HHSRS Hazard 4 - Asbestos

Hazard 4 - Asbestos

This hazard covers the presence of, and exposure to, asbestos fibres and manufactured mineral fibres (MMF) within dwellings.

Asbestos is a natural mineral fibre, which is a particularly effective fire resistant, insulation material. There are three main types of asbestos, chrysotile (white asbestos), and the amphibole forms crocidolite (blue asbestos) and amosite (brown asbestos).

The health risks from asbestos exposure are associated with inhalation. Risks from ingestion and skin contact are minimal.

Vulnerable Group: All ages

Defects & Justifications

• Date of construction - housing, particularly flats, built between 1946 and 1979 or between 1920 and 1945.
• Presence of asbestos - particularly in accessible positions.
• Unsealed asbestos - unsealed asbestos based materials.
• Unlabelled asbestos - unlabelled asbestos based materials.
• Disrepair - damage or disrepair to asbestos based material.
• Presence of MMF - in accessible positions.

Index of HHSRS Hazards