Asbestos

This page has helpful information about asbestos, what it is, how we keep customers safe from associated health risks and how you can safely manage asbestos in your home.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos was once widely used in building materials and many other products as it is strong and heat resistant, but it is now banned in the UK.

Why is it dangerous?

When asbestos-containing materials age or become damaged, they can release fibres into the air. If these fibres are inhaled, they may cause lung damage and diseases, including cancer. People who have worked with asbestos for many years as part of their occupation are most likely to be affected. In domestic properties, the risk of fibre release from asbestos-containing materials is low unless the material is disturbed or damaged.

Our responsibilities – asbestos in your home

Whenever we carry out major maintenance work, like replacing a kitchen or bathroom, or if we discover asbestos during a general repair visit, we will conduct an asbestos survey before undertaking the work.

We take samples of the material to confirm whether it contains asbestos and share the results with you, so you know what we have found and what actions we will take. This ensures that you do not accidentally damage the asbestos and that we can work safely in your home.

We carry out a full re-inspection of asbestos-containing materials in our homes every five years, or sooner if required. We re-inspect asbestos in communal areas of buildings every year.

What if we find asbestos?

Even if there is asbestos in your home, it is not usually a problem. We do not always need to remove asbestos, as it is sometimes safer to leave it in place, but we will always ensure that you are not at risk.

Asbestos only becomes dangerous if it is damaged over time or disturbed by people who are not qualified to work with it. If any damage or risk is identified, we will act immediately to either remove the material or seal and contain it.

How to manage asbestos in your home

Our asbestos leaflet lists the typical places and household items that might contain asbestos, particularly in older properties. These may include Artex ceilings, plasterboard, cold water tanks, roof boards, and panels.

Unless asbestos is damaged or disturbed, it presents no risk to your health. However, to make sure you stay safe:

• Do not saw, scrape, sandpaper, or drill holes in materials that might contain asbestos, and never try to remove any asbestos yourself.
• Regularly check any material you think may contain asbestos to ensure it remains in good condition. Do not touch it, but look for signs of wear and tear, scratches, or water damage.
• If you find that the material’s condition has changed or is damaged in any way, contact customer support on 01225 715 715. An asbestos-trained operative will attend within 24 hours to make the area safe and clean up any debris.
• Until then, keep away from the area and avoid handling the material. Do not dust, sweep, or vacuum any debris, and try not to spread dust or mess through the property.

If you are planning any home improvements near materials that could contain asbestos, please contact us for advice before you start.

Get in touch

Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about asbestos safety in your home. You can call us on 01225 715715 or email info@selwoodhousing.com

If you would like more information about asbestos in your home, please see our about asbestos leaflet.