Asbestos in the home

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It was used in the construction and modernisation of housing before 2000. Asbestos containing materials in good condition and left undisturbed are safe. It does not pose a risk to your health in this condition.

Asbestos in the home

The most common possible locations where asbestos may be present in a council home, but there may be others, are in -

  • gas flue pipes
  • fireproof linings for -
    • walls
    • ceilings
    • doors
    • some linings which could be hidden within cavity walls
  • insulation inside some electrical storage heaters
  • bath panels
  • floor tiles
  • textured coatings to ceilings and walls. For example, Artex
  • eaves
  •  gutters
  • rainwater fall pipes
  • garage and shed roofs

Dangers of asbestos

When products made from asbestos become worn or damaged, they release dust fibres. They can be inhaled or swallowed. It is these fibres that can cause health complications later in life.

Asbestos identified

If asbestos containing material in your home is in good condition and isn't likely to be -

  • broken
  • chipped
  • damaged

It shouldn't be a danger to you or your family. Your best course of action is to leave it alone.

Damage asbestos

Damage asbestos an emergency repair. Never try to repair or clean up yourself using brush or vacuum cleaner as these fibres spread into the air.

Important points

If you are planning on carrying out any alterations to your property -

  • seek advice from us before carrying out any intrusive DIY work. You might need permission for the work under the terms of your tenancy
  • ask us first as anything can contact asbestos, don't -
    • drill
    • sand 
    • scrape 
  • if in any doubt, stop work and contact us for guidance
  • never dispose of asbestos or asbestos containing materials in your domestic waste bins. This can be taken to some household waste recycling centres.

Further information is on the Health and Safety Executive website.

Council Housing Contractors 

Lucion, Rhodar and The Testing Lab work on behalf of the Hull Housing Landlord and Building Services for us. Rhodar carry out asbestos removals. The Testing Lab undertake environmental surveys on our dwellings. This is ahead of works or to identity the condition of our properties. We want to enhance the knowledge of our existing housing stock on an ongoing basis. The Testing Lab also carry out environmental surveys. This is on behalf of Kingstown Works Limited.

Lucion undertake air monitoring and asbestos cleanliness. These are for testing as part of the removals process. When calling, the contractor will show ID. Check ID before allowing anyone into your home.

Other external asbestos contractors may be used. They do asbestos surveys and removals during planned works. Our main contractor will let you know which contractor will be calling and what they will be doing. There may be occasions when Lucion, Rhodar or The Testing Lab contact you directly to arrange appointments ahead of planned works.

For concerns about bogus callers, call Humberside Police on 08456 060 222.