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What are sprayed asbestos coatings and how are they removed?.
Sprayed asbestos coating — often called limpet asbestos — was sprayed directly onto structural steel, concrete soffits and ductwork as fire protection and insulation, mainly between the 1950s and early 1970s. It can contain up to 85% asbestos, frequently crocidolite or amosite.
It is the most friable asbestos product ever used in UK construction, and among the most hazardous to disturb.
Written by the Innov8 UK Group asbestos team · Technically reviewed by our Contracts Director · Last reviewed July 2026
LIMPET
Where sprayed coatings are found
Sprayed coatings turn up on steel beams and columns in warehouses, mills and office blocks, on the undersides of concrete floors (soffits), in plant rooms, lift motor rooms, theatres and cinemas — usually hidden above suspended ceilings or behind later linings. Overspray onto surrounding surfaces and debris in ceiling voids is common.
Removal is strictly licensed work
All work with sprayed coatings is licensed and notifiable. Removal takes place inside a robust, smoke-tested enclosure under negative pressure, using saturation wet-injection to suppress fibres. Operatives work in full RPE with airline or powered respirators for higher-risk phases, and decontaminate through a three-stage airlock every time they leave the enclosure.
Environmental cleaning and clearance
Because limpet contaminates everything around it, projects usually include a fine environmental clean of the void or room, followed by a four-stage clearance with air testing by an independent UKAS-accredited analyst before the enclosure comes down.
Planning a refurbishment?
If your building predates 1980 and has never had a refurbishment and demolition survey, assume concealed sprayed coatings are possible. A survey before design work saves programme delays and uncontrolled discoveries mid-project.
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