Asbestos in the Home
If you are unsure about something in your home containing asbestos, then you should presume it does, leave it alone and seek advice. Generally if the asbestos is in a good condition and is not likely to be disturbed or regularly worked on, then it is best left in place. This is in line with the current guidelines from the Health & Safety Executive.
Asbestos is a natural occurring mineral, which has lots of strong, flexible fibres. The asbestos fibres are not affected by heat or chemicals and they do not conduct electricity. They are stronger than steel and are resilient. It was for these reasons that asbestos was widely used in building materials.
Asbestos began to be used commercially towards the end of the nineteenth century and peaked in the UK in the 1960s and 1970s. By 1999 the importation, supply and use of all asbestos containing materials was banned.
The hazards which are associated with asbestos are dependent upon the type of asbestos containing material, eg asbestos cement roofing sheet, its location and its condition. Asbestos material is not hazardous unless it is disturbed or damaged. Cutting, rubbing or drilling it will cause fibres to be released.
For more information and a picture showing typical locations for asbestos containing materials, please click here. Please note that this list is not exhaustive.
Tristar Homes Ltd affirms that no new or second hand asbestos containing materials will be used in any of its premises and to this end will specify that no asbestos based products are to be used in their contracts for building, refurbishment or repair works. Tristar Homes Ltd will undertake the necessary monitoring, treatment or removal of asbestos from its premises in a planned and rational manner. To find out about our Asbestos Policy Statement please click here.
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Asbestos in the Home
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Published Oct 2006
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