Asbestos floor tiles crumbling

jax1701

Hi.

I moved into a HA property less than 2 weeks ago. The floor is asbestos tiling throughout the property.

Due to my wheelchair usage, it seems as though some of the asbestos is struggling as I have several tiles that are now coming off the floor. Some are detached completely and crumbling and shattering.

I am concerned more for my dog than me. I have several health conditions as it is, but being closer to the floor I worry for my dog.

I have let the HA know, and they still haven't decided who is responsible for dealing with it, nor whether it poses a health risk.

It has been a week since someone inspected and I am told that they will seal it up, but no idea when it will actually happen.

Whilst they are deciding this, the tiles continue to detach and break up. What do I do, other than keep reporting it? Seems to be no urgency with the HA.

user1977

Asbestos-related conditions can take decades to become apparent in humans, I doubt it's likely to trouble a dog within their normal lifespan.

But in relation to escalating it, have you started the HA's complaints process?

jax1701

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81884283#Comment_81884283

Not started a complaint yet. I thought give them time, my main issue was the health risk to be honest.

The HA are eventually going to fix it, so I am pretty confident it will be done, I was more concerned regarding the potential impacts it could have. I understand it's low level as well, but can't be too careful with Asbestos.

I just rang them again and they have sent through to the Asbestos team my report and they will get back to me Monday I guess. It wasn't crumbling when they saw it, it's only started happening this past week. Possibly down to the cold and the property being empty and unheated for the past 7 months, as all the doorframes were warped and coming off the walls.

If still nothing COB Monday I will raise a formal complaint.

Tyvm

Jemma01

I'm surprised they haven't tried to seal the area until they have a decision. Do you have a copy of the risk assessment?

How long did it take for you to report it? (You should mention how long the exposure to broken tiles have been in a complaint letter, and that you're a wheelchair user with pre-existing health conditions. I'm hoping everything you have is in writing. Also take pictures for the dates. Ask them for immediate temporary seal, actual dates for permanent repairs, and the risk assessment (it should mention important details about the type of asbestos and the risk of short term exposure). If they don't respond in what you feel is a timely manner, I'd contact my council.

The dog is def closer to the floor and more likely to sniff it out.

Meanwhile, any areas of broken tiles that you can avoid? Do you have anything heavy/think that can be put on top that won't put you at risk if you step over it?

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81884283#Comment_81884283

One source has the average age of diagnosis for mesothelioma for dogs as 7.8 years, with the most common diagnosis age ranging from 4 to 13 years.

It sounds as unpleasant in dogs as it does in humans.

If the tiles really do contain asbestos (have they been tested?) I would be pushing the HA for a rapid resolution, and making use of their complaints process until they do.

fullyrendered

Some clarity on the asbestos containing materials would help us understand the urgency and risk.

Is it actually non asbestos floor tiles originally laid with an asbestos containing cement?

You should be able to get a copy of the asbestos report for your home. It's a pretty standard document for HA homes.

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81884405#Comment_81884405

Although the asbestos issue is important, if the tiles are breaking up and lifting then they also represent a potential trip hazard. So there should be some urgency about dealing with the issue, regardless.

Bigphil1474

OP, I think I'd be focussing on whether these tiles are asbestos containing or not. It would be unusual to find uncovered asbestos tiles in a rented property these days (obviously it can happen), but where I work, they would be moved when the property becomes what they call a void property - i.e. unoccupied and due any refurbishments. The building services staff don't want asbestos materials in there any more than the tenants do. Depends on the HA of course.