Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) – Identification & Risks

What is Asbestos Insulating Board?

Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) is composed of a mixture of brown asbestos (Amosite) and calcium silicate. This material was widely used in various products such as ceiling tiles, wall boards, soffits, risers, linings, canopies, packers, firebreaks, partition walls, and infill panels due to its fireproof and insulating properties. AIB is particularly dangerous when disturbed, as it can release hazardous asbestos fibres into the air.

Asbestos Insulating Board Identification

AIB can be mistaken for other building materials, such as asbestos cement, but it is typically softer and more fibrous. It was often used in fire-resistant installations, and accurate identification is crucial for ensuring safe management and removal. To learn more about asbestos identification, visit our asbestos surveys page.

Asbestos Insulating Board Removal

Due to the health risks associated with disturbing asbestos, only licensed workers or contractors should handle or remove AIB. Even short-duration tasks involving fire doors and fire protection systems require stringent safety measures. If you need professional asbestos removal services, check out our asbestos removal page.

Asbestos Insulating Board Health Risks

AIB contains Amosite, a type of asbestos known for its heat resistance and strength. When disturbed, AIB releases dangerous asbestos fibres, which can cause serious health conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Proper handling, removal, and disposal are essential to prevent exposure.

Asbestos Insulating Board (aib) Stacked in Piles and in Poor Condition

Asbestos Insulating Board Applications

AIB was widely used in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings for various applications, including:

Fireproofing (fire doors, firebreaks)
Wall partitions
Ceiling and wall linings
Soffits and risers

If you suspect AIB in your property, consider an asbestos management survey.

Asbestos Insulating Board Disposal

Due to the hazardous nature of AIB, it must be safely removed and disposed of in accordance with UK asbestos regulations. Proper waste handling procedures must be followed to prevent contamination. Learn more about asbestos waste disposal.

Asbestos Insulating Board Regulations

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 sets strict guidelines on working with AIB, including licensing requirements, risk assessments, and safety measures. Non-licensed work on AIB is only permitted under strict safety protocols.

Asbestos Insulating Board Testing

To confirm the presence of AIB, laboratory asbestos testing is required. Bulk sampling and testing help determine the asbestos type and concentration, ensuring the appropriate management plan. If you require AIB testing, book an asbestos sampling survey.

Asbestos Insulating Board Cost

The cost of asbestos-related work depends on factors such as:

Extent of contamination
Required removal or encapsulation
Testing and survey costs

Asbestos Insulating Board vs. Asbestos Cement

Although AIB and asbestos cement may look similar, there are key differences:

AIB is softer, more fibrous, and more likely to release fibres when disturbed.
Asbestos cement is harder, with lower asbestos content, making it less likely to release airborne fibres.

Need help identifying materials in your building? Book an asbestos inspection.

Asbestos Insulating Board History

AIB was widely used between the 1950s and 1980s due to its fire resistance and affordability. However, due to its severe health risks, it was banned in 1999 under UK asbestos regulations. Read more about the history of asbestos in our blog.

Examples of Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)

Check out examples of Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) below in our gallery. If you suspect AIB in your property, contact us for professional asbestos surveys.