Pipes and insulation
Asbestos in pipe insulation – analysis €49.99
Old pipe insulation is among the most serious asbestos suspects, because the insulation can be brittle and dusty. Dusty insulation must not be sent by post – sampling and analysis belong in the hands of a professional on site.
In short
Can pipe insulation contain asbestos?
Yes. Old insulation on heating and water pipes can contain asbestos, especially in basements, boiler rooms, plant rooms and older apartment buildings. Do not disturb the insulation yourself if it crumbles or is dusty. Pipe insulation is a loosely bound, dusty material and must not be posted to us – call in a professional. Firmly bound materials from the same renovation, such as tile adhesive, filler or asbestos cement, can be sent to Semlab.
Identify the material
What should you know about this material?
Where is asbestos found in pipe insulation?
Pipe insulation is found in basements, boiler rooms, utility rooms, plant rooms, older apartment buildings and in the pipework of houses. The material can be white, grey, cardboard-like or paste-like. Asbestos is often found, among other places, in the insulation on pipe bends.
Why should I not take the sample myself?
If the insulation crumbles, is dusty, damaged or hard to reach, even a small intervention can release fibres. Dusty materials must also not be sent by post. Have the insulation assessed and sampled on site by a professional – safety always comes before speed.
What does the result mean for work on the pipes?
If the insulation contains asbestos, it must be removed and disposed of as asbestos removal work under your national occupational safety rules. A negative result only applies to the piece examined – insulation from different building phases should be assessed separately.
Sampling
How to take a representative sample
- Do not touch insulation that crumbles or is dusty.
- Do not send pipe insulation by post – it counts as a dusty material.
- Have the insulation assessed and sampled on site by a professional.
If the material crumbles, is dusty or is hard to reach, do not force it loose. Only firmly bound materials may be sent by post, never dusty insulation. If you are unsure how to take the sample safely, ask a professional.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about asbestos in pipe insulation
Test for asbestos in pipe insulation before demolition
Order the analysis online and pay by card, send the sample to our laboratory with your national postal service, and receive the result by email on the day the sample arrives.