Asbestos Partition Board

Asbestos partition board, often classified as asbestos insulating board (AIB), is a lightweight, low-density panel manufactured from a mixture of asbestos fibres, calcium silicate, and other binders. Unlike the harder, denser asbestos cement products, AIB is softer, more porous, and contains a higher proportion of asbestos — typically 15 to 40 per cent by weight. The fibres used include chrysotile, amosite, and in some products, crocidolite (blue asbestos).

Manufactured from the 1930s through to about 1990, asbestos partition boards were used extensively for internal walls and partitions, fire-rated enclosures, column casings, ceiling tiles, duct panels, and service riser linings. They were valued for their light weight, excellent fire resistance, acoustic insulation properties, and ease of cutting and fixing. These boards are found in offices, schools, hospitals, laboratories, factories, and residential buildings across the UK, Australia, North America, and Europe.

Asbestos partition board is classified as one of the most hazardous common asbestos-containing materials because of its friable nature. The soft, porous structure means the material can be easily damaged by impact, abrasion, or even normal wear and tear. When damaged, the board crumbles and releases large quantities of respirable asbestos fibres. Even undamaged boards can release fibres from their surface over time, particularly in areas with air movement or vibration.

In the UK, work with asbestos insulating board is classified as licensable work, meaning only contractors holding a licence from the Health and Safety Executive may remove it. Similar licensing requirements exist in Australia and other regulated countries. The removal process involves full enclosure of the work area, negative air pressure units, decontamination facilities, and continuous air monitoring.

If you identify or suspect asbestos partition boards in a building, do not touch, drill, cut, or damage the material. Commission a professional asbestos management survey. Where the boards are in good condition and not subject to disturbance, they may be encapsulated or over-boarded as a management measure. However, damaged boards or those in areas subject to regular disturbance should be removed by a licensed contractor.