Asbestos is a natural mineral made of small fibres. It is resistant to heat and chemicals and may have been used in some homes for heat and sound insulation.

It isn’t always dangerous, as long as it is in good condition and not disturbed. If disturbed, it can result in high levels of exposure, where fibres are released in to the air and breathed into the lungs. This is when health problems occur.

Greenfields ensure that inspections to find Asbestos are carried out in your home. Any evidence of asbestos will be held on record and checked before the start of any works at your home, to help us avoid disturbing asbestos materials.

General Asbestos Guidance

• Do not drill, cut or disturb asbestos.
• Do not scrape or sand asbestos materials before painting and decorating (consider covering over existing decoration rather than attempting to remove them).
• Do not attempt to work on sprayed asbestos, lagging or insulating board, because a licensed asbestos removal contractor must undertake this work. If in doubt seek advice.
• Do not attempt to work on any type of asbestos material yourself. We recommend that you engage a licensed asbestos contractor to safely dismantle, clear and dispose of the Asbestos materials.  
• Do not put asbestos waste in the dustbin.
• Do not use a domestic vacuum cleaner to clean up. They spread fibres rather than contain them.
• Do not carry asbestos through your house if it can be avoided.
• Do not worry - these simple precautions will help to safeguard yourself and those around you.

To be safe, you should always assume materials around your home are asbestos and not disturb or work on them, unless it is obvious they are not asbestos, for example, a sheet of glass.

To find out more, please contact John Kelly on 01376 535400 or john.Kelly@GreenfieldsCH.org.uk