What are sprayed asbestos coatings (limpet)?
Asbestos sprayed directly onto steel and concrete for fire protection and insulation — typically a rough, fibrous grey layer on beams, columns and soffits of 1950s–70s buildings. It can be up to 85% asbestos, the highest-risk material there is.
Why are sprayed coatings treated as the most dangerous ACM?
Because they’re soft, high in fibre content — often crocidolite or amosite — and shed with the lightest contact. Even minor disturbance releases serious fibre levels, so everything about their removal is maximum-control: licensed teams, full enclosures, injection and wet methods.
Can sprayed coatings be encapsulated instead of removed?
Sometimes — sound coatings in undisturbed voids can be encapsulated and managed, avoiding a major removal. But where refurbishment or demolition will disturb them, removal under full licensed conditions is the only route.