Originally Posted by Less (Post 970243)

Well, you aren't having any luck, for once I feel quite sorry for you.

If it's of any use you could de-camp yourself to my front room for the duration, guaranteed no abnormal chemicals there, after all you've posted on many occasions that I live like a pig, now's your chance to find out if your statement is true!

:)

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 970245)

I am 'touched' by your generous offer but must decline, because household dust gives me rhinitis - thanks anyway:D

Originally Posted by Less (Post 970250)

I'll have you know Madam,there are no dust particles in my sty, erm I mean home, they all stick to the liquified floor!

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 970238)

Hyndburn Homes wasn't me to vacate my flat from 8am to 6pm next Monday.

The flats are having a partial re-roof and new soffits and gutters.

They intend to remove a defunct asbestos flue pipe from the loft during the work.

They say that it will not be possible to remove it skywards through the partially stripped roof, and it will be necessary to construct a tented exit route for it from the loft access in my kitchen cupboard, through the corner of the lounge, down the hall to the only exit door in the stairwell.

This will leave only my bedroom 'unscathed', and will prevent access to the bathroom.
They want me out while it happens - I don't want to go anywhere.

You may already be aware that I call myself a recluse.
You may not be aware why.
What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity? (MCS)
Too often, on trips out I have suffered an alarming attack resembling asthma.
This is due to encountering airborne petrochemicals - exhaust fumes, perfumes, air fresheners etc etc. I can control my level of exposure in my own home but anyone else's home is likely to have some hazards. Supermarket air is loaded with detergent scents. Many shops use air fresheners. Taxis use 'swinging trees'. Pavements are blasted with vehicle exhaust fumes. Even passing a person laden with deodorant can set me off.

I am a recluse because my healthy survival depends on it, and I have grown to like living this way. It is certainly peaceful.:D

They want me out for the day. To me, that is like asking me to run a marathon - mission impossible.

I have told them that I will 'camp out' in my bedroom with my antique chamber pot and brewing up facilities and see no reason why they should object to that.

I pointed out to the builders liaison officer that a few years ago the lower part of that flue pipe (in a tall kitchen cupboard) was sawn through at ceiling level and hand balled out without any stringent precautions.

I do appreciate that asbestos is a dangerous substance. I know a fair bit about it because, for 8 years I managed the maintenance of a government building, and had to go through this 'rigmarole' to have an incinerator flue pipe removed from a ladies toilet.

When it comes to 'exposure risk' I have decided that staying put is less hazardous than moving out.

I know that the pipe is undamaged. The two firms that were sent to take samples from it did not report it 'smashed with a hammer', as today's visitor tried to tell me.:rolleyes: I did discuss asbestos safety with those two 'sampling' contractors.

When undamaged the risk is negligible.
Asbestos
"If the asbestos is in good condition can it be left where it is? It may be safer to treat the asbestos rather than remove it. The structure may be made safe by painting it either with an oil based paint or a dilute solution of UPVC glue"
"Don't carry asbestos through your home if you can avoid it."

Before he left I discussed building regulations with the liaison officer.
It transpires that the unplastered internal walls of this flat are likely to be asbestos board, and not plain plasterboard. So whenever I have drilled to insert a plasterboard plug I have been exposed to risk.

It would be expecting too much for them to rehouse me at their expense in a little bungalow.:rolleyes:
With my health problem, and at my age, that would be traumatic.
So I will tolerate, nay, even enjoy most of the time, living in a jerry built council cave, as long as I am undisturbed.

Rant over.

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 970274)

It is the sign of a truce, not a romance.

Originally Posted by jaysay (Post 970315)

I genuinely feel sorry for you with this,

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 970328)

To ask to use the bed of either of you two gentlemen could easily be misconstrued :D

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 970328)

How lovely to recieve offers from the two people I least expected them from.

I will be safely ensconced in my bedroom with my potty, kettle, radio and a good book. It is only for 10 hours after all, and I will probably need to sleep for 3 of them. To ask to use the bed of either of you two gentlemen could easily be misconstrued :D

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 970342)

I remind you that my potty won 1st prize in photo competition #62 on this site :D

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 971566)

The pound note signs are rolling in my eyes as I type, but I could have done without the hassle of correcting the mess.

Feeling rage does not benefit my fragile medical condition.

I slept very poorly last night in my step-grandson's bed (he is away at UNI)

I feel the need to change my sheets here - they may have even had a nap in my bed - hope they took off their asbestos protection gear first.:eek::mad:

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 971541)

:mad:I am back - at just before 10pm!* and the job will need to be resumed in a few days time( not finished will have to vacate again)

I have returned to a rain damaged flat with central heating not functioning and no loft insulation.

I will give more detail later when I have complied a full list of damage.
I await visit from the out of hours call out repair man to get my heating working again.:mad:

* workmen were leaving as I arrived ! I was not allowed to come home earlier

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington (Post 971652)

Perhaps a letter in the local paper might jolly things up a bit too.

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington (Post 971924)

They might think twice in the future Margaret. Glad you are sorted.
I hope they are doing the deep clean for you...or at least paying for it to be done.

Originally Posted by susie123 (Post 971927)

Well done. I wonder if others had the same experience as you? It will be expensive for Assist if so. Or perhaps the others just put up with it. Hope you get back to normal soon.

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 971931)

I am the only one who had rainwater penetration --- so far

Originally Posted by Less (Post 971940)

Truce over,

I hate the image conjured up of the position you were in for that to happen!

Originally Posted by jaysay (Post 971955)

Glad you have got some sort of satisfaction Margaret, or will have when everything is done and dusted, one thing for sure they're going to be on their toes for the rest of the contract, the boss is calling to see next Monday, think I'll mention your name, that should scare the living daylights out of him:D:D

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 971965)

They don't send out the organ grinders until after the job, and not unless you complain.

The chap you will get is the liaison officer.

He is the one who lied to me saying the flue pipe was smashed( I knew it wasn't) instead of saying what the real (big) problem was - damaged asbestos firestop sheets.:eek: As a ex building trade person you will know how baaaad that is.

If your neighbours are grumbling to you about this work you can now tell them that removal is essential - a defunct flue pipe alone wouldn't have been.

To reduce their dismay, you can add that mine were damaged and emitting fibres - theirs might be undamaged, but they need removal because they will deteriorate over time.

The lady who monitored the air near the water leak carpet damage has returned with the results - 2 fibres detected, but the 'safe' limit is 20.

People who dont get rainwater washing down the fibres into the living space should not expect to have any at all.

Whilst she was here I showed her the large gap around the pipe going up into the loft from my shower installation.

She assured me that my loft has been sealed - where all piping goes into the loft, the space around the pipe has been sealed from above. She has an honest face - I trust her.

When the liason officer calls, explain your past experience with asbestos so that he won't feel the need to lie to you.

I wouldn't have created a fuss like I did if I had known that it was much more than an intact defunct flue pipe.

Originally Posted by jaysay (Post 971971)

In the letter I had pushed through the door it says the call will be between 8am and 3pm, oh no he won't 10am is the earliest they'll get in here and I shall inform them in the morning;)

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 971972)

I told them the same :D but found that my anxiety about getting out had me awake before dawn.

PS- the flue pipe from your ceiling to the defunct boiler went out with that boiler - mine did - and no precautions were used then.

Originally Posted by jaysay (Post 971977)

Ya that's right, and they didn't use any special precautions then, its surprising what you remember with hindsight:rolleyes:

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 971980)

The flue pipes hadn't been tested so they didn't know, and the firm that did it were thicko scousers.

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 971980)

The flue pipes hadn't been tested so they didn't know, and the firm that did it were thicko scousers.

Undamaged flue pipes are very low risk and are usually just coated with PVC glue as a precaution.

Originally Posted by jaysay (Post 971990)

So really I don't think they will trouble me that much Margaret being on the ground floor, well I hope not with the way I am at the minute I've got enough problems breathing never mind asbestos too:eek:

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 971993)

You'll be fine - you don't go out anyway (they wont let you)- and you don't need to open a window(they wont let you), because you have your 'fresh air' supplied by the NHS;)

The noise of the generator will be a nuisance so just turn the volume up on your SKY tv - your upstairs neighbour won't be in to hear it.:D

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 972135)

After that post above, I opened my mail - shock and horror:eek:

I am laughing but I think it is hysteria cutting in.

I have to phone a number supplied to arrange a date for -




wait for it












:eek:An asbestos survey of the whole flat.:eek:

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 972152)

Just had a visit from the liason officer - I don't need to leave at 8am on Tuesday - we have agreed '11am'
....thankful for small mercys

Originally Posted by jaysay (Post 973532)

I had a visit from Mike the liaison officer yesterday, a very nice young friendly chap, an avid reader of Accyweb:D can't foresee any problems when they do get round to my block, being in a downstairs flat, just asked him about the satellite system and he reassured me that there would be no interruption to my service during the work, so I'm quite happy

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 973865)

I knew someone was getting all the luck - enjoy.:rolleyes:
I didn''t get back in my flat until 6pm yesterday.

They are now removing soffit boards today - which happen to be -
...you guessed right......asbestos:eek:.

When I hurt my foot yesterday falling out of bed it has resulted in a purple toe. One of the soffit workers is to call in and sort out my kitchen storeroom today- loft hatch needs putting back, and heavy stuff needs humping back in.

The saga continues but I think it's past its worst.

I haven't arranged the date for the 'whole flat asbestos survey' yet - don't want to think about that - coping with one day at a time now.

Originally Posted by jaysay (Post 973868)

Well you've sure had more that your fair share of the mucky stuff Margaret, lets just hope it is all down hill now, nothing else can go wrong surely, Can It:confused::rolleyes:

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 974309)

Well you did ask:D - yes.

The roofing firm have been installing new soffits since wednesday.
They do a lot of banging but take very long tea breaks, so I even managed two daytime naps yesterday.:)

After they clocked off yesterday our communal tv signal was found defunct.
Men have tested it his morning and the ariel maintenance firm are being called out. This does not bother me since I don't watch TV much, but if it happens to you Jaysay, I imagine you would be rather annoyed.

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 975077)

Just when I thought I was seeing daylight at the end of the tunnel, a new spanner has been thrown into the works.

If I proceed with using the small cleaning firm I arranged, I will not get my expense refunded.
The asbestos removal firm require their invoice to show VAT and the small two person operation that I chose aren't VAT registered.
So I am not to get the big clean up due to start tomorrow (Mon) :(

I have visions of him sending a couple of his asbestos workers wearing Marigolds.:rolleyes:

PS a weekend of silence and lots of sleep has relieved my 'anxiety' symptoms.

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 976608)

A view of the 'long lump'

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 976608)

A view of the 'long lump'

Originally Posted by Neil (Post 976705)

Looking at the colour of the ceiling rose, cable and lamp holder I would not like to see the inside of your lungs

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 976829)

The ceiling rose is white, the cord is yellowed, and has been ever since I moved in 9 years ago.

The condition of my lungs is irrelevant to this thread.

Several air cleaning machines operating in my lounge have prevented the yellowing of my ceiling which I painted 3 or 4 years ago.

Since you show concern for my health, I assure you that I do not inhale deeply and an xray 3 years ago showed only 'slight damage' and all other organs are in good nick.

Thank you for your concern:rolleyes:

Originally Posted by jaysay (Post 980737)

Just thought I'd tell you this, I was talking to one of my neighbors and he was telling me about a friend of his who actually owns her own flat on our estate. with being a owner she received a bill from HH for the removal of the asbestos and remedial work on the roof, she lives in a 6 block and she received a bill for £2700 as part payment towards the work:rolleyes:

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 980757)

The young man in the next block to mine is in the same position.
He was told that the work wasn't 'optional' - he owns the flat but they own the lease.

I have persuaded Bramall to accept that their 'kitchen refurbishment' isn't going to happen in my flat.

I just need peace and quiet for a while to recover, but heavy machinery has moved back onto the playing field again for the summer.

I have decided to tolerate the long lump on the ceiling. If it gets messed with, it could result in new sections of plasterboard being needed - there is an area of 'sagging' board next to the lump.

Originally Posted by Less (Post 980913)

Just a thought, surely at the time these flats were sold, the misuse of asbestos was already known?
The Council would have known about it being in the construction of these premises.

Did they warn the buyers that there would have to be a major refurb' to remove the danger? Or did they just sell the properties which obviously weren't fit for purpose?

Perhaps a consultation with an expert Solicitor in this field would save these unfortunate people thousands?

Originally Posted by jaysay (Post 981002)

When they purchase these properties Less they only purchase the flat not the building, that's why I would never buy a flat, firstly because you never own the whole property and secondly I might get you as a neighbour:D

Originally Posted by Less (Post 981019)

Firstly, I do understand they purchase the flat not the building, good grief my names not Jaysay he may need it explaining a few times to get through. However certain repairs to the whole building do have to be shared, I don't think though that it is fair that they should have to foot the bill for unsafe materials originally fitted, that is why I suggested getting in touch with an expert and not you.
Secondly, if I had the misfortune of having you as a neighbour then I buy the largest hi-fi system and turn the speakers to the wall with the volume on full to cover the sound of you cursing and swearing at yet another faulty keyboard.

;)

Originally Posted by jaysay (Post 981020)

Less I keep telling you there's nout wrong with my keyboard, its the guy using it thats the problem:)

Originally Posted by Less (Post 981022)

Thats not what you said in the 'is this happening to you thread', the other day when I told you it is you making the mistakes not your various computers.