Asbestos Safety
This summary explains how the Council manages asbestos in its properties to keep everyone safe. The full plan is available upon request.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of fibrous materials used in buildings, especially between 1950 and 1980. It was banned in the UK in 1999. The three types of asbestos commonly found in homes are:
- Chrysotile (white)
- Amosite/Grunerite (brown)
- Crocidolite (blue)
Managing Risk
Asbestos is only dangerous when disturbed. Here’s how we manage the risk:
- Check the Asbestos Register before starting any work.
- Do not remove asbestos unnecessarily; managing it in place can be safer.
- Take practical steps to protect people from exposure.
The Regulations
The main law for asbestos management is the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR). The Council applies these rules to all its properties, even though residential properties are usually excluded.
How is Asbestos Assessed?
Asbestos assessment involves two parts:
- Material Assessment: Identifies high-risk materials that release fibres if disturbed.
- Priority Assessment: Looks at the likelihood of disturbing asbestos.
Materials are rated from high risk (urgent attention needed) to no risk (no asbestos present).
Who Manages Asbestos?
The Council’s Compliance Team manages asbestos. They:
- Give advice
- Take samples and carry out surveys
- Test the air for asbestos
- Remove asbestos
Informing Employees
Front-line staff are trained about asbestos risks. The Compliance Team provides initial face-to-face training and annual online refresher courses.
Performance Monitoring
The Council monitors asbestos management performance regularly, including:
- Percentage of properties with an asbestos survey
- Annual performance reviews
- Regular audits
- Share asbestos information before any work is done
Managing Asbestos in Council Buildings
The Council manages asbestos in about 20,000 homes and other buildings. If a property is bought or transferred to the Council, an asbestos survey is done and recorded.
Asbestos Register
The Council keeps an Asbestos Register with all known asbestos information. This register is updated regularly and is accessible to staff and contractors.
Making changes to your home
New tenants get a copy of the asbestos register for their home. If you want to make changes to your home, you need written permission from the Council, and asbestos information will be provided. Please check Making changes to your council home for more information.
Additional Points
- DIY Precautions: Always request permission before carrying out any DIY work that might disturb asbestos.
- Asbestos Locations: Common places where asbestos might be found include gutters, downpipes, soffits, facias, water tanks, floor tiles, and textured coatings (Artex).
- Professional Handling: Do not attempt to remove asbestos by yourself. The Council only use trained professionals for repairing or removing asbestos-containing materials.
Reporting Asbestos
If you suspect asbestos or asbestos containing materials in your property, please report to the Council at 01709 336009.
