Asbestos paint on electrical infrastructure
Description
Asbestos containing paint used as added fire protection on structures that were at risk of electrical shorts and environmental hazards. A practice not universally used across all networks.
Some older fixed equipment, such as Maximum Demand Indicators (MDIs), were also painted.
Noted colours were black, grey and white.
In paint, asbestos controlled viscosity and improved film strength. Usually between 2-15% asbestos content.
Brands/products
- Asbestine
- Dolomite
Years of production/use
Prior to 1990
Residential uses
–
Industrial uses
- High voltage poles, poles supporting transformers, train powerline gantries and overland high voltage towers.
Be aware
Asbestos paint has not been used for around 30 years. Older existing paint coverings are likely to be in poor condition (flaky).
