Asbestos safety
Asbestos is a fibrous material that is made from several natural minerals found in rocks. It has been used in building materials for about 150 years because it is strong, flexible, stable and fire proof.
You can’t tell whether something contains asbestos simply by looking at it. Often you can only find out by analysing it in a specialist laboratory.
Generally, asbestos is perfectly safe if it is not disturbed or damaged, however if asbestos-containing materials are, for example, drilled, cut or sanded, this can release fibres into the air. If the fibres are inhaled, they can be a health risk and can cause a range of serious illnesses.
Sound, undisturbed asbestos-containing materials do not pose a direct health risk, but they should be carefully managed to ensure they are still in good condition and to prevent fibres being released accidentally.
How we deal with asbestos
We regularly survey and sample all our properties for any possible asbestos-containing materials. If asbestos containing materials are found, we record these on our database.
If we find that its type, condition or location is a high risk, we will remove it immediately.
If the asbestos-containing material carries a much lower risk, we will:
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remove the material as and when we do any major building work to your home, or
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seal and bond the material to stop it releasing fibres.
If the material is in good condition, sealed and not exposed, and so unlikely to break up, we will record its type and where it is, and take this into account when doing any work on your home.
If you think there is asbestos in your home, don’t try to deal with it yourself – contact us immediately.
Further information
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Document Created:
01/09/2009 11:30
, last modified:
16/11/2010 10:29