Asbestos safety
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is the name given to a group of fibrous minerals. Although the use of asbestos in building practices was banned in 1999, it is still likely to be present in buildings that have been built or refurbished before the year 2000.
Why is it dangerous?
Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) that are in good condition are unlikely to cause any harm. However, if it’s disturbed or damaged it can release microscopic fibres. If these fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious damage to your lungs and can cause cancer, asbestosis and pleural disorders.
Responsibilities
Our responsibilities
We have a legal responsibility to carry out appropriate asbestos surveys in properties built before the year 2000 before we carry out any general maintenance, structural work or demolition, under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
We are also responsible for carrying out surveys and re-inspections in communal areas of properties we manage that were built before the year 2000.
We hold Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) information for most of our homes in an asbestos register. We continue to update the register when we carry out new surveys.
If we come across asbestos that is damaged when carrying out surveys, we will arrange for it to be removed, enclosed or encapsulated.
Energy meter backboards are owned by your energy supplier. They are responsible for managing and maintaining them.
Tenant's responsibilities
You must get our written permission before you carry out improvements or alterations in your home. We will let you know if there is any potential risk as part of the process.
You are responsible for arranging and paying for a Refurbishment and Demolition survey before any work is carried out in your property that you have arranged. You must inform the contractors carrying out the work of any ACM present to make sure no asbestos is disturbed while the work takes place.
We strongly recommend you use a competent surveyor to carry out your survey, and competent contractors to carry out any work.
If we have arranged the work, we will arrange the survey. If we need to carry out work in your property, you must allow us access to carry out the survey.
Leaseholder's responsibilities
As a leaseholder, you are responsible for making sure appropriate asbestos surveys take place before any work is carried out in your property.
Subletting your property 
If you sublet your property, you become a private landlord, meaning you must comply with your legal responsibilities.
Asbestos surveys
What is an asbestos survey?
There are two different types of surveys used to locate and assess the risk of Asbestos-containing materials (ACM):
- Management survey
- Refurbishment and demolition survey
Management survey
This survey assesses the risk and locate any ACM that may cause when carrying out everyday activities, carrying out general maintenance or installing new equipment.
We will carry out management surveys all empty properties built before the year 2000 and before we carry out general maintenance.
Refurbishment and Demolition survey
This survey aims to locate all ACM present in your home so it can be removed.
This survey is completed before any structural work or demolition of a property takes place.
We will only complete this survey if any structural work or demolition work is required.
If you have arranged for any maintenance or equipment to be installed yourself, you are responsible for arranging a survey.
What you can do to stay safe
Contact us before you carry out any work to your home. You must get our written permission before you carry out improvements or alterations in your home. We will let you know if there is any potential risk as part of the process.
Do not disturb any asbestos containing materials. That includes drilling, cutting, sanding, scraping or even moving it.
You will be given a copy of the information we hold on our asbestos register relating to your property before you move into your home. You can also request a copy of the information we hold on your property at any time.
Any asbestos information provided by Derby Homes should be used for information purposes only. You must arrange a new survey before any work is carried out to the property.
If you are concerned about asbestos in your property, contact us.