Where is ASBESTOS?

Where are you likely to find asbestos?

Asbestos was used widely in both residential and industrial buildings both inside and outside. The peak of asbestos use was in the 1950s to the 70s but its use continued until it was finally fully banned in the year 1999. At its peak 170,000 tonnes of asbestos was imported annually into the UK. (Reference AIC). 

The infographics below list the main places you are likely to find asbestos in a typical domestic or industrial setting. Asbestos insulating board (AIB) is one of the main things to look out for. This was commonly used as a fireproofing material but had many other uses throughout buildings from partition walls to soffits.

Residential Building

Residential Asbestos INSIDE PROPERTY A. Asbestos cement Water tank B. Pipe lagging C. Loose fill insulation D. Textured decorative coating eg artex E. AIB ceiling tiles F. AIB bath panel G. Toilet seat and cistern H. AIB behind fuse box I. AIB airing cupboard and/or sprayed insulation coating boiler J. AIB partition wall K. AIB interior window panel L. AIB around boiler M. Vinyl floor tiles N. AIB behind fire OUTSIDE PROPERTY O. Gutters andAsbestos cement downpipes P. Soffits – AIB or asbestos cement Q. AIB exterior window panel R. Asbestos cement roof S. Asbestos cement panels T. Roofing felt *AIB = Asbestos Insulating Board

Industrial Building

Industrial Asbestos INSIDE PROPERTY 1. Sprayed coatings on ceilings, walls, beams and columns 2. Asbestos cement water tank 3. Loose fill insulation 4. Lagging on boilers and pipes 5. AIB ceiling tiles 6. Toilet seat and cistern 7. AIB partition walls 8. AIB panels in fire doors 9. Asbestos rope seals, gaskets and paper 10. Vinyl floor tiles 11. AIB around boilers 12. Textiles eg fire blankets 13. Textured decorating coatings on walls and ceilings eg artex OUTSIDE PROPERTY 14. Asbestos cement roof 15. Asbestos cement panels 16. Asbestos cement gutters and downpipes 17. Soffits – AIB or asbestos cement 18. Asbestos cement flue AIB* = Asbestos Insulating Board