ACM Dictionary

Description

A sound-dampening material consisting of asbestos fibres mixed into a bituminous rubber-like matrix that acts as an acoustic dampener. Typically found attached to the underside of the bowl or drain boards of stainless steel sinks.

Related terms / alternative names

Bitumen

Also see

Bitumen coating
Bituminous membrane
Malthoid

Description

Used to adhere objects or materials. Asbestos fibres have been added to adhesives for their physical properties. Asbestos-containing adhesives were commonly used to adhere tiles to a surface (e.g. walls, floors, ceilings).

Also see

Bituminous adhesive (Blackjack)

Description

A composite layered material of steel, bitumen, asbestos and polyester, known commonly as Galbestos. This material is typically used as roofing and siding panels of industrial buildings. During manufacture, metal cladding was hot-dip galvanized; while the zinc was still molten, asbestos felt was pressed into the surface to form a mechanical bond between the zinc and the asbestos. The sheet was then impregnated with asphalt under pressure and heat encapsulating the asbestos fibres, and included a final protective coating of asphalt or hot-melt polyester colour coating as an additional weather coat. Galbestos was the most common bitumen-lined metal cladding product, manufactured by HH Robertson Company.

Also see

Profiled roof sheeting

Description

Dark bituminous pitch mixed with aggregates such as sand or gravel, used for surfacing roads, flooring, roofing, etc. In Australia, asphalt is unlikely to contain asbestos.

Related terms / alternative names

Bitumen

Also see

Bitumen coating

Description

Paper coated in bitumen, used for electrical or heat insulation or incorporated as a lining, facing or reinforcement of other products.

Related terms / alternative names

Bitumen
Tar paper
Textiles

Also see

Paper

Description

Polystyrene coated in bitumen, typically used as a sealant and insulation product for pipework, tanks or other industrial plants. Asbestos fibres can be found within the bituminous coating.

Related terms / alternative names

Bitumen
Insulation

Description

A bituminous coating applied to the surface of an object for waterproofing or sound-dampening purposes. Commonly found as an acoustic dampener to the back of a urinal or the underside of a sink.

Also see

Bituminous membrane
Malthoid

Description

An asbestos-containing bituminous washer. These are commonly found between corrugated cement sheet and the affixing screw-head on industrial buildings.

Related terms / alternative names

Bitumen
Washers

Also see

Gaskets

Description

A bituminous adhesive mixed with asbestos fibres and commonly used as an adhesive to fix vinyl tiles (often asbestos-containing) to floors and walls.

Also see

Adhesive or glue

Description

A waterproofing membrane is a sheet or layer of water-tight material laid over a surface. This layer is continuous and prevents water from passing through it. Waterproofing membranes are often laid above structural slabs and may be concealed below decorative elements and finishing materials.

Related terms / alternative names

Bitumen
Waterproofing

Also see

Bitumen coating
Malthoid

Description

The internal component of a brake system that applies pressure to create friction. Normal use results in the degradation of the rubber-like matrix, resulting in the release of asbestos fibres and associated asbestos-contaminated dust on the surrounding surfaces.

Related terms / alternative names

Bendix

Also see

Clutch plates

Description

Compressed asbestos fibre (CAF) gasket material that has been disturbed or degraded and, as a result, forms broken or scattered
pieces.

Also see

Flange gaskets
Gaskets
Rubber gasket

Description

A plain, woven textile made from unbleached semi-processed cotton. Typically a non-asbestos product,
but commonly used to encapsulate friable asbestos pipe lagging or insulation. In this instance, the calico
wrap itself is contaminated and, therefore, treated in the same way as the asbestos lagging.

Related terms / alternative names

Textiles

Also see

Pipe-lagging residues

Description

A sealant material used on joins and seams. Asbestos fibres have been incorporated historically. Asbestos-containing caulks commonly used as sealants between glass window panes and their associated frames.

Related terms / alternative names

Window mastic
Window putty

Also see

Mastic
Putty

Description

A moulded cement pipe used as a duct or tube to transport gases or vapours such as smoke, steam or other unwanted fumes. Asbestos-containing cement flues were commonly used as exhausts for hot-water units and sanitary incinerators and may be found within wall and ceiling cavities, extending externally to the roof or exterior of a building.

Related terms / alternative names

Cement

Also see

Cement pipe
Moulded cement products

Description

A moulded cement product. Asbestos-containing cement pipes are commonly installed underground or in a building’s structure, and are often used as an electrical cable conduit or to transport drinking water, stormwater or wastewater.

Related terms / alternative names

Cement

Also see

Cement flue
Moulded cement products
Rainwater guttering

Description

Fragments of a source asbestos-containing cement material as a result of degradation.

Related terms / alternative names

Dust
Dust and debris

Description

Moulded cement product or a slim strip of sheeting used to cover material joins. Commonly used to cover the join between two cement sheet panels in wall, ceiling and eave linings.

Related terms / alternative names

Cement

Also see

Flat sheeting

Description

This non-asbestos material consists of a small-dimension filament or thread composed of a ceramic
material, usually alumina or silica, and is used in lightweight units for electrical, thermal or sound insulation. Can be found in applications and locations as an alternative to asbestos materials.

Related terms / alternative names

Insulation

Description

Because of its fibrous nature, raw asbestos could be spun and woven into textile cloths and garments. This cloth was resistant to high temperatures, flames, electrical fires and corrosive substances, making it useful for heat-protective clothing, gloves, aprons, etc.

Related terms / alternative names

Insulation
Textiles

Also see

Woven products

Description

The internal component of a clutch system that applies pressure to create friction. Normal use results in associated dusts collecting in the plant or equipment.

Related terms / alternative names

Friction products

Also see

Brake pads

Description

A prefabricated moulded cement sheet tube, typically oval or rectangular, installed underground, allowing for inspection and distribution of telecommunication assets (e.g. underground electrical cabling and conduits). It was common for these pits to be moulded from asbestos-containing cement.

Related terms / alternative names

Cement
PMG
Telstra pit

Also see

Moulded cement sheeting

Description

Bituminous composite material flattened by pressure into a board or panel. Commonly mixed with
asbestos fibres for its insulating properties. Typically found in an electrical cupboard alongside other associated asbestos-containing materials (e.g. cement sheet, millboard lining the timber frame on which the switchboard is mounted, other electrical components).

Related terms / alternative names

Ausbestos
Bitumen
Electrical backing board (EBB)
Lebah
Miscolite
Switchboard
Zelemite

Also see

Electrical arc shields
Fuse holder
HRC fuse
Millboard

Description

Compressed cement sheet has a smooth, flat surface and a square-edge finish, commonly thicker than
cement sheet; it was available in a variety of profiles up to 24mm. A dense, high-strength, durable
building product commonly found as bathroom partitions and porch flooring.

Related terms / alternative names

Cement
James Hardie
Hardie Board

Also see

Flat sheeting
Laminated cement sheeting

Description

Levelling compound is a composite material comprising aggregate bonded in a fluid cement that hardens over time. Similar to other cement products of the time, asbestos fibres were incorporated in the mixture. Asbestos-containing concrete levelling compounds are most commonly found between concrete slabs and a decorative floor covering.

Related terms / alternative names

Screed

Description

Soil that has become contaminated with friable asbestos-containing material.

Also see

Contaminated soil (non-friable debris)

Description

Soil that has become contaminated with non-friable asbestos-containing material.

Also see

Contaminated soil (friable debris)

Description

Asbestos-containing cement sheet with corrugations (can be rounded, or trapezoid in shape). Used as roof cladding. Commonly found on industrial buildings but, also, found on domestic and commercial buildings. Often found with associated moulded asbestos-containing cement roofing materials such as barge capping, ridge capping, gutters, downpipes, flashings, etc. Degradation often leads to asbestos-contaminated dust accumulation on surfaces below the roof, rainwater deposits in gutters or at the base of incorrectly sumped downpipes.

Related terms / alternative names

Cement
Standard

Also see

Flat sheeting
Moulded cement sheeting
Profiled roof sheeting
Rainwater guttering
Ridge capping
Valley gutters

Description

Asbestos-containing cement sheet with corrugations (can be rounded, or trapezoid in shape). Typically, external applications in industrial settings. Other external applications include fencing, garden retaining walls, and cladding to outbuildings.

Related terms / alternative names

Super Six

Also see

Corrugated roof sheeting

Description

A general term for the fragments of a damaged or degraded source material. Asbestos debris can be found in many forms and friabilities depending on the source material.

Related terms / alternative names

Dust
Dust and debris

Description

Fine debris of a degraded source material. Can be asbestos-contaminated if the source material contains asbestos.

Also see

Cement product debris
Dust and debris
Insulation product dust and debris

Description

A combination of small and large pieces of degraded source materials. These can contain asbestos if the
source materials contain asbestos.

Related terms / alternative names

Dust
Insulation product dust and debris

Description

Moulded cement panel(s) installed between electrical terminals to prevent an arc from connecting them. Can be made with asbestos-containing cement.

Related terms / alternative names

Cement

Also see

Compressed electrical panels
Fibrous cement electrical components

Description

A protective layer surrounding electrical cables. Can be made of woven asbestos fibre.

Related terms / alternative names

Insulation

Also see

Woven products

Description

Asbestos-containing cement sheet moulded to give the appearance of brick cladding. Commonly used as
wall cladding on domestic buildings.

Related terms / alternative names

Imitation brick cladding

Also see

Faux-timber sheeting

Description

Cement sheet moulded to give the appearance of timber. Could be made of asbestos-containing cement sheet. Asbestos-containing faux-timber-appearance cement sheet was often used as weatherboard cladding in commercial and domestic settings.

Related terms / alternative names

Cement
Chamferboard
Hardiplank

Also see

Faux-brick cladding

Description

Miscellaneous electrical components made from asbestos-containing moulded cement.

Also see

Electrical arc shields
Electrical cable shrouding

Description

A woven sheet of flexible, fireproof material used to smother a fire. The fire-resistant properties of asbestos cloth made it ideal for use as fire blankets.

Related terms / alternative names

Insulation
Textiles

Also see

Fire curtains
Fireproof pillows
Firefighting clothing
Fire rated material

Description

A brick capable of withstanding intense heat, used especially to line furnaces, fireplaces and heat-producing plant and equipment. Can be found in places like kilns and boilers. Fire bricks are generally non-asbestos-containing ceramic brick, but can be manufactured with asbestos fibres.

Related terms / alternative names

Brick
Insulation
Refractory

Description

A specially constructed curtain used to prevent fire from spreading. Can be made of woven asbestos cloth.

Related terms / alternative names

Textiles

Also see

Fire blanket
Firefighting clothing
Fire rated material

Description

A fire door is a door with a high fire-resistance rating used as part of a passive fire-protection system to reduce the spread of fire and smoke between separate compartments of a structure. An asbestos-containing fire door has a core that can consist of a material such as asbestos-insulating or low-density board, cement sheet or vermiculite. A fire-door core may be exposed at the top or bottom and around mechanisms.

Related terms / alternative names

Insulation

Also see

Fire rated material
Flat sheeting
Internal insulation (suspected)
Low-density asbestos fibre board
Vermiculite

Description

Woven asbestos personal protective clothing used for firefighting.

Related terms / alternative names

Insulation
Textiles

Also see

Fire rated material
Gloves

Description

Miscellaneous fire-resistant or fire-retardant material not otherwise described.

Also see

Fire blanket
Fire curtains
Firefighting clothing
Fireproof pillows

Description

Typically not asbestos-containing, fire pillows are a passive fire-protection measure made of loose or fibrous fire-resistant material inside a fire-resistant bag or pillow. Often used to seal and protect service penetration holes in walls, floors and ceilings to help prevent fire spread.

Related terms / alternative names

Insulation
Pillow insulation

Also see

Fire rated material

Description

Flange gaskets are used to create a static seal between two pipework or ductwork flange faces. Can be made of various asbestos materials ranging in friability.

Also see

Gaskets
Rubber gasket

Description

Flat fibrous cement sheet typically 4mm in thickness. Asbestos-containing flat cement sheet was commonly used extensively in a number of applications, including cladding and linings.

Related terms / alternative names

Cement
Fibre cement board
Hardiflex
Villaboard
Wunderlich

Also see

Laminated cement sheeting
Moulded cement sheeting
Pebble-rendered cement sheeting
Profiled roof sheeting

Description

A flue cap is a rain covering for the top of a flue or chimney pipe and can be made from moulded asbestos-containing cement.

Related terms / alternative names

Cement

Also see

Cement flue
Moulded cement products

Description

A small electrical component, usually found mounted to electrical boards that contain a fuse. Modern versions are typically composed of plastic. However, historic ceramic models often contained a small ceramic fuse (see HRC fuse) and a small fuse blanket made of moderately friable woven asbestos fibre between the fuse and the surrounding cartridge.

Related terms / alternative names

Bitumen
Circuit breaker
Insulation

Also see

Electrical arc shields
Fibrous cement electrical components

Description

Commonly found in plant and equipment, a shaped sheet or ring of material sealing the junction between two surfaces. Asbestos-containing gaskets can comprise various asbestos materials such as rope, mastic, compressed asbestos fibre, polymer or rubber-like material and bituminous material. Therefore, ease of fibre release varies depending on the matrix material.

Also see

CAF gasket debris
Flange gaskets
Rubber gasket

Description

A piece of laboratory apparatus consisting of a flat piece of wire gauze placed on a tripod over a Bunsen burner to give a beaker or flask additional support and to distribute heat more evenly. The composite ceramic centres of a gauze mat may contain fibrous asbestos.

Related terms / alternative names

Bunsen burner gauze mats

Also see

Fire rated material

Description

Commonly found in industrial taps, a gland is a type of mechanical component used to seal a reciprocating or rotating shaft. A square section of woven rope can be used as the packing material, which may comprise woven asbestos fibre.

Related terms / alternative names

Gland seals

Also see

Rope or braided gasket
Woven products

Description

Gloves made of woven asbestos cloth for use in high-heat applications.

Related terms / alternative names

Textiles

Also see

Firefighting clothing
Fire rated material

Description

A mortar or paste used for filling crevices, especially the gaps between wall or floor tiles. Can contain asbestos, but rarely does.

Also see

Mortar

Description

A strong, coarsely woven fabric made from hemp or jute, used for sacks, upholstery, insulation and a variety of other historical uses. This item is typically non-asbestos. However, hessian sacks were used to pack and transport raw asbestos fibre from mines, and the repurposed contaminated hessian can be found in many applications today (including carpet underlay).

Related terms / alternative names

Textiles

Also see

Hessian-backed vinyl sheet

Description

Hessian-backed vinyl sheet was commonly applied as a type of
historical flooring in large, continuous flexible sheets with a plant-fibre-based woven hessian backing adhered to the underside. Colours and patterns vary considerably. Asbestos can be found in the hessian underlay, the vinyl sheet itself or the glue used to adhere it to a surface.

Related terms / alternative names

Vinyl

Also see

Hessian
Millboard or paper-backed vinyl sheet
Vinyl sheet
Vinyl sheet and adhesive
Vinyl tiles
Vinyl tiles and adhesive

Description

An organic fibre, horsehair is from the mane or tail of a horse, typically used in furniture, padding or as a structural component in historical plaster construction. Typically not an asbestos-containing material, but can be found in similar applications to ACMs.

Related terms / alternative names

Plaster

Description

Small electrical components typically found within a fuse holder attached to an electrical board. Modern fuse holders are commonly made of plastic. However, for a time (approx. until the 1980s), they were made of ceramic. These ceramic fuse holders often contained asbestos millboard (see Fuse holder). High rupturing capacity (HRC) fuses are internal components to these fuse holders. Also made of ceramic, asbestos millboard can be found within them. Accessing the internal millboard is not possible without breaking the ceramic casing. Dates of manufacture can usually be found on the outside.

Related terms / alternative names

Fuse
Fuse cartridge

Also see

Fuse holder
Millboard

Description

The dust and debris that forms when various insulating materials degrade.

Related terms / alternative names

Insulation

Also see

Cement product debris
Dust
Dust and debris
Loose-fill insulation
Sprayed insulation

Description

Asbestos insulation was often used as a form of fireproofing within solid metal casing. Because of the solid casing, sampling is not possible without destructive sampling measures which can destroy the integrity of the item. Therefore, the asbestos insulation is assumed to be present. Examples of this are
fireproof safes and solid metal fire doors.

Related terms / alternative names

Insulation

Description

Lagging is a fibrous composite material usually made of magnesium carbonate or calcium silicate and combined with loose asbestos fibre to form a soft plaster-like material. Lagging was most commonly used to insulate hot water and steam pipework, but can also be found on industrial heat-producing plants such as boilers and furnaces. The fragile consistency of lagging and its extended exposure to heat leads to it often being highly degraded and damaged. Asbestos pipe lagging is commonly found wrapped in calico, but can also be found beneath a metal casing.

Related terms / alternative names

Insulation

Description

Very strong compressed cement sheeting, with a laminated surface layer, usually decorated with a variety of patterns and colours, often with brightly coloured flowers on a white background. Often found in wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and, especially, as shower walls.

Related terms / alternative names

Tilux

Also see

Compressed flat sheeting
Flat sheeting

Description

Loose fill is another form of insulation, commonly found in walls and ceilings. This fluffy insulation is usually light brown to blue-grey to white in colour, has a considerable risk of transfer within a building or structure, and consists of almost 100% asbestos fibre. Due to its extremely friable nature and high asbestos fibre content, risk of contamination to surrounding areas is common.

Related terms / alternative names

Blow In
Insulation
Mr Fluffy

Also see

Insulation product dust and debris

Description

Lightly compressed board containing asbestos fibres in a calcium silicate plaster. Manufactured in flat or perforated sheets. Typically used for internal wall and ceiling panels and as acoustic or thermal insulation.

Related terms / alternative names

AIB
Asbestolux
Duralux
Insulation
Soundproofing

Also see

Millboard

Description

A layered sealing material impregnated with bitumen and, sometimes, asbestos fibres. Used in roofing and as a damp-proof course in brickwork, etc.

Related terms / alternative names

Bitumen
Waterproofing

Also see

Bituminous membrane

Description

Mastic is a sealing adhesive that can contain asbestos fibres. Commonly found in control joints of floors and walls or in other industrial applications such as a sealant for air-handling units and associated ductwork.

Also see

Caulking
Putty

Description

Typically a large, rectangular pad with a fabric case and material-filled core. Asbestos mattresses were used for covering hot equipment in power stations and for other fire- and heat-resistant purposes. Asbestos is usually used in the fabric material.

Also see

Cloth

Description

Millboard is a loosely compressed, high asbestos content, paper-like sheet that is used in many industrial insulation, fire- and electrical-resistant applications. It is commonly found lining timber frames on which electrical boards are mounted, or lining the underside of vinyl sheet.

Also see

Compressed electrical panels
Low-density asbestos fibre board
Millboard or paper-backed vinyl sheet

Description

Vinyl sheeting with a felt-like backing. This may be referred to as millboard, paper, felt, or asbestos-backed vinyl sheet. The vinyl sheeting itself does not contain asbestos, but the strongly attached backing contains a high asbestos content – moderately friable paper-like material. Usually applied in sheet form, millboard or paperbacked sheet vinyl flooring often has complex and colourful patterning such as a ‘terrazzo’-style or mosaic-tile-like appearance. All vinyl backing should be checked to confirm the presence of this friable material. It is common for this material to be found beneath newer, overlaid floor coverings.

Related terms / alternative names

Linoleum/lino
Vinyl

Also see

Hessian-backed vinyl sheet
Vinyl sheet and adhesive
Vinyl tiles
Vinyl tiles and adhesive

Description

Mineral fibre ceiling tiles are popular for areas with high noise or where insulation is required such as a ceiling covering or as suspended ceilings. Often constructed using synthetic mineral fibre (SMF), consisting of amorphous (non-crystalline) glass fibre, mineral wool, or ceramic fibre. Mineral fibre tiles are asbestos-free, but are often found in similar locations to asbestos ceiling tiles.

Related terms / alternative names

Ceiling tiles

Also see

SMF insulation

Description

Mortar is used to bond building materials such as brick or stone. It is composed of a thick mixture of water, sand, cement and, sometimes, asbestos.

Also see

Grout

Description

Materials comprising cement moulded into various forms. Moulded cement products commonly contain asbestos and were used in a variety of applications, commonly external. Some examples of uses are roofing materials, garden pots and ponds, pipes, flue caps, etc.

Also see

Moulded cement sheeting
Ridge capping

Description

Moulded cement sheeting which has historically been shaped into a variety of patterns and profiles commonly used as wall cladding and other external applications.

Related terms / alternative names

Coverline
Highline
Log Cabin
Shadowline

Also see

Corrugated roof sheeting
Profiled roof sheeting

Description

Naturally occurring asbestos includes the fibrous silicate minerals chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite, and the host rock that contains these minerals.

Related terms / alternative names

Contaminated soil

Description

Used as a finish or to decorate a surface. Asbestos fibres were sometimes added to create texture.

Related terms / alternative names

Artex

Also see

Textured coating

Description

Fibrous sheet material manufactured in thin sheets from the pulp of wood or other fibrous substances such as asbestos. Asbestos paper may be used in rare cases for insulation, fire resistance or electrical applications.

Related terms / alternative names

Cardboard

Also see

Millboard or paper-backed vinyl sheet

Description

Used on external walls, cement sheet with a coarse plaster surface that consists of lime and, sometimes, cement mixed with sand, small gravel and, often, pebbles. While the pebble mix is asbestos-free, the cement sheet it is coated on may contain asbestos. Also, asbestos-containing adhesive is commonly found affixing the cladding to the wall.

Related terms / alternative names

Pebble cladding

Also see

Flat sheeting

Description

Remnant residues of asbestos pipe lagging may be found due to prior, less effective removals of lagging and may exist under more recently installed SMF insulation. Residues may exist as “splatters” on walls and surrounding surfaces as a result of the original lagging application. These splatter residues may be painted over and appear as “bubbles” of paint containing lagging.

Related terms / alternative names

Insulation

Also see

Lagging

Description

A composite of gypsum, lime and cement for spreading or affixing to walls, ceilings or other structures to form a smooth hard surface when dried. Asbestos was rarely used to improve the structural and physical qualities of early plaster.

Also see

Render
Textured coating

Description

A synthetic material made from a range of organic polymers. Asbestos fibres were sometimes incorporated into plastics for their physical properties, resulting in a product called Thermoplastic. Asbestos plastics were usually black in appearance and are considered rare in Australia, but can be found as toilet cisterns and seats, electrical components, appliances and cookware.

Related terms / alternative names

Bakelite

Also see

Resinous block

Description

An asbestos-containing cement-based product fabricated with a profile and often used as roofing material or for other external applications.

Related terms / alternative names

Galbestos
Super Six

Also see

Corrugated roof sheeting
Moulded cement sheeting

Description

Asbestos putty is a soft, malleable paste that hardens in a few hours after application. It was most commonly used for sealing glass in window frames, but was also used as a form of fireproofing, protecting the surfaces it was applied to from heat damage.

Also see

Caulking
Mastic

Description

Moulded cement sheeting sections which have been shaped to form a gutter. If guttering or roofing contains asbestos, then guttering and associated pipework should be inspected for or be assumed to contain rainwater deposits contaminated with friable asbestos fibre.

Related terms / alternative names

Box gutter
Super Six

Also see

Cement pipe
Moulded cement sheeting
Valley gutters

Description

Render is a composite cement material typically applied to walls. It is normally covered with paint or other wall coating to protect the rendered surface from cracks or erosion. In rare circumstances, to improve its structural qualities, render may contain asbestos.

Related terms / alternative names

Coating

Also see

Plaster
Textured coating

Description

A moulded block formed from a synthetic resin mixed with asbestos fibres.

Description

Moulded cement sheeting sections which have been shaped to form a capping to the apex or corners of a roof. May form a fluted, smooth, corrugated or half-corrugated shape, depending on application. Commonly found on industrial buildings such as saw-tooth roofs, but may be found in less industrial settings. Ridge capping prevents water ingress where roofing sheets meet at the ridge seam. If guttering or roofing contains asbestos, then guttering and associated pipework should be inspected for or be assumed to contain rainwater deposits contaminated with friable asbestos fibre.

Related terms / alternative names

Super Six

Also see

Corrugated roof sheeting
Profiled roof sheeting

Description

Roof tiles are often made from materials such as clay, concrete or slate. Small pieces of asbestos-containing cement sheet may have been used as an alternative material for roof tiles.

Related terms / alternative names

Flat sheeting

Description

A length of woven cord. Made by twisting together fibres of several materials which, for a time, included asbestos. Asbestos rope or string was commonly used in insulation, boiler seals, cabinet seals, fire roofing, penetration packing, and automotive, electrical or other industrial applications needing fire and heat resistance.

Also see

Rope or braided gasket
Woven products

Description

A rope-based gasket material, made using a length of strong woven cord and commonly made from strands of various non-asbestos materials. For a time, was woven from asbestos fibres. Commonly used as boiler seals, pipe flange seals, cabinet seals, fire proofing or other industrial gasket applications where fire and heat resistance are required.

Also see

Gaskets
Rope and string

Description

A shaped sheet or ring of rubber, sealing the junction between 2 surfaces such as a flange. Asbestos fibres were, sometimes, incorporated during fabrication to allow the use of these gaskets in instances needing heat or corrosion resistance. Examples of this are between pipework flange joins, within motors or other plants.

Also see

Gaskets

Description

A polymer (substance) made of siloxane compounds. Used as a sealant or an adhesive for its water-resistant and heat-resistant qualities. Typically a non-asbestos item, but will sometimes be found as a modern replacement for asbestos mastics or in applications in place of asbestos mastics.

Also see

Caulking
Mastic

Description

Synthetic mineral fibre (SMF) is a group of human made fibrous materials consisting of amorphous (non-crystalline) glass fibre mineral, wool or ceramic fibre. Caution must be exercised and the relevant workplace/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) regulations should be consulted. Refractory ceramic fibre (RCF) should be identified, and relevant hazardous materials legislation referred to separately.

Related terms / alternative names

Batts
Fibreglass insulation

Also see

Mineral fibre tiles

Description

Sprayed insulation contains a mixture of clay, synthetic foam or adhesive, and asbestos fibre. It is applied by spraying the mixture from a compressed-air gun onto the area to be insulated. Sprayed insulation is most commonly found adhered to structural steel beams and wall or floor penetrations in industrial buildings. Due to the method of application, significant overspray is often found on nearby surfaces. A different product to limpet and vermiculite.

Also see

Insulation product dust and debris
Sprayed asbestos (limpet)
Vermiculite

Description

A loosely bound, sprayed insulation product that provides fire protection on beams, walls, ceilings, fixing brackets and penetrations. Often found in industrial and multi-storey building applications.

Related terms / alternative names

Limpet

Also see

Sprayed insulation

Description

Straw panels are a natural construction material, consisting of extruded wheat or similar straw, compressed with a binding agent into a sheet. The strawboard itself does not contain asbestos, but it can be manufactured with either an asbestos-containing cement sheet or millboard adhered to one side.

Related terms / alternative names

Stramit Board

Description

Asbestos tapes exist in 2 different forms: woven ladder tape, and paper tape. Both of these contain high levels of asbestos. Woven asbestos tape can be found as a seal used in high-temperature circumstances. Asbestos paper tape can be found as a sealant and insulator to ductwork.

Also see

Woven products

Description

Terrazzo is a composite flooring material consisting of chips of marble, granite, quartz or glass set in concrete and polished to give a smooth surface. Asbestos can be found in the cement used to set terrazzo.

Description

Textured coatings are a decorative finish applied to ceilings or walls. Asbestos fibres were sometimes added to the mixture to create a textured appearance. They comprise an aggregate in a binding agent such as plaster. Textured coatings are found in many different patterned finishes that differ in thickness and profile, and may have been painted over. The most common asbestos-containing textured pattern is a circular shape created by the swirling of a sponge during application.

Related terms / alternative names

Artex
Cement
Coatings

Also see

Plaster
Render

Description

This is the water collection gutter formed between 2 inwardly pitched roofs or between the blades of a saw-tooth roof. Valley gutters may be constructed of moulded cement sheet sections. If guttering or roofing contains asbestos, then guttering and associated pipework should be inspected for or be assumed to contain the rainwater deposits contaminated with friable asbestos fibres.

Related terms / alternative names

Box guttering
Super Six

Also see

Corrugated roof sheeting
Profiled roof sheeting
Rainwater guttering
Ridge capping

Description

Vermiculite is a mineral sheet silicate that is often dark- to golden-brown in colour. It is exfoliated by high heat into flaked, crumbly product ready for commercial purposes. Vermiculite itself does not contain asbestos. However, asbestos fibres can be found with vermiculite materials as a result of mineral contamination from the mining process and location of natural deposits. Asbestos content is typically low in vermiculite materials. In the built environment, asbestos-containing vermiculite materials can be found as a friable loose insulation in ceiling cavities or as a non-friable plaster used as a textured coating to ceilings and walls.

Related terms / alternative names

Insulation
Vermiculite ceiling (popcorn ceiling)
Zonolite

Also see

Loose-fill insulation

Description

Vinyl sheet is commonly applied as a type of flooring that comes in large, continuous, flexible sheets. Colours and patterns vary considerably. Asbestos can be found in the vinyl itself and, sometimes, the adhesive used to bond it to a surface, but it is most commonly found in the millboard backing to the sheeting.

Related terms / alternative names

Linoleum/lino
Vinyl

Also see

Hessian-backed vinyl sheet
Millboard or paper-backed vinyl sheet
Vinyl sheet and adhesive
Vinyl tiles
Vinyl tiles and adhesive

Description

Vinyl sheet is commonly applied as a type of flooring that is manufactured in large, continuous, flexible sheets. Colours and patterns vary considerably. All vinyl backings should be checked to confirm the presence and type of adhesive. Adhesives used to stick vinyl sheeting to the base flooring sometimes contain asbestos and can be impossible to separate from the vinyl sheet.

Related terms / alternative names

Linoleum/lino
Vinyl

Also see

Bitumen adhesive (Blackjack)
Vinyl sheet
Vinyl tiles
Vinyl tiles and adhesive

Description

Vinyl tiles are small (commonly 15–30cm), inflexible squares of vinyl. Colours, sizes and patterns vary considerably. Asbestos-containing vinyl tiles are low in fibre content. Commonly used as a floor and, sometimes, wall covering. When sampling vinyl tiles, a sample of each colour should be taken because some colours may contain asbestos and some might not. Vinyl tiles (whether or not they contain asbestos) may be found with asbestos-containing adhesives.

Related terms / alternative names

Vinyl

Also see

Vinyl sheet
Vinyl sheet and adhesive
Vinyl tiles and adhesive

Description

Vinyl tiles are small (commonly 15–30cm), inflexible squares of vinyl. Colours and sizes vary considerably. Asbestos-containing vinyl tiles are low in fibre content. Commonly used as a floor and, sometimes, wall covering. When sampling vinyl tiles, a sample of each colour should be taken because some colours may contain asbestos and some might not. The adhesives associated with vinyl floor tiles (whether or not they contain asbestos) can often contain asbestos, particularly those that are black and bituminous (Blackjack).

Related terms / alternative names

Blackjack

Also see

Bitumen adhesive (Blackjack)
Vinyl sheet
Vinyl sheet and adhesive
Vinyl tiles

Description

Asbestos cement water tanks were made from moulded cement and are, typically, low in asbestos content (5–10%). They are not common in Australia.

Also see

Moulded cement products

Description

Asbestos woven products are common in applications requiring fire, heat and electrical resistance.

Also see

Calico wrap
Cloth