Asbestos Containing Materials | A Beginner’s Guide to ACM’s

Asbestos Containing Materials (also commonly referred to as ACMs), were frequently used in the construction industry until 1999 in the UK. The strong, durable and heat resistant properties found in ACMs made them a popular choice for a variety of uses in buildings and other products.

In 1999, all asbestos types were banned from use in the UK due to the hazardous nature of the substance. Every year, in the UK alone, there are thousands of associated deaths caused by historical  exposure to asbestos.

For any buildings erected prior to 1999, asbestos could be present. If left undisturbed, asbestos doesn’t pose a threat the health, however, it is important homeowners and building firms understand the potential hazards and necessary precautions required in dealing with asbestos.

From minor decoration to knocking down a shed asbestos could potentially be disturbed, and  dangerous fibres released into the air where they then become respirable and, as a result, highly hazardous.

For information or help regarding asbestos simply get in touch with us here at Rightway Environmental. From asbestos removal to surveys and analysis we operate on a nationwide basis and provide services across the commercial, domestic and industrial sectors.

Asbestos is commonly found in a variety of different situations within all types of buildings. The following list identifies some of the ways in which asbestos was used and where homeowners or builders may come across ACMs.

  1. Textured Coatings and Decoration

Asbestos was commonly used for a variety of textured coatings and decorative materials. The structure of asbestos helped add strength and stability to these products.

This includes things like artex, caulking, fillers, adhesives, plaster, wall features and paint.

These textured coatings or decorative features could look similar to ones without asbestos, so visual appearance may not help identify potential asbestos.

An old artex may contain asbestos, which could cause harm if drilled, sanded or damaged. This could release asbestos fibres into the air.

  1. Textiles

Due to the fire resistant properties of  asbestos it was commonly used in textiles.

Oven gloves, fire curtains, aprons, and fire blankets often contained asbestos amongst other textile products.

It was also present in firefighting equipment and clothing as well as other industrial clothing.

  1. Insulating Asbestos

Due to the insulating properties of asbestos it was often used to provide insulation in buildings. This came in the form of; loose fill, Asbestos Insulating Boards, pipe and boiler insulation and sprayed coatings used as fire protection.

Loose Fill

“Loose fill” asbestos was used to provide insulation in wall cavities and large areas such as under floorboards and to roof void floors. This was used in homes and industrial buildings alike.

According to the HSE, this is probably the most dangerous type of ACM due to the high percentage of asbestos in this product (up to 100% ) and because it is by its nature loose and highly friable. Very little disturbance of this material is necessary to cause very high levels of fibre release into the atmosphere.

It can also easily get onto the hands, clothing, hair and skin of anyone coming into contact with it.

This ACM is a licensed product that can only be removed by a licensed asbestos contractor.

Asbestos Insulating Board

“Asbestos Insulating Board” (also known as AIB) is another insulating material that contains significant quantities of asbestos. AIB is a hard yet fibrous board that is not readily identifiable by a layman. They were commonly used to form boxings, ceiling tiles, ceiling void fire protection and linings to doors and partition walls. They are similar in appearance to many other non asbestos boards used in construction.

AIB may contain Amosite (Brown Asbestos) or Chrysotile (White Asbestos ) or a combination of both types.

Asbestos Sprayed Coating

“Asbestos sprayed coatings ” is another way asbestos was used for insulating purposes. This is another highly dangerous form of asbestos and requires licensed removal.

The coating often contained up to 85% asbestos and was used to provide insulation and fire protection to roofs, walls and steel beams . This was most common in warehouses and large industrial buildings.

Due to the way this ACM was applied to surfaces the area involved would be highly contaminated during the process and there were often a large number of adjacent surfaces also coated due to overspray.

This made the application of the coating a very dangerous process and the subsequent coating would remain highly friable and prone to heavy fibre release if damaged.

  1. Asbestos Cement

Asbestos was often mixed with cement to form a range of asbestos cement products.

Popular asbestos cement uses included corrugated roofing sheets, wall cladding sheets, guttering and drainage pipework.

Asbestos roofing sheets and wall cladding were often used on farms, industrial buildings or on sheds and garages.

Depending on the scale and removal requirements asbestos cement can be undertaken by a non-licensed organisation providing that the workers have been properly trained. It is always worth getting professional advice before attempting any sort of removal to ensure the work is undertaken safely and legally.

  1. Roofing and Flooring

Roofing shingles and roofing felt often included asbestos. The properties of ACMs helped create roofing products that were durable, insulating and strong.

Similarly asbestos was popular in a variety of types of flooring such as asphalt floor tiles, vinyl floor tile, and vinyl sheet flooring.

Flooring containing asbestos can often be hidden under carpets and be revealed during home renovations.

Learn More with Rightway Environmental

Ensuring any ACMs are managed effectively is vital for the health and safety of homeowners and the public.

If you have a requirement for asbestos removal or if you need assistance in complying with your obligations under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 please contact us today.

Our highly trained team offer the knowledge and experience required to help you with all your asbestos needs.

Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help.