Asbestos in Plaster Walls

Last Updated on 19th November 2024 by

When was asbestos used in plaster?

Asbestos in plasterboard building materials (cement) was commonly used between 1940 and 1990 in the construction of many residential and commercial buildings.

As such, plasterboard asbestos can still be found in many older residential and commercial buildings today. In this blog, we will look at how to tell if old plaster has asbestos.

Asbestos was added to plaster up until the late 1980s to make walls and ceilings both incredibly fire and heat-resistant.

So it is very likely that some older brands of cement could contain asbestos fibres.

Surprisingly, plaster only has to contain 1% asbestos to be considered an asbestos-containing material (ACM).

Asbestos cement was mostly used in commercial buildings and added to walls that were fire-rated such as lift shafts.

Therefore, it’s very uncommon to find homes that contain any asbestos in plaster walls and ceilings.

How do I know if there is asbestos in my plaster?

It can be very difficult to identify if a wall/ceiling contains asbestos just by looking at it.

However, if you know for certain that it is fire-rated and was built before 1990, then you should assume it contains asbestos and get a sample of it tested immediately.

This is particularly important if the plaster is damaged, as this is when it is most dangerous as asbestos fibres are easily released into the atmosphere.

How to take a sample for asbestos testing

Before you take any asbestos sample, you must first always ensure that you wear protective clothing along with gloves, goggles, and a respirator.

This will protect you from any asbestos fibres that might be released while taking the sample.

You should also seal off the area to prevent anyone else from entering.

Here are some specific instructions for taking a sample if you suspect asbestos in plasterboard walls or ceilings:-

1. First, thoroughly dampen the surface of the area you are going to take a sample from with water and a small amount of detergent.
2. Then, proceed to cut a small square of plaster out of the wall or ceiling (about 1 – 1½ inches), ensuring that you cut right through the depth of the plaster.
3. Place the sample in a thick airtight clear plastic bag, and then put this into another clear airtight bag (called the double bag method).
4. Label the sample clearly on the front of the bag with the date and location of where the sample was taken.
5. Then send the sample to an accredited asbestos testing company along with details of your address and contact information.
6. You should receive the results of the test back within a few days.

How do you remove asbestos plaster?

You should never attempt to remove asbestos plaster yourself.

Only those who are appropriately trained should do so.

The HSE states that operatives do not need an asbestos removal license for this type of work, and generally, this work would not need to be notified.

However, the HSE does state that if the work is likely to be extensive and cause significant damage to the material, then notification would be required.

If in any doubt, please seek the advice of a professional company that deals with asbestos removal.

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Duty holders and employers have a legal responsibility to manage asbestos in their properties, carrying out an asbestos survey in their buildings so as not to put employees at risk.

So make sure you contact our Armco office to arrange asbestos testing or an asbestos survey before it’s too late! 

Whether you need an asbestos management survey or a refurbishment/ demolition survey, contact us at 0161 763 3727 or by visiting https://www.armco.org.uk/

Finally, for all your asbestos training needs call 0161 761 4424 or visit https://www.armcoasbestostraining.co.uk/to book an asbestos awareness training course.

Published Jun 17, 2019