Asbestos safety

The use of asbestos in construction is now illegal but it may still be present in properties that were built prior to 1999.

The three most common forms of asbestos are:

• Crocidolite ('blue asbestos')
• Amosite ('brown asbestos')
• Chrysotile ('white asbest

If your property does have asbestos, or you are unsure, we will arrange for a specialist contractor to carry out a survey and report back on any risks and action required.

We follow the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Guidance which is to leave asbestos that is in good condition in situ and to ensure the safe, compliant, removal of any asbestos which is not.

Asbestos-containing materials, which were typically used for roofing and infill works, are not a risk if they are in good condition and left undisturbed.

We have a responsibility to manage asbestos materials in our properties and we carry out surveys of our buildings, and record and monitor materials in accordance with our maintenance planning. We use only accredited asbestos specialists.

If you are in any doubt about having, or the condition of, asbestos materials in your property, please contact us immediately.

Never disturb, try to remove, paint, or maintain asbestos material products. This must always be done by an accredited asbestos specialist, and we will arrange this.

We use contractors approved by Blackpool council to remove material that contains asbestos, please contact a specialist asbestos-removal contractor who is licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

For further information, help or advice relating to asbestos please contact your local authority, the Health and Safety Executive on 0845 345 0055, or visit The Environment Agency.