Asbestos Factsheet

Asbestos was used extensively as a building material in Great Britain from the 1950s through to the mid 1980s as it was ideal for fireproofing and insulating.

Some of areas in your home where you may find asbestos include:

• eaves gutters and rainwater fall pipes
• fire blankets
• garage and shed roofs
• linings for walls, ceilings and doors
• insulation panels in some storage heaters
• bath panels
• central heating flues
• loose asbestos packing between floors and in partition walls
• floor tiles

It is important to have a survey undertaken at the property as your surveyor will be able to identify areas with asbestos in. Asbestos is safe if it is left in a good condition, untouched. However, if the area has started to become damaged or peeling away, you should instruct a qualified asbestos remover to remove all asbestos from this area.

ARCA (Asbestos Removal Contractors Association) has been in operation for over 30 years providing asbestos training and representing the interests of asbestos removal contractors and associated asbestos businesses throughout the UK. To find a qualified asbestos remover, visit their website on www.arca.org.uk, or contact them on 01283 531126.