Asbestos Safety

Asbestos is a strong, durable, non-inflammable fibre widely used for reinforcing many materials in buildings prior to 1999. It was also a good insulator, so it was used extensively to protect building structures from fire and excessive heat. Because of its many uses, materials containing asbestos can be found in all types of buildings, especially those built between 1950 and 1999 and was widely used in the construction and refurbishment of homes.

Where asbestos remains mixed, bound or sealed with other materials and not disturbed it does not pose a safety risk. If asbestos is disturbed and fibres released, serious health risks can arise in the long term from breathing in air containing asbestos fibres.

What CHA is doing to keep you safe:

·       We carry out surveys of communal areas in blocks to identify, monitor and maintain asbestos in these areas.

·       Where major works are required we assess the asbestos information we have for the property and where required carry out a further asbestos survey to ensure as far as possible asbestos is identified and taken into account when planning.

·       Where day to day repairs are required we provide CHA operatives and Contractors with the associated asbestos information for that property.

·       We ensure our Operatives and Contractors undertake regular asbestos awareness training to identify issues on site.

·       We maintain a register of all asbestos identified and assumed and where removals have taken place to ensure the effective management and monitoring of the asbestos safety process.

·       If your home is known to have, or is at risk of having asbestos, we will let you know, and will tell you what you need to do to either ensure asbestos is not disturbed, or have it removed.

·       Asbestos testing, removal and repair work is carried out by an appropriate qualified/certified contractor.

What you can do to keep yourself safe:

Contact us before undertaking DIY work which would disturb the fabric of the building. Standard decorative work, such as scraping wallpaper or painting, is perfectly safe.

You must however call us in advance of carrying out any work if you plan to:

·       Remove, sand, drill or scrape any artex coatings to surfaces.

·       Drill (other than minor work, for example to put up a picture frame or a hook).

If you think you many have found asbestos in your home, you should:

·       Report the matter to us without delay by telephoning 0141 771 7722

·       Make sure that the material is not disturbed