Dealing with asbestos
Asbestos was used in a large range of building materials until it was banned in 1999. As long as it remains undamaged and undisturbed, it is safe.
If asbestos is disturbed, it can release fibres into the air. That’s why we carry out asbestos surveys before any refurbishment or building work is carried out in your home, so you must allow us access to do this. If the survey shows that we need to remove any asbestos, you can be sure that it will be done in a safe and controlled way. We have our own highly skilled asbestos removal teams who will come and take care of everything, giving you peace of mind.
Asbestos is dangerous if it’s drilled into, broken, cut or mishandled. So, if you’re planning any DIY work or employing a company to carry out any home improvements, contact us first on 0345 065 5656; this kind of thing really is best left to the experts.
Your safety is our priority. If you have any questions or concerns about asbestos in your home, please contact us. We’re here to help and ensure your home remains a safe and comfortable place to live.
For more information about asbestos and where it’s commonly found, visit the HSE website and read our frequently asked questions at the bottom of this webpage.
Ensuring safe homes with our asbestos surveying partnerships
We’ve partnered with three trusted contractors – The Testing Lab, Franks Portlock, and Environtec– to carry out asbestos surveys across our housing stock. This proactive step supports our commitment to safe, healthy homes and ensures compliance with national safety standards.
These contractors will contact you directly if they need to organise work at your home, please read more about each of them below.
The Testing Lab PLC (TTL) is a long standing supplier of both Asbestos Services and Legionella Water Management services to The UK’s Social Housing Provider market. We have been appointed as a trusted supplier and when we visit your home we will attend in a sign written vehicle. Our trades people will be polite, invariably wearing a TTL uniform they will always respect you, your property and others who may be present at the time. TTL is proud to be associated and trusted by Beyond Housing.
Franks Portlock Consulting Ltd was established in 2006 and has since grown to become a leading specialist in asbestos, water hygiene and environmental testing services, serving both public and private sectors. Offering UKAS-accredited services such as asbestos surveys, air monitoring, and awareness training for both asbestos and legionella, Franks Portlock is known for its customer-focused approach and commitment to regulatory compliance.
Part of Obsequio Group, Environtec is one of the UK’s best known and most trusted specialists in asbestos, legionella, lead paint and fire safety services. Operating for over 30 years and with branches across England, Scotland and Wales, we’re the partner of choice for blue-chip firms and government departments to NHS trusts, schools and universities.
- What is asbestos and why is it found in homes?
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Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant material that was widely used in building products until the late 1990’s. It may be found in the following locations within your home:
- Textured wall and ceiling coatings
- Pipe boxing’s
- Bath panels
- Toilet seat and cisterns
- Insulating board in lofts and ceilings
- Insulating board to the rear of airing cupboard doors
- Insulation board in the airing cupboard
- The insulating board behind the boiler
- Behind the gas fire
- Roofing felt and roof tiles
- Floor tiles
- Soffits.
- Can asbestos be safe if it’s in my home?
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Yes. If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition they are not harmful. is only dangerous when it is disturbed or damaged, which can release fibres into the air. If inhaled, these fibres can cause serious health issues over time.
Many homes contain asbestos that is safely managed and monitored.
- Who is responsible for managing asbestos safety in my property?
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Although, there is no legal requirement to remove asbestos containing materials (ACMs) if they are in good condition or are not likely to be disturbed, we are committed to reducing the risks posed by ACMs not only to colleagues and contractors but also to customers or others who may be affected, should an ACM be damaged or disturbed.
We also acknowledge that customers should be free from anxiety about the use and condition of materials containing asbestos in their homes.
We have a specific management plan for the control of asbestos. Materials containing asbestos form an integral and important part of many premises and if well managed, they do not present any threat to health.
We plan and maintain a programme of identifying, recording and managing asbestos as part of our management plan. No work commences without assessment of potential exposure of people to asbestos as a result of that work. This is in line with current legislation and guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
- Will I be told if asbestos is found in my home?
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Yes. We will always inform you if asbestos is found and explain what it means for you. We’ll also let you know if any action is needed.
- What should I do if I think there’s asbestos in my home?
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Please don’t try to remove or disturb the material yourself. Get in touch with us and we’ll arrange for a qualified colleague to assess the situation and advise on next steps.
- Can I do DIY work if my home contains asbestos?
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Please speak to us before starting any DIY work. Some materials may contain asbestos, and disturbing them could be dangerous. Our colleagues will be able to advise you on how to proceed safely.
