Introduction
Asbestos is a natural (silicate) mineral found in rock. It was crushed and added to building materials because of its characteristics of being strong, flexible and its resistance to chemicals and heat.
Asbestos was widely used in the building industry so if your property was built or refurbished prior to 2000, it is possible it may contain some form of asbestos-containing material.
Asbestos is usually safe if not disturbed as it cannot release fibres into the air. Activities such as drilling, cutting, sanding and scraping could result in asbestos fibres being released. If these fibres are inhaled, then there could damage your health.
Where might you find asbestos in your home?
Asbestos was added to many different types of building materials and products over the years. The list below shows some possible locations but should not be considered as an exhaustive list:
Internal
Water tanks
Textured decorative coating (e.g. Artex)
Bath panel
WC seat and cistern
Panels behind fuse box
Linings to heater cupboard
Lining around boiler
Floor tiles
Linings behind fire
External
Gutters and rainwater pipes
Soffit boards
Exterior window panels
Roof coverings
Outhouse or garage walls
Canopy soffits
Asbestos Do's and Don'ts
- Do treat asbestos with respect.
- Do contact us if you think you have damaged asbestos in your home.
- Do contact us if you are planning any DIY or improvements to your home.
- Do help us by keeping any appointments we, or our asbestos surveyors contractors make with you.
- Do take caution to avoid damaging asbestos materials.
- Do not panic – if left undisturbed asbestos is safe.
- Do not attempt to remove any suspected asbestos materials yourself.
- Do not put yourself at risk by carrying out DIY on or next to asbestos materials, for example cutting, drilling or sanding.
- Do not ignore any advice we give you.
- Do not dust, sweep or vacuum areas where asbestos debris may lie.
How we deal with asbestos
We hold a register for properties where an asbestos survey has been completed. This register is continuously updated as we carry out further asbestos surveys to our housing stock. If there are improvements or major repair works planned for your home and we do not have any asbestos information on your property type, we will arrange a property assessment before the works take place. This may involve a full asbestos survey whereby samples are taken of any suspected asbestos-containing materials. We have a legal duty to protect against the health risks posed by asbestos being disturbed. We therefore need to know what asbestos-containing material may be in your home before starting any major works. If you do not allow the surveyor into your home, this could delay the works being undertaken. After the survey has been completed, if asbestos-containing material is found we will do one of the following:
- If the type, location and condition of the asbestos is considered a high risk, we will immediately arrange removal of the material.
- If the type, location and condition of the asbestos is considered a much lower risk, we may decide not to remove it. Depending on its location we may also plan to remove it as part of a planned removal programme.
We also have a duty to manage any asbestos containing materials located within communal areas of flats and sheltered accommodation.
Your responsibilities
Please remember you must not make any changes to your property (excluding general decoration) without prior written consent from the Council. This also includes garages and outbuildings. You must complete a ‘fixtures and fittings form, available from either our website ttps://www.northtyneside.gov.uk/housing/repairs-and-maintenance/fixtures-and-fittings or a Customer Service Centre. Following receipt of your request to carry out improvements to your home, we will check our records to see if there are any known asbestos containing materials in the area you wish to alter. If we have no information on file, we will arrange to have the area inspected. You will then be notified if you can proceed with the works. If you carry out work or allow others to do so on your behalf without our permission, you may be putting yourself and others at risk of asbestos exposure and you may also be liable for any costs incurred for dealing with any asbestos incidents. If you buy your property from us, then you will become responsible for any asbestos-containing materials in your home.
Contact information
Housing enquiries
Telephone 0345 2000 102