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This
section gives information about Asbestos, where it may be found in your
home, and what the Co-operative does to manage it. Full details can be
obtained from our offices in
Aberdeen
and Peterhead.
Questions
& Answers |
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Q.
What is Asbestos? |
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A.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre which was mined
in worldwide locations. There were three main types which were used
extensively within building materials in the
UK
between 1950~80s. The different types are Crocidolite (known as blue
asbestos) Grunerite/Amosite (known as brown asbestos), and Chysotile
(known as white asbestos). |
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Q.
Why is Asbestos dangerous?
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A.
Asbestos is only a risk to health if asbestos fibres are released into
the air and inhaled. If the fibres are inhaled, they lodge themselves
into lung tissue. The body’s defences cannot break them down, they
work their way deeper into the lungs and can cause disease, usually
Asbestosis, Mesothelioma or Lung Cancer. All
the diseases are potentially fatal and almost always incurable.
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Q.
Where is it likely to be in my home?
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A.
Blue and Brown Asbestos were banned in 1985, white in 1999. So if
you home was build after 1999 it won’t have any. In homes built before
this it could be in;
·
Textured ceilings
·
Insulation in storage heaters and around
older gas boilers.
·
Asbestos cement boards. Like garages, roof
trims, gutters, etc.
·
Vinyl and thermoplastic floor tiles
·
Suspended ceiling tiles.
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Q.
What is the Co-operative doing about Asbestos?
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A.
The Co-operative (and all Employers and building owners) is
obliged by law to protect their employees, the building occupants and
tenants from being exposed to asbestos whilst working, visiting or
living on the premises. We have a record of where Asbestos might be in
your home. If we assess that it poses any risk to you, we will remove it
as soon as it is practicable. We will also tell our Contractors of the
potential risk if they are working on or near the area.
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Q.
Why don’t you just remove it?
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A.
The vast majority of Asbestos in our properties is in Asbestos
Cement Boards, generally on roofs, it is relatively safe and poses
little risk. However, because of its location it would be very expensive
to remove it now. We will remove it if we work on the area. This is
normal practice.
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Q.
I’m worried that there may be unsafe Asbestos in my home, what should
I do?
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A.
Contact us initially. We will come and look at the item and
advise you what we will do. If you are unhappy with our actions you
should contact the local council.
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Q.
Can I get other information?
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A.
Look at www.stop-think-asbestos.co.uk
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