Asbestos
When asbestos is in good condition and not damaged it is not a danger. Once disturbed and its dust gets into the air there is a possible risk to health. Do not tamper with or touch any asbestos material.
You can read Partners policy for managing asbestos and find out more about asbestos safety in your home on the HSE website.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. The rock is crushed and processed to produce long thin fibres and has been added to many different types of building materials.
Why was asbestos used?
Asbestos is heat and fire resistant and was used in buildings to prevent the spread of fire.
Is there a risk to my health?
Asbestos containing materials (ACM's) which are in good condition do not pose a risk to your health. Therefor, the policy is for asbestos to remain in place and it is only removed when it is damaged and may present a risk to health or when it needs removing to enable repairs.
If you think a building material may contain asbestos, make sure it is in good condition and is sealed with paint.
If you suspect that asbestos containing materials are damaged, please contact us on 0800 587 3596 or www.partnersislington.net
Alterations and Improvements
Tenants and leaseholders are entitled to carry out alteration and improvement to their homes. However, you are required to obtain landlord consent in line with the tenancy agreements and leases before starting any work.
Landlord consent will not be unreasonably withheld but approval will be on condition that residents and their builders manage asbestos risks in a proper manner. If possible, asbestos containing materials should not be disturbed. If there is need to remove them then this must be done in accordance with HSE guidelines.
For minor improvements, the following precautions should be taken:
- Don't drill, sand or scrape anything you think may contain asbestos when you re carrying out any improvements or DIY
- Don't try to remove textured coatings from ceilings. Wash any areas of flaking paint before repainting
- Don't try to remove old floor tiles or linoleum. Leave them in place and lay new floor coverings over them
- Don't remove doors which you think may have asbestos panels
Advice on the like location of asbestos
