ASBESTOS GLOSSARY AND TERMINOLOGY 

A

ACM

Asbestos-Containing Material. Any material or product that contains asbestos. Common ACMs include textured coatings, floor tiles, pipe lagging, insulation boards and roof sheets.

Amosite

Also known as brown asbestos. One of the most commonly found types of asbestos in UK buildings. Amosite is considered high risk and its removal requires strict controls.

Artex

A brand name for textured ceiling and wall coating that was widely used in UK homes. Artex applied before 2000 may contain chrysotile (white) asbestos.

Asbestosis

A serious long-term lung condition caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres. Asbestosis causes scarring of the lung tissue and is currently incurable.

C

CAR 2012

Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The primary legislation governing the management, survey and removal of asbestos in the UK.

Chrysotile

Also known as white asbestos. The most commonly used type of asbestos, found in a wide range of building materials. Despite being considered lower risk than other types, chrysotile is still hazardous and must be handled by professionals.

Crocidolite

Also known as blue asbestos. Considered the most hazardous type of asbestos due to the shape and size of its fibres. Crocidolite is found less commonly than amosite or chrysotile but requires the strictest removal controls.

D

Duty Holder

A person who has responsibilities for managing asbestos in a non-domestic building under CAR 2012. This is typically the building owner, landlord or employer responsible for maintenance.

E

Encapsulation

A method of managing asbestos in place by sealing or coating it to prevent the release of fibres. Encapsulation is sometimes used as an alternative to removal where the material is in good condition.

H

HSE

Health and Safety Executive. The UK government body responsible for regulating health and safety in the workplace, including asbestos management and removal.

HSG264

HSE guidance document: Asbestos — The Survey Guide. The authoritative guidance on how asbestos surveys should be planned and carried out.

M

Management Survey

A survey required to manage asbestos in a building in normal use. It locates the presence and assesses the condition of ACMs so a management plan can be put in place.

Mesothelioma

A cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma has a long latency period and is sadly incurable.

N

Notifiable Removal

Asbestos removal work that must be notified to the HSE at least 14 days before it begins. Notifiable work involves higher-risk materials and must only be carried out by an approved contractor.

P

P402

A qualification in asbestos surveying awarded by RSPH (Royal Society for Public Health). P402-certified surveyors are qualified to carry out asbestos surveys in buildings.

R

Refurbishment & Demolition Survey

A more intrusive asbestos survey required before any building work, refurbishment or demolition. It is designed to locate all ACMs that could be disturbed during the planned works.

U

UKAS

United Kingdom Accreditation Service. UKAS-accredited laboratories are independently assessed to ensure they meet rigorous standards for asbestos sample analysis.

W

Waste Consignment Note

A legal document required when hazardous waste including asbestos is collected and transported. Consignment notes record the type, quantity and destination of the waste and must be retained for three years.