Asbestos Pipe Lagging

Often a go-to asbestos-containing material (ACM) for numerous commercial and residential builds, asbestos pipe lagging was used in high quantities by the construction industry for decades. Asbestos was used in pipe lagging due to its highly-effective insulation properties and helped to keep pipes dry and in overall good condition.

According to the Health and Safety Executive, asbestos lagging and insulation is mostly found either in or on heating systems, such as around calorifiers or around pipework and is likely to be present in buildings constructed before the final ban of ACMs in 1999. It has several different appearances, but it is characterised mainly by its fibrous material which flakes and powders easily. It may also be covered with a protective coating which can sometimes make it challenging to identify to the untrained eye.

It is absolutely necessary to have an asbestos survey carried out if there are refurbishment or demolition works due to take place within your commercial or domestic premises. The dangers posed by asbestos pipe lagging, alongside various other asbestos-containing materials need to be fully considered before any works are carried out. This is to keep building users safe from potentially inhaling asbestos fibres as a result of broken pipe lagging, insulation and more. 

Under no circumstances should you attempt to remove asbestos pipe lagging if you are not a HSE-licensed contractor. Enlisting the help of qualified and accredited asbestos contractors like ourselves at Reddish Vale is the safest way to ensure complete compliance and safety.