Welcome to our Glossary of Terms, dedicated to clarifying common jargon and technical terminology used in the asbestos surveying and management industry. Whether you are a property owner, contractor, or just curious about asbestos-related terms, this resource is designed to enhance your understanding and provide clear explanations of the complex language used in our field. As you navigate the challenges of managing asbestos, we hope this glossary will serve as a valuable tool to demystify the terms you encounter and aid in making informed decisions about asbestos management and safety. As always contact us by email info@asebstos-surveys-essex.co.uk or by phone on 01375 800617.
Asbestos:
Naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals known for their durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties, but hazardous to health when disturbed.
Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM):
Any material or product that contains more than 1% asbestos.
Friable Asbestos:
Asbestos that can be easily crumbled or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. This form is more likely to release asbestos fibers into the air and is considered more hazardous.
Non-friable Asbestos:
Asbestos-containing materials that are not easily crumbled or powdered and have fibers bonded within a matrix, typically less likely to release fibers unless disturbed by actions such as cutting, sanding, or drilling.
Asbestos Management Plan (AMP):
A document that outlines how asbestos risks will be managed, including procedures for monitoring the condition of asbestos-containing materials and ensuring they remain safe.
Asbestos Survey:
An inspection conducted to identify asbestos-containing materials in a building, assessing their quantity, condition, and location.
Type 1 Asbestos Survey (Management Survey):
Designed to locate the presence and extent of any suspect ACMs in a building which could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy.
Type 2 Asbestos Survey (Refurbishment and Demolition Survey):
Required where the premises, or part of it, need upgrading, refurbishment or demolition. This survey does not assess the condition of the asbestos, but will note areas where it could be disturbed.
Type 3 Asbestos Survey (Pre-Demolition Survey):
A full access survey where the property is in the process or will be shortly going through demolition. All ACMs are identified as far as reasonably practicable.
Encapsulation:
A method of treating asbestos-containing materials with a sealant that either binds the asbestos fibers together or coats the material so fibers are not released.
Asbestos Abatement:
Procedures to control fiber release from asbestos-containing materials in a building by encapsulation, encasement, or removal.
Asbestos Enclosure:
A physical barrier built around asbestos-containing materials to prevent the release of fibers into the air.
Air Monitoring:
The process of measuring the fiber concentration of asbestos in the air to assess exposure and the effectiveness of control measures.
Clearance Levels:
Criteria defined to determine whether an asbestos removal area can be safely re-occupied after abatement activities have been completed.
Asbestos Register:
A document that lists all identified or assumed asbestos in a workplace, typically part of the asbestos management plan, detailing each material’s location and condition.