Do The Council Remove Asbestos From Your Own House In Sussex?

Introduction

Asbestos is a dangerous material that appears in many homes in Sussex. It was widely used in building materials due to its heat-resistant and fire-retardant properties. However, it poses a threat to health and can cause cancer and other lung diseases. It is important to understand the risks of asbestos and how to deal with it safely.

If you are a homeowner or a tenant in Sussex, you may wonder whether the council is responsible for removing asbestos from your property. In this article, we will explore this issue and provide guidance on how to manage asbestos in your own house. We are Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, a specialist asbestos removal company serving the area. Our aim is to help raise awareness of asbestos risks and support homeowners and tenants in dealing with this material safely and affordably.

Asbestos - What is it?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the UK construction industry from the 1950s to the mid-1980s. It can appear in various building materials, including insulation boards, pipe lagging, cement products, and textured coatings. When these materials are disturbed or damaged, asbestos fibers can be released into the air and inhaled, causing lung diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, but it remains present in many older buildings. The risk of asbestos exposure increases if a person carries out DIY work, such as drilling or cutting into walls, or if asbestos-containing materials are damaged or worn out due to age or other factors.

Visit our page for help

If you suspect that your property may contain asbestos, it is essential to seek professional help. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a trusted, local asbestos removal company that can provide comprehensive guidance and services. We can help you identify asbestos-containing materials, assess the risks, and remove them safely and affordably. Our website is www.affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk, and you can reach us by phone at 01273 978238 or by email at [email protected].

Is the Council Responsible for Asbestos Removal?

The council is responsible for managing asbestos in its own properties, such as council houses, schools, and public buildings. However, it is not responsible for asbestos in private properties, including owner-occupied houses, privately rented houses, and flats. As a homeowner or a tenant, you are responsible for managing asbestos on your own property.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 sets out legal requirements for managing asbestos in non-domestic properties, but there are no specific regulations for domestic properties. Therefore, it is up to the homeowner or tenant to ensure that asbestos-containing materials are managed safely and appropriately.

Responsible for the Asbestos in your Property

If your home was built before 2000, there is a chance that it contains asbestos. As a homeowner or a tenant, you have a responsibility to manage the risks of asbestos exposure in your property. This means you should:

• Identify whether there is asbestos in your property and where it is located.
• Assess the condition of any asbestos-containing materials and determine whether they need to be repaired, removed, or left in place.
• Keep a record of any asbestos-containing materials in your property and their condition.
• Inform anyone who may come into contact with asbestos, such as builders or maintenance workers.
• Take appropriate safety precautions when carrying out DIY work or repairs that may disturb asbestos-containing materials.

Use safety equipment

If you need to perform work that may disturb asbestos-containing materials, you should take appropriate safety precautions. This includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a respirator mask, gloves, and disposable coveralls. You should also use dust suppression techniques and clean up any debris immediately.

Contact a Managing Agent or Landlord

If you are a tenant, you should notify your managing agent or landlord if you suspect that your property may contain asbestos. It is their responsibility to manage any asbestos-containing materials in the property and ensure that the risks are minimized. The landlord or managing agent should carry out regular checks on the property and keep records of any asbestos-containing materials.

Materials can be assessed and repaired

If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, they can be left in place and managed safely. However, if the materials are damaged or worn out, they should be repaired or removed as soon as possible. It is important to engage a specialist asbestos removal company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex to assess the materials and provide advice on whether repairs or removal are necessary.

Materials must be cleared

If you need to remove asbestos-containing materials, it is essential to do so safely and in accordance with legal requirements. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex can provide a range of removal options, from encapsulation to complete removal, depending on the situation. We are licensed and experienced in handling asbestos-containing materials and can ensure that the premises are left clear of asbestos.

Safety and Nuisance

Asbestos can be a nuisance to health and safety, as well as to the environment. Therefore, it is essential to dispose of asbestos-containing materials in accordance with the law. Asbestos waste is classified as hazardous waste and must be disposed of at licensed waste disposal sites. You should never dispose of asbestos in household waste, recycling centers, or DIY waste.

What if I would like to see the asbestos?

If you suspect that your property may contain asbestos and would like to see it, it is essential to do so safely. You should engage a specialist asbestos removal company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex to carry out a survey and take samples if necessary. You should never disturb or damage asbestos-containing materials, as this can release fibers into the air and cause health risks.

DIY Asbestos removal or waste recycling centres

DIY asbestos removal is not recommended as it can be dangerous and illegal. You should always engage a specialist asbestos removal company to remove or manage asbestos-containing materials in your property. Household waste recycling centers are not licensed to accept asbestos waste, and disposing of asbestos in these places can result in legal action and fines.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a dangerous material that can cause serious lung diseases. As a homeowner or a tenant in Sussex, it is essential to manage asbestos-containing materials safely and appropriately. The council is not responsible for asbestos in private properties, so it is up to you to ensure that the risks are minimized. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a specialist asbestos removal company that can provide comprehensive guidance and services on asbestos management. Contact us on 01273 978238 or at [email protected] for more information on our services.