Would you recognise asbestos if you saw it?

There are many different types of asbestos containing material (ACM) which can be found in many different parts of a building, from the roof to the basement.  The HSE has a useful guide to help you recognise them.

The types of ACM described include:

• asbestos insulating board: it was used for fire protection in many locations, including fire door panels
• cement products: moulded and compressed to make a range of products, including roofing, gutters and downpipes
• floor coverings: asbestos was added to floor tiles and screen materials
• textured decorative coatings: the widely used Artex once included asbestos
• thermal insulation: including lagging on pipes and boilers, and loose-fill asbestos in cavity walls, under floorboards, and in lofts

In each case the guide shows photos, and gives a clear indication of where they might be found.