Asbestos Woven Textiles
What Are Asbestos Woven Textiles?
Asbestos woven textiles were manufactured by spinning asbestos fibres—typically Chrysotile (white asbestos)—into yarns, which were then woven into fire-resistant fabrics. These materials were highly popular in industrial and commercial applications from the early 20th century until the 1980s.
Common asbestos textiles include:
- Fire blankets
- Gloves and mitts for foundry or welding work
- Rope seals and lagging on boilers
- Ironing board covers
- Heat-resistant cloths and insulation jackets
- Safety aprons and theatre curtains
These woven products are often overlooked, but they are highly friable and can easily release dangerous fibres when handled or disturbed.
Asbestos Textile Identification
Asbestos textiles often resemble cotton, wool, or fibreglass, and may appear soft, grey, white, or brown. Common signs include fraying, brittle ropes, or dusty fibres. Suspect a textile contains asbestos? Book a professional asbestos survey to confirm.
Asbestos Textile Removal
Due to their fragile and fibrous nature, asbestos textiles require specialist removal procedures, usually under controlled conditions by licensed contractors. We offer full asbestos removal services across the UK.
Asbestos Textile Health Risks
Woven asbestos products are among the most dangerous due to their friability. When disturbed, they easily release fibres that can cause:
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer
Asbestos Textile Applications
Asbestos textiles were used in:
- Shipbuilding and marine engines
- Factories and boiler houses
- Laboratories and theatres
- Home appliances and ironing boards
If you manage or maintain older premises, an asbestos management survey can identify hidden woven materials.
Asbestos Textile Testing
If you suspect old gloves, rope seals, or blankets may contain asbestos, we provide asbestos testing and sampling to verify the material in a UKAS-accredited lab.
Asbestos Textile Disposal
Asbestos textiles must be:
- Double-bagged in red/clear labelled bags
- Handled with full PPE
- Disposed of at licensed hazardous waste facilities
We offer full asbestos waste disposal solutions.
Asbestos Textile Regulations
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, asbestos textiles are considered high-risk and licensable. This means only authorised contractors can legally remove or handle them.
Asbestos Textile Encapsulation
In most cases, asbestos textiles are too friable to encapsulate safely. However, in very specific cases—such as rope seals in good condition—encapsulation may be possible. Learn more via our asbestos management services.
Asbestos Textile Cost
The cost of managing asbestos textiles depends on:
- Type and condition (e.g. rope seals vs blankets)
- Access and risk level
- Whether removal or encapsulation is required
Examples of Asbestos Woven Textiles
Browse our gallery below to see examples of fire blankets, boiler seals, gloves, and more. If you’re unsure about a product or insulation material, contact us through our contact page.
