Asbestos

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It was used in a wide range of building materials such as vinyl floor tiles, artex, corrugated cement sheets and shed roofs from the 1930s to the late 1990s. Homes built or refurbished before 2000 may contain asbestos.

The Council's responsibilities

Tenant Services monitors and manages asbestos in its properties. Asbestos is commonly found in the following places.

Outdoors:
-          eaves and soffits
-          rain water pipes and guttering
-          central heating flues
-          corrugated cement sheets on garages and sheds
Indoors:
-          decorative coatings on ceilings and walls often inside artex
-          linings for walls ceilings and duct panels
-          insulation in some electric night storage heaters
-          bath panels
-          floor tiles and adhesive
-          boarding around fireplaces

Asbestos may be found in other areas not included in this list.

Tenant responsibilities

Many people are concerned about asbestos, but if left undisturbed and in good condition, it poses no risk. Do not disturb any of the fabric of the building without first contacting us.

Disturbing the fabric of the building includes:

• -          drilling or putting screws/nails into walls and ceilings.
• -          disturbing and replacing tiles and flooring
• -          disturbing any water and drainage pipes and electrical wiring
• -          any other home improvements you may wish to make

If you are unsure of the construction date of your home, please contact us so that we can review asbestos information that is specific to your home with you. You may ask to review the asbestos information we have on file about your home at any time.