Most Hazardous Category

Asbestos Spray Coating Removal
Surrey & London

Asbestos spray coatings applied to structural steelwork, concrete and ceiling voids are among the most dangerous ACMs in existence. Friable, airborne fibres are released at the slightest disturbance. Only our HSE-licensed team can legally remove them.

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Asbestos spray coating on structural steelwork
Licensed asbestos removal team in full PPE
High-Risk Licensed Removal

Are Asbestos Spray Coatings Dangerous?

Spray-applied asbestos insulation was used extensively throughout the UK from the 1950s to the late 1970s — applied directly to structural steelwork, beams, columns, concrete floors, roof undersides and within loft spaces for fire protection, acoustic damping and thermal insulation. It was banned in the UK in 1999. Today, spray coatings are considered one of the most dangerous asbestos-containing materials found in UK buildings.

The reason for this extreme hazard rating is that spray coatings are highly friable — meaning the material is loosely bound and crumbles easily. Unlike bonded asbestos products such as cement sheets, spray coating can release enormous quantities of microscopic fibres with even the slightest disturbance: a door slamming, air movement from a ventilation system, or an accidental brush from a passing worker. This is not a material that can be managed informally. Licensed contractor involvement is required by law from the moment the material is identified.

  • Licensed contractor required by law
  • Full sealed enclosure and negative pressure maintained throughout
  • Continuous air monitoring throughout all works
  • 4-stage UKAS clearance certificate issued
  • Hazardous waste consignment notes provided
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What You Need to Know

Where Spray Coatings Are Found

Asbestos spray coatings were primarily used in large commercial, industrial and public-sector buildings constructed between the early 1950s and the late 1970s. The most common locations include structural steelwork in commercial and industrial buildings, the undersides of concrete floors and roofs, loft spaces and roof voids in large pre-1980 buildings, and around pipes, ducts and HVAC systems requiring fire or thermal insulation. They were widely applied in warehouses, car parks, schools, hospitals, universities, sports halls and multi-storey office blocks built during this era.

Spray coatings are frequently concealed behind suspended ceilings, boarding, cladding or secondary structures — meaning they are often discovered unexpectedly during refurbishment or demolition. If your building was constructed before 1980, a refurbishment and demolition survey is essential before any intrusive work begins. We carry out surveys and bulk sampling to confirm the presence and condition of spray coating before producing a removal methodology.

Do not attempt to disturb, access or sample suspect spray coatings yourself. Contact our team for a professional assessment — we will advise you on the correct procedure and ensure all legal obligations are met before any work commences.

Our Removal Process

1

Survey & Sampling

We confirm the presence, extent and condition of the spray coating material and arrange UKAS-accredited lab analysis.

2

Method Statement & HSE Notification

We prepare a full method statement and submit the mandatory HSE notification — required at least 14 days before work begins.

3

Enclosure Erected

A full sealed enclosure is constructed around the work area with negative air pressure maintained continuously to prevent any fibre escape.

4

Removal

Specialist tooling and continuous wet suppression are used throughout. All operatives wear full PPE and are subject to personal air monitoring.

5

4-Stage Air Clearance

An independent UKAS-accredited analyst carries out all four clearance stages before the enclosure is dismantled.

6

Waste Disposal

All asbestos waste is double-bagged, labelled and removed as hazardous waste to a licensed disposal site. Full consignment notes provided.

Why Choose Us

Our Spray Coating Removal Promise

Trained Team

HSE-licensed operatives with extensive spray coating experience. Full respiratory protective equipment and personal air monitoring on every job.

Comprehensive Safety Measures

Full sealed enclosure, continuous negative pressure, wet suppression and air monitoring — nothing is left to chance with this high-risk material.

End-to-End Service

From initial survey and HSE notification through to independent air clearance certificate and waste disposal — all managed by a single contractor.

Ongoing Management

Post-removal monitoring and management plans available for sites where spray coatings are being managed in place rather than removed immediately.

FAQs

Common Questions About Spray Coating Removal

What is asbestos spray coating?

Asbestos spray coating — also known as asbestos insulation coating (AIC) or limpet asbestos — is a spray-applied mixture of asbestos fibres and binding agents applied directly to structural elements such as steelwork, beams and columns. It was used extensively from the 1950s through the 1970s for fire protection and thermal insulation, and was banned in the UK in 1999. It is classified as the most hazardous type of asbestos-containing material due to its highly friable nature, meaning it crumbles easily and releases fibres at the slightest disturbance.

Does spray coating always need licensed removal?

Yes. Spray coating (asbestos insulation coating / AIC) is a licensable material under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Only contractors holding a current HSE asbestos licence may carry out removal or any other work with this material. Engaging an unlicensed contractor to work with spray coatings is a criminal offence. All our operatives are licensed and undergo mandatory HSE medical surveillance and refresher training.

Can spray coating be encapsulated instead of removed?

In some circumstances, encapsulation or over-cladding can be used to manage spray coating that is in good, stable condition and where no intrusive works are planned. This is only appropriate as a medium-term measure and must be managed through a formal asbestos management plan. Where material is deteriorating, or where refurbishment or demolition work is required, full licensed removal is the only option. Our surveyor will assess your specific situation and advise on the most appropriate course of action.

How long does spray coating removal take?

The programme depends heavily on the volume of material, its location, access constraints and site conditions. A small area on a single structural beam may be completed in one or two days. A large industrial building with extensive spray coating on structural steelwork may require a phased programme over several weeks. We produce a full method statement and programme before works begin so you know exactly what to expect — including site access requirements and the phasing of clearance testing.

Ready to Get Started?

Arrange a Spray Coating Survey Today

HSE-licensed removal, independent air monitoring and full clearance certification — all from a single contractor.

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