Managing asbestos

Where is asbestos found in buildings?

Guide

Asbestos-containing materials were used until 1999 for a wide range of construction purposes in new and refurbished buildings including the following:

  • sprayed asbestos and loose asbestos packing were used as fire breaks in ceiling voids
  • hand moulded or pre-formed coatings and lagging were used as thermal insulation for pipes and boilers
  • sprayed asbestos and asbestos in a cement matrix were used as fire protection in ducts, firebreaks, panels, partitions, soffit boards, ceiling panels and around structural steel work
  • sprayed asbestos and board materials were used for soundproofing in walls and ceilings, usually as a coating or as tiles
  • asbestos cement products included corrugated roofing sheets, corrugated sheets for wall cladding, gutters, rainwater pipes and water tanks
  • millboard, paper and paper products containing asbestos were used for the insulation of electrical equipment, and as sandwich or backing materials - for example on wood veneers or linoleum
  • asbestos fibres were woven into ropes and cloths - for example fire blankets and heat resistant gloves
  • asbestos was used in textured coating, decorative plasters and paints - for example 'Artex' type finishes and cornices