Havant Borough Council

Domestic Premises

 

Environmental Health is frequently contacted by householders requesting advice on the presence of asbestos materials in their homes. Building materials containing asbestos were widely used until the 1980s. Since 1976 British manufacturers have put labels on products that contain asbestos.

 

 

Contact:

Telephone: (023) 9244 6010

E-mail: customer.services@havant.gov.uk

 

 

Asbestos is a fibrous material that can be woven into an incombustible cloth. Building materials containing asbestos were widely used until the 1980s. Since 1976 British manufacturers have put labels on products that contain asbestos.

 

 

If asbestos is found in the home it may only pose a problem if it is in poor condition, i.e. friable or flaking, or if it is damaged or disturbed.

 

 

Indoors, asbestos cement should be sealed by painting it with an alkali-resistant paint such as PVA emulsion, or primed with alkali-resistant primer and then covered with normal undercoat and gloss paint. The surfaces should not be sanded before painting.

 

 

If asbestos is found in the home it may only pose a problem if it is in poor condition, i.e. friable or flaking in this case, only a licensed contractor should remove the material. Builders and plumbers carrying out household alterations should not remove asbestos unless they are licensed to do so. Also, do not attempt to remove asbestos lagging, spray coatings or large areas of insulation board yourself, as these materials can only be removed by a licensed contractor. Asbestos will pose a risk to health if it is drilled, sawn or sanded. The general rule for items containing asbestos is: if it is undamaged, leave it alone.

Further information about asbestos in domestic premises can be obtained from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on 08701 545500. Also, the section "Asbestos removal" in Yellow Pages will give contact details of asbestos contractors, but ensure they are listed as "Licensed Contractors".

 

 

Try to avoid undertaking any work involving asbestos materials. However, if it is really necessary, take the following precautions:

 

 

 

Asbestos waste must not be placed in the dustbin as refuse vehicles often grind collected waste and fibres could be released into the air. Household asbestos waste can be taken to the Portsmouth Recycling Centre, Civic Amenities Site, Southampton Road, Paulsgrove; telephone (023) 9221 9819. It is advisable to contact them first to ensure their facilities are not full. All waste must be double-bagged, sealed and labelled as Asbestos waste. Large items may need to be damped and wrapped in 1000-gauge polythene sheeting, sealed with heavy-duty sticky tape and labelled.

 

 

At present, Havant Borough Council is not licensed to remove asbestos waste and no HBC Amenity Sites accept asbestos waste.