Asbestos

[lou 26]

I have recently moved home and someone who came to do some work at my house noticed a sheet of asbestos in the meter cupboard (which is in the lounge). i reported it straight away to my landlord, who said they would get someone out to inspect it properly but said that it would be within the next 2 months and wouldnt give me an exact date. I obviously havent touched it but did look in the cupboard at this sheet of asbestos and it is breaking up along the top, although it hasnt been touched since ive been in the property. I have a 3 yr old daughter so i am becoming increasingly concerned about it. Does anyone know if this should have been removed before I took the tenancy? and should I be too worried about it or will it be safe enough as long as its not touched? any advice would be most appreciated.

[lady_p_gold]

I would not risk it for a second. It should definitely have been moved and I would not pull any punches regarding it. I would phone the landlord again and say that you want it to be removed at once by approved absbestos removers and if he does not comply then I would call my Environmental Health department of the Council for advice. Did you rent it through an agent, if so I would be speaking to them too.

[Golden Shred]

So long as it is not touched there is nothing whatsoever to worry about. If the top edge is breaking up, stick something like wide parcel tape along it to hold it together. Do not allow workmen to cut it or drill holes in it. Other than that you could forget it. But I understand how these things prey on one's mind, particularly as your landlord is a bit dilatory. If you still feel uneasy, therefore, telephone your local Environmental Health officer who will come and inspect. If he sees a danger he will issue an appropriate notice that your landlord will not ignore.

[Golden Shred]

The first answer appeared without my seeing it whilst I was typing my reply. I have owned a construction company for many years, am professionally qualified in the construction industry and have worked with asbestos for many decades. The hysteria of the first answer is totally wrong. You and your daughter are in no danger whatsoever, none at all. Just have regard to my first answer, if it puts your mind at rest then call in your Environmental Health Officer by all means, but you can live there quite happily and sleep peacefully at night, neither of you are at the slightest risk of asbestiosis..

[raysparx]

Quite agree with Golden Shred t.here is no need for panic we in the building trade are coming across this constantly it won't jump out and grab you so don't worry to much

[BillyBB]

If the electric meter is mounted on this board then it could be quite a hassle to remove it properly. The asbestos will still be your landlords responsibility but you may have to have your electricity disconnected before the board can be taken down, then have them reconnect you at a later date. Fun, fun, fun.

[lady_p_gold]

Ok with hindsight probably a little over reaction there from me but I know how I would feel if I had a small child of that age ! However I am a great believer in listening to experts and so I bow to their superior knowledge. After all there used to be chunks of it on the end of ironing boards .........

[stanleyman]

My wife is a Health and Safety consultant. She said that provided the asbestos is undisturbed, two months would be reasonable for the landlord to deal with it. However, if it is damaged and breaking up then you should advise the landlord of that and ask him to get an asbestos contractor to assess the condition as soon as possible.

[buildersmate]

This sort of asbestos was integrated with cement into fireproof panels and other shapes (gutterings, downpipes). So the asbestos fibres don't go anywhere unless poked about (technical term), which is why they are often left insitu - its safer. Its the loose and flaky stuff used to insulate pipes in days gone by that causes more of a problem.

[Golden Shred]

Of course it may not necessarily be asbestos. Over the past thirty years or more many types of asbestos substitute boards have been marketed, many of which on the face of it look like asbestos and it is not until you actually have a piece in your hands that you can tell the difference.

[lou 26]

Thank you very much for all your replies. I did email our local environmental health office last night and thought they would be in touch but ive heard nothing!!!! But I havent pushed it today as your replies have put my mind at ease, for the time being anyway, lol. I was advised to seal round the doors of the meter cupboard until they come to inspect it properly which seems like a good idea to me, so they may be the route i have to take for a while.

BillyBB, lol, No the electric meter isnt on the asbestos. the asbestos is on the inside of an outside wall if you get my drift, but no meters are on it..

Thanks again for all your replies. xxx