Asbestos Surveys

South Lakes Housing has decided to survey all the properties we own or manage. We currently have roughly 1000 properties still to complete surveys on.

Lucion Environmental Ltd are our partners and are carrying out the survey on our behalf, they will ring you to make an appointment and advise you of the PPE precautions they will be taking to complete the survey. The reason for the survey is to identify if there is any asbestos in your home and if it presents any risk and to advise you of the appropriate action which we need to take. We would be grateful if you would co-operate when contacted if an inspection is required in your home. You should not give access to the surveyor unless they have shown you their identification.

We have a legal obligation to survey properties before any works, and we may be unable to carry out any repair or improvement work to your home until a survey has been completed.

The reason this survey is important is that it will assist you as the tenant to know if and where any asbestos is located, should you wish to decorate or do improvements. The report will also assist SLH when we are asked to complete repairs on your home. You may have had a report done in the past, it is best practice to do a Management Survey every 5 years.

Please allow access for Lucion to complete the survey and secondly please make sure your contact details are up to date so we can email the report to you by checking your details on My Account https://myaccount.southlakeshousing.co.uk/Portal/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fPortal%2f

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is the name given to six natural minerals that have been used as insulation, reinforcement of building materials and fire protection. It is not unusual to find asbestos in homes as it was used extensively in the building industry until 1999. We understand that you may be worried about asbestos and its possible dangers. When properly managed, asbestos does not pose a risk to health.

Where might asbestos be in your home?

Asbestos may have been used in a number of parts of the property such as:

  • slates;
  • felt for roofs;
  • decorative coatings to ceilings;
  • bath panels;
  • parts of boilers;
  • gutters and downpipes;
  • fire doors; and door frames;
  • floor tiles;
  • roof space insulation and tank supports.

Generally, asbestos is only a risk if you disturb or damage it and cause fibres to be released into the air. If asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are in good condition and in a position where they are not going to be disturbed or damaged, then it is safer to leave them where they are and ensure that the risks are managed. The greatest risk arises when ACMs are sawn, drilled, sanded or scrubbed. Asbestos fibres released during these activities cannot be seen with the naked eye. DIY work can result in brief but high levels of exposure to asbestos. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos, so you should not attempt to saw, drill or sand any walls, ceilings or floors in your home.

If you have any concerns about asbestos in your home or need further advice please contact us on 0300 303 8540 or email: customerservices@southlakeshousing.co.uk

 

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