thermal
insulation
(Lagging)
removal
Asbestos Thermal Insulation was widely used in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings throughout the UK from the 1940s to the 1980s. It was commonly applied to heating pipes, steam systems, boilers and calorifiers, industrial vessels, plant rooms and service risers.
what is thermal insulation (lagging)?
Facts:
Asbestos Type: Amosite (most common)
Chrysotile
Crocidolite (Occassionally)
Colour: Brown, White, Blue
Commonly Found: Boiler Rooms, Plant Rooms, Basements, Ceiling Voids, Industrial Facilities, Schools & Hospitals, Older Office Buildings, Factories & Warehouses, Residential Properties
Popular In: Industrial Developments, Public Sector Buildings, Heavy Manufacturing Facilities, Heating & Steam Distribution Systems
Good to know: When damaged or disturbed, lagging can release microscopic asbestos fibres into the air. These fibres can remain airborne for hours and may be inhaled deep into the lungs.
Risk: Very High
is a high risk asbestos containing material historically used to insulate pipes, boilers, ducts, and industrial heating systems. It was widely installed in the UK between the 1940s and late 1980s because of its excellent heat resistance and fireproofing properties.
Thermal Insulation (Lagging) is classified by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as one of the highest risk asbestos materials because it is highly friable.
Asbestos Thermal Insulation
CAN YOU IDENTIFY IT BY SIGHT?
Asbestos Lagging is often hidden and may be concealed behind walls, ceilings, boxing, or service ducts and may not be immediately visible. Appearance can be misleading. Not all old insulation contains asbestos. Materials such as fibreglass or mineral wool can look similar.
- Cracked, crumbling, or exposed insulation should never be disturbed and should be assessed only by licensed asbestos professionals immediately.
- Because thermal insulation is one of the most dangerous asbestos materials, professional management and removal are essential for protecting those around.
Decorative Textured Coatings is the most commonly used asbestos type found in thermal insulation. Amosite is part of the Amphibole asbestos family. It contains straight, needle like fibres and was commonly used in pipe insulation, boiler and calorifier insulation, plant rooms & service risers. It usually contains typically 15 - 85% asbestos in thermal insulation. Some high temperature insulation products contained over 90% asbestos fibres.
types of asbestos found in thermal insulation
Amosite (Brown Asbestos)
was sometimes used in thermal insulation lagging either on its own or mixed with other asbestos types. It has curly, flexible fibres and was commonly used in pipe insulation wraps, boiler insulation, thermal cloth & tape, pre-formed insulation sections, outer lagging layers & coverings. Its typical asbestos content ranged from 5% to 50%.
Chrysotile (White Asbestos)
Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos)
was commonly used in high temperature thermal insulation and its content was typically 10% - 60%.
What You Should Know
Because lagging is highly friable, all asbestos lagging materials are treated as high risk regardless of the asbestos type present. NEVER drill into it, sand it, break it, remove it yourself, sweep or vacuum debris. Disturbing asbestos lagging can rapidly contaminate surrounding areas.
Thermal Insulation works normally are licensed. Very limited work may fall under non-licensed or notifiable non-licensed work however, asbestos lagging rarely qualifies because of its friable nature and high fibre release risk.
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