Asbestos

As part of Denbighshire Housing’s commitment to provide the best quality homes possible, which are sustainable, and safe for you, we undertake regular Asbestos surveys of our properties.

• What is Asbestos? 
• What are Denbighshire Housing doing about Asbestos?
• How a survey is arranged and what happens during a survey?
• What are the risks?
• Am I at risk? 
• Where might I find Asbestos in my house? 
• How do I know if something contains Asbestos? 
• What can tenants do?
• Do’s and dont’s 
• For more information 

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring material, which was extensively used in UK construction up until 2000.  It was used for a variety of purposes and was ideal for fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos materials are no longer used as it is considered unsafe and as such, is regulated by law. The three commonly used types of Asbestos are:

• Chrysotile (White Asbestos)
• Amosite (Brown Asbestos)
• Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos)

What are Denbighshire Housing doing about Asbestos?

We are managing a programme of surveys across all our properties, and the information we collect is stored on an asbestos register. This helps us decide whether to remove, treat or monitor the asbestos. In most cases, we will leave the material in place, if it is safe to do so, and prevent any unnecessary disturbance to you. Each case is considered on a case-by-case basis.

In most cases, we prefer to monitor asbestos to prevent unnecessary disturbance or damage. However, if removal is necessary, we will take immediate action and deal with it in a safe and appropriate way

How a survey is arranged and what is happens during a survey?

We would like to reassure you that all safety precautions are taken when visiting your home, to maintain social distancing and keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Our approved contractor, North Star Environmental, will contact you to:

• Arrange a suitable date and time to do the survey. Only when it is safe to do so.
• Advise you on the safety measures that are in place when visiting your home.
• Requirements for you to ensure that they survey is carried out safely.

These surveys take place at all our properties to identify any presence of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs), within your home. The surveyor will:

• Safely access each room of your property and take a number of small samples, so we are able to have the material analysed. 
• Carry out more in-depth inspections of certain areas in your home to allow for future refurbishments. This will include looking under floor coverings, inside boxing’s and kitchen units. The surveyor will discuss this with you before commencing the work. 

What are the risks?

Due to the body’s inability to break down asbestos fibres, asbestos exposure can cause a number of illnesses including respiratory cancers.

Am I at risk?

Many people think Asbestos Containing Materials (known as ACMs) are dangerous, however it would only become a risk to you if it is damaged or disturbed e.g. drilled, sanded or broken.

Where might I find asbestos in my house?

The list below is not exhaustive, but common uses of asbestos within houses is described below:

• Cold water tanks
• Pipe lagging
• Roof felt, sheets and tiles
• Textured coatings (such as Artex)
• Fascia and soffit boards
• Toilet cisterns
• Wall panels
• Fuse boards
• Boiler/heater cupboard
• Floor tiles
• Rainwater guttering and downpipes

Asbestos may also be present in roof sheeting, soil pipes and fire doors. Similarly, it is worth noting that not all of the above items will contain asbestos.

How do I know if something contains Asbestos?

Asbestos fibres are actually too small to see and the only way to tell for sure is for a piece of asbestos to be tested in a laboratory. In order to confirm the presence of asbestos, a sample of the material needs to be taken, this will create minor damage to the surface of the material. The surveyor will fill the small hole madeand paint over with white paint.

Where possible, any damage will be done as discreetly as possible, and where this is not possible, the surveyor should discuss this with you.

What can tenants do?

Don’t take risks, if you are planning on completing any DIY or you are concerned about any suspect asbestos materials in your home, contact our maintenance helpdesk on 01824 706000. We can offer advice on the next steps.

As a rule:

• DO NOT attempt to remove any asbestos or suspect asbestos materials yourself
• DO NOT drill, sand or break any asbestos or suspect asbestos materials
• DO NOT attempt to clean up any damaged asbestos or suspect asbestos materials

There’s no need to panic – Any asbestos is unlikely to be a danger to your health as long as it’s undamaged and hasn’t been disturbed.

For more information:

Contact us on 01824 706000 or visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos