Managing Asbestos in Your Home: A Guide for Social Housing Tenants

Introduction

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials due to its durability and resistance to heat. However, it has since been discovered that asbestos can pose serious health risks when its fibres are disturbed and inhaled. This guide provides essential information on managing asbestos in your home, helping you stay safe and informed.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals that were commonly used in various building materials up until the late 1990s. Due to its strength and resistance to heat, asbestos was used in products such as insulation, ceiling and floor tiles, roofing, and more. While asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are generally safe if left undisturbed, they can release harmful fibres into the air when damaged or deteriorated.

Where Might Asbestos Be Found?

Asbestos can be found in many areas of older homes, particularly those built before 2000. Common locations include:

• Ceilings and walls: Asbestos was often used in textured coatings (like Artex) and insulation boards.
• Flooring: Some vinyl floor tiles and adhesives may contain asbestos.
• Roofing: Asbestos was used in roofing sheets, shingles, and guttering.
• Pipes and boilers: Asbestos insulation can be found around pipes and boilers.
• Cement products: Asbestos was often mixed with cement and used in roofing, siding, and water tanks.

How to Identify Asbestos

Asbestos cannot be identified by sight alone. If you suspect there may be asbestos in your home, do not attempt to remove or disturb the material. Instead, contact your housing provider or landlord for an assessment. They are responsible for managing asbestos safely in social housing properties and will arrange for a professional inspection if necessary.

Managing Asbestos Safely

If asbestos is found in your home, there is no need to panic. Here are some steps to help you manage it safely:

1. Do not disturb asbestos: Asbestos-containing materials are safe if they are in good condition and left undisturbed. Avoid drilling, cutting, sanding, or attempting to remove any suspected asbestos material.

2. Report damage immediately: If you notice any damage to areas that might contain asbestos, such as cracked tiles, damaged insulation, or deteriorating wallboards, inform your housing provider immediately. They will assess the situation and take appropriate action.

3. Avoid DIY renovations: Never undertake DIY projects that might disturb asbestos-containing materials. This includes tasks such as sanding walls, removing tiles, or installing new light fixtures in areas that might contain asbestos.

4. Follow instructions from professionals: If your housing provider or a professional contractor advises you to leave an area alone or take certain precautions, follow their instructions carefully. Professionals are trained to handle asbestos safely and will provide guidance to minimize risks.

5. Keep an eye on condition: Regularly check areas in your home that may contain asbestos for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice anything concerning, contact your housing provider.

What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos Exposure

If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos, it’s important to take action. In the short term, minimize any further exposure by leaving the area and avoiding any activities that could disturb the asbestos. Then, contact your housing provider for further advice. They may arrange for a professional assessment and, if necessary, cleaning or removal of the asbestos-containing materials.

Responsibilities of Your Housing Provider

Your housing provider has a legal obligation to manage asbestos in social housing properties. This includes:

• Assessing properties for asbestos: They should have records of any asbestos-containing materials in your home and the condition they are in.
• Regular monitoring and maintenance: Housing providers should regularly check the condition of asbestos materials and take action if there is any damage or deterioration.
• Providing information: You should be informed if asbestos is present in your home and given instructions on how to manage it safely.
• Arranging professional removal or encapsulation: If asbestos-containing materials are in poor condition or need to be removed due to renovation or repairs, your housing provider must arrange for professional removal or encapsulation by licensed contractors.

Conclusion

Asbestos can be managed safely with awareness and proper precautions. As a social housing tenant, you play a crucial role in keeping your home safe by being vigilant and following the guidelines provided by your housing provider. If you ever have concerns or questions about asbestos in your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to your housing provider for assistance.

By understanding how to manage asbestos, you can help protect yourself and your family from potential health risks and ensure your home remains a safe place to live.