Fire retardant material containing asbestos is usually a coating that has been applied via spraying to reinforced concrete, steel beams or steel columns. In factories and warehouses asbestos has been sprayed onto walls, ceilings and metal support structures. The material was also commonly used for fireproofing, sound and thermal insulation on the underside of ceilings in high-rise buildings.
Loose asbestos was placed in some old fire doors to meet fire rating standards and also applied around electrical cables. Loose asbestos has also been used for thermal insulation in mattresses, for acoustic insulation between floors and as loft insulation.
Fire retardant material containing asbestos is friable and so only a Class A licensed asbestos removalist can undertake the removal work. An asbestos removal control plan must be developed.