Asbestos

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a strong fibrous mineral, which can resist heat and chemicals. It was commonly used in building materials between the 1950’s and 1980’s. Almost all buildings constructed or altered during this period are likely to contain asbestos.

Products containing asbestos can look the same as those that do not. Often the difference can only be found under a microscope by a specialist laboratory.

Am I at risk?

You will not be at risk if asbestos fibres are undisturbed, but if they do become damaged or deteriorate then you and others may be at risk.

Current scientific advice tells us that if materials are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, then the risk presented is minimal. DIY activities such as sanding or drilling may disturb and possibly damage products containing asbestos.

Please seek advice from Halton Housing before carrying out DIY work.

Asbestos surveys

We can arrange to have a sample taken and tested to establish if it contains asbestos, then further works will be undertaken if necessary.

This service is provided free for our customers, but leaseholders are responsible for their own fixtures and fittings. Where asbestos is damaged we will deal with it in a safe and appropriate way.

The Trust follows all the rules and regulations concerning asbestos and your health and safety is our most important consideration.

Where can asbestos be found in my home?

Below is a list of typical places where asbestos containing material have been found in properties. This list is not exhaustive but all the items listed will not be in your home, it may be that one or possibly two products may be present at any one time.

Exterior of building – roof sheets and tiles, fascia boards, exterior cladding, guttering and drain pipes.

Boilers – insulation to boilers, boiler flue pipes and storage radiators.

Interior surfaces – textured wall and ceiling coatings (e.g. artex), duct panels (access to pipe work), infill panels (above, below or next to doorways/ windows), panels behind radiators/heaters, floor tiles, suspended ceiling panels and underside of stairs.

Other items – bath panels, fireplace panels, panels to underside of sink, water tank, pipe lagging, garage and shed roofs.

All these items may contain asbestos and should be treated as such unless you have had a survey.

We will reduce the exposure of asbestos by:

• Carrying out surveys to identify asbestos containing material in all Halton Housing homes and other buildings etc (e.g. garages)
• Compiling and maintaining a comprehensive asbestos register
• Assessing the risk from materials containing asbestos in all of our properties
• Providing information about the presence, location and condition of materials containing asbestos to customers and any other persons who will potentially be exposed to asbestos within Halton Housing properties; and
• Ensuring that the appropriate actions are taken by any persons who are likely to disturb materials containing asbestos including employees, contractors and customers.