What documentation is provided after AIB removal?

Every AIB removal project includes a 4-stage clearance certificate following an independent UKAS air test, waste consignment notes confirming legal disposal, and a full written completion report.

Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) Removal | HSE Licensed Contractor

Q: Where is AIB typically found in buildings?

Common AIB locations include ceiling tiles, suspended ceilings, partition walls, fire door panels, boiler room cladding, service risers, duct linings and wall panels in industrial buildings. It can look identical to plasterboard, so professional sampling is the only reliable way to confirm its presence.

What Is Asbestos Insulating Board?

AIB — The Highest-Risk Asbestos Material in Commercial Buildings

Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) is one of the most hazardous asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) found in UK buildings. Used extensively from the 1950s through to the 1980s for fire protection, thermal insulation and soundproofing, AIB typically contains between 15% and 40% asbestos fibre by weight — a far higher concentration than most other ACMs.

AIB was used in ceiling tiles, partition walls, fire doors, boiler room cladding, service duct linings and wall panels. It can look almost identical to standard plasterboard, which means it is frequently discovered during renovation or demolition work — often unexpectedly.

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), all work on AIB is classified as licensable work and can only be carried out by an HSE-licensed contractor. AIB Solutions holds full HSE licensing for all categories of licensed asbestos work and has been removing AIB from commercial and industrial buildings since 2003.

⚠ You cannot legally remove AIB yourself

AIB is a licensable asbestos material under CAR 2012. Any disturbance, removal or disposal must be carried out by an HSE-licensed contractor. Attempting to remove AIB without a licence is a criminal offence and carries serious health risks.

HSE Licensed

Full HSE licence for all licensable AIB work. Licensed since 2003, renewed without interruption.

4-Stage Clearance

Mandatory 4-stage clearance procedure with independent air testing on every AIB removal job.

Directly Employed Teams

No subcontractors. Every operative is directly employed and individually licensed for AIB work.

Nationwide

Commercial and industrial AIB removal across England and Wales. Fast mobilisation on all projects.

Where We Remove AIB

Common AIB Locations in Commercial & Industrial Buildings

AIB was used throughout buildings in a wide range of applications. It can be difficult to identify visually — professional sampling is always required to confirm its presence before any work begins.

Ceiling Tiles & Suspended Ceilings

AIB ceiling tiles were widely used in offices, schools, hospitals and public buildings. Often found in grid suspended ceiling systems installed between 1950–1985.

Licensable Work

Partition Walls & Linings

AIB was used as a low-cost alternative to plasterboard in partition walls, corridor linings and room dividers. It can be almost impossible to distinguish visually from standard board.

Licensable Work

Fire Doors & Door Panels

AIB was commonly used as fire-resistant infill in door panels and frames, particularly in commercial buildings, schools and industrial premises. Replacement of fire doors often triggers AIB discovery.

Licensable Work

Boiler Rooms & Plant Rooms

AIB was extensively used in boiler rooms and plant rooms as thermal and fire protection cladding around pipework, boilers and mechanical services. Highly common in pre-1985 commercial buildings.

Licensable Work

Service Risers & Duct Linings

Vertical service risers and horizontal duct linings in multi-storey commercial buildings frequently contain AIB used as fire protection. Often found running throughout the full height of a building.

Licensable Work

Industrial Buildings & Warehouses

Pre-1985 factories, warehouses and industrial units frequently contain AIB as wall cladding, ceiling boards and thermal insulation. AIB removal is often a prerequisite for refurbishment or change of use.

Licensable Work

How We Work

Our AIB Removal Process

Every AIB removal project follows a rigorous, legally mandated process. As an HSE-licensed contractor, we are required to follow strict procedures at every stage — from initial notification to final clearance.

Regulatory Compliance

Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012)

HSE Licensing Regulations — Category A Licensable Work

HSG247 — Asbestos: The Licensed Contractors' Guide

Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 — Consignment Noting

1

Survey & Material Confirmation

A refurbishment and demolition survey is carried out to confirm the presence, location and condition of AIB. Bulk samples are taken and submitted to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis. You receive a full written survey report with results.

2

HSE Notification & Plan of Work

We notify the HSE at least 14 days before work begins, as required by law for all licensable asbestos work. A full Plan of Work and Risk Assessments are prepared covering safe systems of work, enclosure requirements, negative pressure units and air monitoring.

3

Controlled Enclosure & Removal

A sealed enclosure with negative pressure unit (NPU) is established to contain fibre release. Our licensed operatives, wearing full RPE and PPE, carry out careful removal of AIB. Continuous air monitoring is conducted throughout to confirm fibre levels remain below action values.

4

4-Stage Clearance Procedure

Following removal, a mandatory 4-stage clearance is carried out: visual inspection of the enclosure, thorough decontamination, independent air testing by a UKAS-accredited body, and final visual inspection. The area is not released until all stages are passed.

5

Licensed Disposal & Documentation

All AIB waste is double-bagged, labelled and transported to a licensed asbestos disposal facility. Full consignment notes are issued as required under Hazardous Waste Regulations. You receive a clearance certificate, air test results and all waste documentation on completion.

Sectors We Work In

AIB Removal Across All Commercial & Industrial Sectors

We carry out AIB removal for a wide range of clients across the public and private sector. Every sector has specific compliance requirements — we understand them all.

Education & Schools

AIB ceiling tiles and wall panels are extremely common in schools built between 1950 and 1985. We work with academy trusts, local authorities and contractors to remove AIB during term-time closures and summer programmes — minimising disruption to the school calendar.

Commercial Offices & Retail

Office refurbishments and retail fit-outs in pre-2000 buildings frequently require AIB removal from suspended ceilings, partitions and fire door panels. We work with principal contractors and FM teams to deliver AIB removal within tight programme timescales.

Industrial & Manufacturing

Pre-1985 factories, warehouses and industrial units regularly contain significant quantities of AIB in boiler rooms, plant rooms and as general cladding. We have extensive experience delivering large-scale AIB removal in live and decommissioned industrial environments.

Public Sector & Councils

Local authorities, NHS trusts and housing associations frequently commission AIB removal as part of planned maintenance, refurbishment programmes and void property clearances. We understand public sector procurement requirements and can work within framework contracts.

Construction & Refurbishment

Principal contractors regularly engage us as their HSE-licensed asbestos sub-contractor to carry out AIB removal ahead of or during wider refurbishment programmes. We integrate with construction programmes and provide the documentation contractors need to close out asbestos obligations.

Domestic & Residential

While less common than in commercial buildings, AIB can be present in some domestic properties — particularly in fire doors and older boiler enclosures. Where AIB is identified in a home, we provide the same licensed removal service with the same rigorous clearance procedure.

Why Choose AIB Solutions

The Specialist You Need for AIB Removal.

Not all asbestos contractors are the same. AIB is the most hazardous category of asbestos work — and it requires a contractor with the right licence, the right equipment and the right experience. We've been removing AIB for over 20 years with a 100% safety record.

G

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4.9 out of 5 — 359 Google reviews

Related Services

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Asbestos Removal

HSE Licensed Since 2003

Full HSE licensing for all categories of licensable asbestos work including AIB. 20+ years without interruption to our licence.

Directly Employed Licensed Operatives

No subcontractors. Every operative working on AIB is directly employed and holds a current individual asbestos licence.

Complete Documentation Package

4-stage clearance certificate, independent UKAS air test results, waste consignment notes and a full completion report — every time.

Fast Mobilisation

We quote quickly and mobilise quickly. Most AIB removal projects can be quoted within 24 hours and mobilised within days of instruction.

Free Expert Advice

Not sure if you have AIB? Call us. We provide free advice on identification, survey requirements and your legal obligations — no obligation, no hard sell.

HSE Licensed AIB Removal

Need AIB Removed?
Talk to Our Licensed Team.

Free expert advice on every call. We handle all survey, removal, air testing, clearance certification and waste disposal — from a single source, fully licensed and documented.

Get a Free Quote 01782 613773

FAQs

Asbestos Insulating Board — Common Questions

Have a question that isn't answered here? Call our team for free expert advice — no obligation.

01782 613773

What is Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)?

Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) is a dense board material used widely in UK buildings from the 1950s to the 1980s for fire protection, thermal insulation and soundproofing. It typically contains between 15% and 40% asbestos fibre by weight — a much higher concentration than most other asbestos-containing materials — and is classified as a high-risk ACM under UK regulations.

Where is AIB typically found?

Common AIB locations include ceiling tiles and suspended ceilings, partition walls and linings, fire door panels, boiler room and plant room cladding, service risers, duct linings and wall panels in industrial buildings. It can look almost identical to plasterboard, which is why professional sampling is the only reliable way to confirm its presence.

Why does AIB require a licensed contractor?

Under Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), all work on AIB is classified as licensable asbestos work. This means it can only legally be carried out by a contractor holding a current HSE asbestos removal licence. The high asbestos fibre content of AIB means that disturbance without proper controls poses a serious health risk. Unlicensed removal of AIB is a criminal offence.

How do I know if I have AIB in my building?

You cannot confirm the presence of AIB by sight alone — it looks very similar to plasterboard and other board materials. The only reliable method is professional sampling and laboratory analysis. We carry out asbestos surveys and bulk sampling across the UK and can confirm whether AIB is present before any work begins. If you suspect AIB, do not disturb or damage the material — call us for advice.

Do you need to notify the HSE before removing AIB?

Yes. Under CAR 2012, the HSE must be notified at least 14 days before any licensable asbestos work begins. We handle all HSE notification as part of our service — you don't need to do anything. This is one of the key reasons it's essential to use a licensed contractor rather than attempting to remove AIB independently.

What documentation will I receive after AIB removal?

Every AIB removal project includes a 4-stage clearance certificate following an independent air test, waste consignment notes confirming legal disposal, and a full written completion report. This documentation is legally required and essential for building owners, contractors and insurers as evidence that the work was carried out safely and legally.

Can AIB be encapsulated rather than removed?

In some circumstances, AIB in good condition may be managed in place rather than removed — typically where the material is undisturbed, in good condition and not subject to ongoing disturbance. However, encapsulation work on AIB is also licensable, and any encapsulation programme requires a full survey and ongoing management plan. We advise on the most appropriate approach for each situation.

How much does AIB removal cost?

Cost depends on the volume and location of AIB, site access, programme requirements and the complexity of enclosure required. We provide free, itemised quotations with no hidden costs. Call 01782 613773 or submit an enquiry and we aim to respond same day.

Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) Removal.

AIB — The Highest-Risk Asbestos Material in Commercial Buildings

Common AIB Locations in Commercial & Industrial Buildings

Our AIB Removal Process