Asbestos
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a term used for the fibrous forms of several naturally occurring minerals.
What types are there?
The 3 main types of asbestos to be used commercially are
- "Blue Asbestos" - Crocidolite
- "Brown Asbestos" - Amosite
- "White Asbestos" - Chrysotile
All are dangerous if disturbed but blue and brown are known to be more dangerous than white. It is important to remember that the different types cannot be identified by colour and need to be analysed by a laboratory to establish the specific type.
How widely has asbestos been used?
Asbestos was used to resist heat and for fire protection in building materials and consumer goods. The commercial use of asbestos began around the end of the nineteenth century. Large quantities were used between 1950 and the early 1970's. Asbestos use has been gradually withdrawn since 1969 until 1999 when the use was banned in the
Asbestos around the home.
Bonded Products
Asbestos cement is the most common form of asbestos that is likely to be found around the home. It was extensively used for corrugated roof sheets on garages and outbuildings, flue pipes, water tanks, drain pipes and guttering. Because the asbestos was bonded with cement this material is unlikely to release any fibres unless it is broken or vigorously rubbed with sandpaper or abrasive wheels.
Other bonded products also include floor tiles, some lavatory cisterns and toilet seats. This list is only a small example of areas where asbestos was used, but because it was bonded and only contained a minimum amount of asbestos, fibres will not be released unless the product is broken, vigorously rubbed with sandpaper or an abrasive wheel.
Non-Bonded Products
Asbestos Insulation Board (AIB) was used to make ceiling tiles, wall boards, used for fire protection, heat insulation and was used as a general building board. This product contains a high content of asbestos (up to 50%) and because there is less binding, the fibres are more likely to become airborne. If AIB is in good condition it should be left undisturbed, encapsulated (sealed) and the condition monitored. If you feel that there is a product within your property that you may consider is AIB and is in poor condition or not encapsulated please contact Charter Community Housing immediately on 0845 009 2538.
Textured Coatings
Familiarly known as "Artex". This product was use extensively during the 1970's and 1980's as a decorative ceiling or wall covering and did contain a trace element (1% or less) of white asbestos. Because the content is considered very low this product is unlikely to release any fibres, but care should still be taken not to disturb or damage this product.
Statement
Charter Community Housing is a member of the Asbestos Aware Contractors Scheme (AACS) and is committed to protect employees, contractors and tenants alike to ensure that asbestos is not disturbed. Charter Community Housing has at present carried out a type 2 survey on approximately 20% of the housing stock ensuring that every property type has been included. It is our intention to undertake surveys to all 100% of our properties over the seven year improvement programme to highlight where asbestos has been identified, and once identified, displayed in the form of a register within each property. Charter Community Housing will also identify locations of asbestos within our landlord areas and highlight these areas by either a form of a register or an "Asbestos warning label".
A database is also kept with records of surveys, and locations identified for managing the presence of asbestos.
It is also our intention that if asbestos needs to be removed from any location we will always employ a licensed contractor where necessary to ensure that it is disposed of in an appropriate way.
