Asbestos

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibres that were used in buildings due to their strength and heat resistance. Asbestos was fully banned within the UK in 1999.

It is important that asbestos containing materials are maintained in good condition and not disturbed. As part of our approach to managing asbestos, our specialist consultants undertake surveys to confirm the presence of asbestos and the risk associated with any asbestos they find. This then informs how Albyn manage asbestos to ensure no risk to you or your family.

We maintain an asbestos register which details the findings from surveys including whether asbestos is within a property (following lab testing), and if so its location, type, size, condition and risk factor. We then use this information to inform actions that are required to ensure you are not at risk of exposure.

Data within our asbestos register is shared with contractors to inform them when surveys have been undertaken and their findings. Surveys will generally be undertaken in the form of a Management Survey, however when we are undertaking specific works, for example a kitchen upgrade, we will instruct a specialist consultant to undertake an intrusive Refurbishment and Demolition Survey.

When suspected materials are confirmed to contain asbestos following lab sampling, we assess risk to determine the next steps. When asbestos is found to be maintained in good condition and within areas it is unlikely to be disturbed, we will not normally remove it.

Where asbestos is found to be in poor condition, or in a location that is likely to be regularly disturbed and release fibres into the air, we will review the available options to determine how this will be rectified. This may include encapsulation (repair by sealing or enclosing) or removal. When asbestos is removed, this will be undertaken by a competent (and where required licensed) contractor.

What can I do as a tenant to minimise the risks from asbestos?
It is important that asbestos is not disturbed, and you must not try to repair or remove any asbestos containing materials yourself. If you are carrying out any basic DIY in your home and suspect that you have come across asbestos, you should stop immediately and contact us.

A wide range of resources are available online to provide further information on asbestos – most notably the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.

You can also email us at compliance@albynhousing.org.uk and a member of the team will get back to you within 3 working days. If you would prefer to speak to us, you can call us on 0300 323 0990 and select option 1 for repairs.

Where asbestos is found to be in poor condition, or in a location that is likely to be regularly disturbed and release fibres into the air, we will review the available options to determine how this will be rectified. This may include encapsulation (repair by sealing or enclosing) or removal. When asbestos is removed, this will be undertaken by a competent (and where required licensed) contractor.