Asbestos checks – what we need to do
Before you move into your home, we make sure that the property is surveyed for asbestos.
Our specialist asbestos surveyors and inspection team will assess your home periodically, taking into account location, type and condition of any asbestos containing material. Following assessment, you will be made aware if any evidence of asbestos is found, provided with a written report and advice on how to stay safe.
Most asbestos products in the home are very low risk and can be monitored and left in place.
Any high-risk asbestos products will be removed, repaired or enclosed to make them safe.
We keep a register detailing exactly where asbestos has been found, and its type and current condition.
We’ll re-inspect the condition of any asbestos items as part of our regular checks for your safety. We may arrange to further inspect your home if we’re carrying out any major or intrusive works for example fitting a new kitchen or bathroom.
Your asbestos report
A copy of the asbestos information for your property will be given to you when you sign up for your property but if you need another copy, we can e-mail or post to you on request.
Why asbestos safety matters
Asbestos is an additive used in insulation and fire-resistant materials that was widely used in the building trade until the end of the last century.
Left undisturbed these materials are very safe. It’s only when they are disturbed or damaged and fibres and dust are released that problems can occur because breathing this in can be harmful.
The fibres or dust released when asbestos is damaged or disturbed can cause serious lung diseases. The symptoms of these diseases might not appear for up to 30 years after exposure to asbestos, so it’s vital to protect yourself today.
What we do
Torus need our safety inspections to be as thorough as possible to provide piece of mind to you, your family and anyone who needs to carry out any building or repair work in your home.
We’ll need to perform safety condition checks on certain materials at regular intervals, this can be between one and five years depending on the risks. We will also need to carry out a more detailed check before we do any work if you are due to have a specific property upgrade such as a new kitchen, or bathroom.
During an inspection we will
- Inspection surveys usually take around one to two hours depending on the size and construction of your home.
- No mess or risks are created during the survey.
- During surveying and sampling you may be asked to leave the room if a sample is needed to be taken. This is nothing to worry about. No dust is released during the sample process.
- For clarity in our reports, we will need to take some discreet photos of certain building elements but we always ensure that any personal items are not in the photos.
- The surveyor also makes a plan of the home too, which can further illustrate the locations they have inspected. We will need to gain entry into lofts, as well as all internal and external sheds, storerooms and service cupboards. Your assistance to access these areas is crucial to maintaining up-to-date information so please help out as much as you can.
We will always write to you ahead of the date of asbestos check. So, if your appointment isn’t convenient you have plenty of time to let us know and rebook for a time that suits you better. To rebook your asbestos appointment, you can:
- Email info@torus.co.uk
- Call us on 0800 678 1894
Please try to let us know ahead of the date of your original appointment so that we don’t turn up as planned.
Allowing access to your home: It’s a condition of your tenancy agreement to allow access for these checks. If you don’t allow our surveyor into your home to carry out your safety check, you may be putting your life and those of your family and neighbours at risk. As a result, we can take legal action to make you comply.
What do you need to do?
Keeping you and your family safe is a priority for us.
You must always ask permission before doing any DIY in your home please check with us before drilling or sanding any surface or removing floor tiles.
Allow us access to your home to perform routine inspections to items which we need to risk monitor.
If you have any questions or concerns about the visit or need any advice or support please call us and we will do our best to help.
Asbestos safety advice and FAQs
Useful tips and information to keep you and your family safe.
What should I do if you find asbestos in my home?
You may be alarmed because you’ve probably heard stories about asbestos but please don’t panic.
What to do
- If the asbestos is in good condition leave it alone.
- If the asbestos gets damaged let us know ASAP.
- If you are thinking about doing some DIY let us know what and where, we may need to come out and do further inspections or sampling.
What not to do
- Don’t start any DIY projects without contacting us first.
- Basic painting and decorating are fine, but be careful not to damage any textured coatings e.g. Artex.
- Never drill, sand, scrape or strip areas that may contain asbestos.
- Avoid fitting shelving (drilling and screwing) in cupboards unless you know there’s no asbestos in them.
- Never remove walls, saw holes into ceilings or sand Artex coatings.
What we will do
- If you think you have asbestos and your property hasn't already been surveyed, we’ll arrange a professional asbestos survey. If asbestos is found, we will:
- Remove or make safe any high-risk materials.
- Manage and monitor certain low and medium risk materials.
- Perform regular safety inspections to check the condition of certain materials containing asbestos.
- Ensure adequate asbestos information is in place before we do any destructive planned work such as re-fitting and fitting out wetrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, roofs and other major work which significantly affects the structure of your home.
- We will also ensure that all our repair workers and contractors are asbestos awareness trained and know what to do if they come across suspect items during their day-to-day work.
- If suspect your home may contain asbestos, phone Torus Customer Hub on 0800 678 1894 for advice, even if you’re not sure. Our trained staff or approved asbestos consultants will come and make sure that your home is safe.
- If you don’t know for certain if something contains asbestos, it’s safer to presume it does.
Asbestos is not used in construction today but was used as a building material from the 1950s until 1999, so any building constructed or refurbished before 2000 could contain it. It was mainly used for insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos in good condition is not a hazard.
Loft and cavity wall insulation don’t normally contain asbestos. Asbestos fibres were typically mixed into cement, plaster and other materials. As a result, asbestos is often found in:
- insulation board
- gutters, rainwater pipes, water tanks, garages or shed roofing sheets
- textured coatings, such as ceiling finishes
- floor tiles and textiles
- sprayed coatings on ceilings, walls and beams for fire protection
- pipe lagging.
Please phone Torus Customer Hub on 0800 678 1894 and we can tell you if there is any asbestos in your home or arrange for a survey to check for it.
Remember, you need permission from us before carrying out any improvements or alterations to your home.