ASB/General/TBT-ASB-011

Asbestos Insulation Board (AIB)

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Asbestos insulation board (AIB) contains amosite (brown asbestos) typically at 15–40% by weight.
AIB was widely used in buildings from the 1950s to mid-1980s for fire protection and thermal insulation.
Common locations include ceiling tiles, partition walls, column casings, fire doors, and soffits.
AIB releases fibres more easily than asbestos cement because it is softer and more friable.
Removal of AIB is licensed work under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 in most cases.
Any work that disturbs AIB requires notification to the enforcing authority at least 14 days in advance.
Exposure to amosite fibres causes mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer — often decades later.
A refurbishment and demolition survey must identify AIB before any intrusive building works begin.
AIB in good condition may be managed in place with a management plan rather than removed.
Workers who suspect they have disturbed AIB must stop work immediately and report it.

Fatal disease	Amosite fibres in AIB cause mesothelioma and lung cancer — there is no safe level of exposure and no cure.
Legal duty	The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require licensed removal for most AIB work, with severe penalties for non-compliance.
Fibre release	AIB is more friable than asbestos cement and releases dangerous fibres easily when cut, drilled, or damaged.

Don't

Commission a refurbishment and demolition survey before any intrusive work
Assume suspect materials contain asbestos until laboratory analysis confirms otherwise
Stop work immediately if you discover or damage material you suspect is AIB
Report any suspected asbestos find to your supervisor without delay
Ensure AIB removal is carried out by a licensed asbestos removal contractor
Follow the asbestos management plan for AIB that is being managed in situ
Attend asbestos awareness training and refresher sessions as required
Check the asbestos register before drilling, cutting, or fixing into any surface
Use RPE and disposable coveralls if emergency procedures require you to be nearby
Dispose of AIB waste only through licensed hazardous waste carriers and sites

DON'T drill, cut, sand, or break any material you suspect may contain asbestos
DON'T attempt to remove AIB yourself unless you are a licensed contractor
DON'T sweep or vacuum asbestos debris with a standard vacuum cleaner
DON'T ignore the asbestos register — check it before every intrusive task
DON'T assume a building is asbestos-free because it looks modern or renovated
DON'T handle damaged AIB without appropriate RPE and protective clothing
DON'T eat, drink, or smoke in areas where asbestos disturbance may have occurred
DON'T seal over or paint damaged AIB without consulting a surveyor first
DON'T dispose of AIB with general construction waste under any circumstances
DON'T re-enter an area where AIB has been disturbed until it is cleared by an analyst

See also: Asbestos Awareness | Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys

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