CMC Asbestos Surveys: Asbestos Glossary - H

HSL investigation refutes asbestos claims over safe cement

The Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) have investigated claims that chrysotile in asbestos cement changes into a non-asbestos fibrous material called Casitile. The claims also suggested that this process is 100% efficient and no chrysotile asbestos remains in the matrix and no release of airborne chrysotile fibres can occur.

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Half Mask High Efficiency
A respirator which covers one-half of the wearer's face and is equipped with filter capable of screening out 99.97% of all particles larger than 0.3 microns. 

HEPA
High Efficiency Particulate Air (Air Filter). A filter capable of trapping and retaining at least 99.97 percent of all monodispersed particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter or larger such as asbestos.

Homogeneous Area
An area of surfacing material, thermal system insulation material, or miscellaneous material that is uniform in color and texture.

HSE
Health and Safety Executive, the enforcement of Health and Safety is principally split between two authorities - the Health and Safety Executive cover more specialist areas e.g. universities, and normally those buildings not accessible to the general public. Local authorities cover the more small to medium sized service and retail businesses e.g. hotels, shops, offices etc.

HVAC System
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system usually found in large business and industry facilities.