Your Home

Asbestos in council homes

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which can be found in rocks all over the world. Asbestos fibres are strong, flexible and excellent fire proofing and insulating qualities, due to these qualities asbestos was commonly added to building materials.

Asbestos was commonly used in the construction industry and most homes built between the 1930’s and 1990’s feature some building products with Asbestos containing materials (ACM’s). Asbestos use in the UK was completely banned from 1999. If your home was built after this date, it is very unlikely to contain asbestos.

You can’t tell a material contains asbestos with the naked eye which is why samples are examined under a microscope at a laboratory.

Asbestos containing materials are generally safe if the material is not damaged, and the fibres aren’t disturbed. It is sometimes safer to leave the material in place than remove it. The risk from asbestos occurs when the material becomes damaged or disturbed and asbestos fibres become airborne.

We are committed to ensuring that asbestos containing materials are removed, managed and monitored where appropriate within our council homes. Where we are aware there is asbestos we will record this on our asbestos register and we will also ensure that all of our HRS operatives and contractors working on your home have suitable training and information to work safely.

If you want to know more about asbestos and where it may be within your home please read the Asbestos Awareness in your home leaflet.

As a tenant your cooperation is important, to prevent exposure to asbestos from any asbestos containing materials.

  • Be aware of where asbestos might be in your home.
  • Seek permission before starting any DIY or home improvements.
  • Do not disturb materials that may contain asbestos.
  • Report any damage to suspected asbestos materials immediately.
  • Never attempt to clean or repair asbestos yourself.

If you would like to request a copy of the asbestos survey for your council property, please contact the Safety Assurance Team on 01522 873450 or email asbestos@lincoln.gov.uk. If your council property does not have an asbestos survey, one can be arranged with you.

Please DO NOT handle, remove or dispose of any asbestos containing material yourself. If you have concerns about asbestos within your home you should complete our online form or call us on 01522 873333.