 0330 343 0016.
- If there is asbestos in your home which is damaged, we’ll have it removed by a specialist contractor.
- Before we make any major improvements to your home, we will survey the property to assess the risk of asbestos being present. If the works are likely to disturb the asbestos, then we will remove this where we can. If it is not practicable to remove it, we will seal it to ensure safety.
- We’ll use the legal options available within the terms of the tenancy and lease agreement should any resident, leaseholder, or shared owner refuse access to carry out essential asbestos related inspection and remediation works.
- We will do as much as is practically possible to provide reasonable adjustments or provide additional support to enable residents to better access and understand our services, including to complete safety checks.
If you have a question, concern or complaint please contact us.
Your role
- Request permission before doing major work in your home.
- If you identify any asbestos which is damaged or disturbed, or if you have any concerns about asbestos in your home or in communal areas, get in contact with us immediately on 0330 343 0016.
Where you might find asbestos
For example:
- On the parts of the roof that gutters are attached to (fascias and soffits)
- In electrical cupboards
- For floor and ceiling tiles
- In small quantities in toilet cisterns, bath panels and textured coatings.
This is not a complete list.
More information
Go to the Repair responsibilities page for advice around asbestos while carrying out your own repairs.
We are required to report on our residents’ satisfaction with safety checks, repairs and maintenance through the Tenant Satisfaction Measures. Read the report here.