Types of Asbestos Works

There are 3 main types of asbestos found in premises:

Blue Asbestos (Crocidolite) – from the Amphibole group of minerals. It is a Sodium, Iron and Magnesium Silicate with blue straight fibres. It is hydrophobic with decomposition temperature of 800°c.
Brown Asbestos (Amosite) – from the Amphibole group of minerals, containing Iron and Magnesium with pale brown needle like fibres. It is hydrophobic with a decomposition temperature of 600°c – 900°c.
White Asbestos (Chrysotile) – from the Serpentine group of minerals. It is a Magnesium Silicate with curly flexible white fibres with splayed ends and kinks. It is hydrophilic with a decomposition temperature of 800°c – 850°c

Encapsulation

There are also Encapsulation works that can be undertaken when a product does not necessarily require removal. Should Asbestos be discovered in fair condition and unlikely to be damaged, then you may decide to seal and encapsulate the Asbestos to make it safe, rather than removing it.

The decision to choose between removal and Asbestos encapsulation can be challenging so our experts are always happy to advise you on the most appropriate and effective solution to your Asbestos issue.

Asbestos Encapsulation involves applying specialist coatings to the Asbestos Containing Materials, protecting them from any further age degradation, cracking, flaking or impact damage and sealing over any exposed edges that could release Asbestos fibres into the air.

As the Asbestos is left in place, its condition must be regularly monitored for safety.