Why asbestos is a problem
When asbestos materials age or become damaged they can release fibres into the air.
These can be breathed deep into the lung where they may stay for a long time, causing possible damage.
What you should do if you find asbestos
Asbestos which has not been damaged is safe, but if you think there may be damaged asbestos materials in your home, look for signs of damage or dust being released by the material.
Contact our customer service team if you think there is a problem, although it is very unlikely that the levels of asbestos fibres found in buildings will be harmful. We will only remove asbestos from properties where it is in poor condition and has the potential to cause health risks, or where it is necessary for us to carry out work.
If you find any asbestos that is in good condition and not worn or damaged, it can be left where it is. You can give the asbestos added protection by painting with emulsion paint, but remember to use an alkali-resistant primer or coating for asbestos cement products.
Do not saw, drill, break, scrape, brush or screw any asbestos sheeting.
If you are thinking of doing any DIY work or using a contractor to carry out any work, you must apply to us and fill in a tenant alteration form (you can get one from your housing office).
Part of this procedure will involve us checking the asbestos database. We will tell you about any asbestos material in your home on this form, and it is your responsibility to pass this information to anyone working in your home who might come into contact with this material.
If anyone working in your home damages asbestos material, you should stop them from working and contact our customer services team for more advice. If you have carried out work without our permission, you may be responsible for any restoration costs and for any civil action taken by the person doing the work.
Remember
Asbestos is always there for a purpose. It is used either to provide heat resistance (as behind gas fires) or provide strength (as in asbestos cement garage roofs). If it is removed it should always be replaced by a suitable non-asbestos product.