East Suffolk Council
Asbestos safety
A guide to asbestos in your home.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that was widely used in construction until 2000, when regulations were brought in restricting its use. It was used because it is a good insulator, offering heat, electrical and fire resistance within properties.
Where might I find asbestos in my home?
Common materials that may contain asbestos include:
- roofing materials (corrugated cement sheets),
- bath panels, soffit boards, fire surroundings, flue pipes, cold water tanks, guttering, and drainpipes,
- decorative coatings such as artex, and other similar products,
- plastic and vinyl floor tiles,
- toilet cisterns and toilet seats,
- some components of central heating systems, including hot water boilers, gas fires, electric storage heaters,
- insulating board used for fire protection and ceiling tiles.
Why might asbestos be a problem?
When asbestos materials age or are damaged (for example by drilling or sanding) they can release tiny fibres into the air which can be breathed into the lungs. When high levels are breathed in there is a greater risk of illnesses such as lung disease and lung cancer. Most materials containing asbestos in domestic housing are of low risk but contact with asbestos fibres should be avoided wherever possible. If asbestos is in a position where it might be damaged easily, we will remove it. Removal of any asbestos materials must be carried out by a competent person or a licensed contractor.
Asbestos is not a problem if it is undisturbed and in good condition.
Asbestos survey in your home
East Suffolk Council has an asbestos database with specific asbestos information recorded against every property that we own. This database is used to monitor and manage any asbestos-containing materials.
Where asbestos has been confirmed we have a plan to check its condition every 1 to 5 years to keep our records up to date.
If we find asbestos in your home whilst doing general repairs or if we are undertaking major maintenance work, for example replacing your kitchen or bathroom, we will carry out an asbestos survey to ensure we can work safely in your home.
We will also share the results of the survey with you, so you do not accidentally damage it.
What if we find asbestos?
If we find asbestos, we will take appropriate action in the interest of safeguarding your health. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance is that if an asbestos containing material or product is in good condition it should be left in place and not touched if it cannot be damaged easily – you can live with it with no risk to your health. If a suspect material becomes damaged and is reported to us or noted on a routine inspection visit, we will arrange the necessary repair or removal work.
Further advice from the Health and Safety Executive
Dos and don’ts
If you have asbestos materials in your home extra care should be taken when carrying out DIY.
Do - Leave asbestos materials where they are and seek advice if needed. If it’s is good condition and cannot be damaged, there is no need to be concerned.
Don't - Carry out any work with or remove materials that you are unsure of.
Don't - Drill, scrape or sand down materials that may contain asbestos such as textured coatings to ceilings and walls.
Don't - Break off pieces from materials that you are unsure of or know to contain asbestos.
Remember!
Even if there is asbestos in your home, it is not usually a serious problem. Asbestos is only dangerous if it is damaged over time or if it is disturbed by people who are unqualified to work with asbestos.