ASTM E1494-18

Standard Practice for Testing Physical Properties of Friable Surfacing Materials

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The purpose of this practice is to provide test methods and performance criteria involving encapsulants for surfacing material on an asbestos abatement project in accordance with Practice E1368, including the application of encapsulants to the surfacing material as an abatement measure and the removal of existing encapsulated surfacing material.  
4.1.1 Abatement projects involving application of encapsulants require coverage, penetration, and cohesion/adhesion tests to determine encapsulation requirements during project design, on test patches, and at conclusion of the project to determine completeness of abatement.  
4.1.2 Removal projects requires penetration tests during project design on test patches to determine thicknesses of encapsulated and un-encapsulated surfacing material.  
4.2 The test methods and performance criteria described in this practice may also be used during a Project Design Survey in accordance with Practice E2356 to provide information for preparing the plans and specifications for applying or removing the encapsulated surfacing material.  
4.3 Asbestos-containing surfacing materials installed in buildings may include fireproofing, acoustical and decorative plaster, and soundproofing. Properties not directly addressed in this practice may be important and appropriate test methods should be considered. See Test Methods E84, E119, and E605, and 1-GP-205M2003.  
4.4 The test methods described in this practice are designed to (1) determine the depth of penetration, or lack thereof, of the encapsulant into the matrix of the surfacing material, (2) determine the coverage of the encapsulant on the surfacing material, and (3) to determine the adhesive and cohesive properties of the encapsulated surfacing material.  
4.5 Compliance with the acceptance criteria in this practice and with referenced specifications does not guarantee that the abatement project will pass the visual inspection for completeness of clean-up in Practice E1368, or t...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers encapsulants intended to reduce or eliminate the release of asbestos fibers from a matrix of friable spray- or trowel-applied asbestos-containing surfacing material.  
1.2 This practice includes a series of determinations to be conducted in the field on asbestos abatement projects for which encapsulation is being considered or has been performed.  
1.3 This practice is to be used to determine the appropriateness of encapsulation as an abatement measure in accordance with Practice E1368, as part of a Project Design Survey in accordance with Practice E2356, and to demonstrate completeness of abatement in accordance with Practice E1368. Performance of the encapsulated surfacing material for other purposes is not within the scope of this practice. Use Test Methods E84, E119, and E605 to determine other properties of the material.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 Warning—Asbestos fibers are acknowledged carcinogens. Breathing asbestos fibers can result in disease of the lungs including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.2 Precautions in this standard practice should be taken to avoid creating and breathing airborne particles from materials known or suspected to contain asbestos. See 2.3 for regulatory requirements addressing asbestos.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles fo...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2018
• ICS: 91.100.40 - Products in fibre-reinforced cement
• Technical Committee: D22 - Air Quality
• Drafting Committee: D22.07 - Sampling, Analysis, Management of Asbestos, and Other Microscopic Particles

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1494-12 - Standard Practice for Encapsulation Testing of Friable Asbestos-Containing Surfacing Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM E84-23d - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM E84-23c - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2023
• Refers: ASTM E119-19 - Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM E84-19b - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM E84-19a - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM E84-19 - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM E119-18c - Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM E119-18ce1 - Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM E84-18b - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E119-18b - Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018
• Refers: ASTM E84-18a - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM E119-18a - Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM E84-18 - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM E119-18 - Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018

Overview

ASTM E1494-18 is the standard practice for testing the physical properties of friable surfacing materials, specifically focusing on the evaluation of encapsulants used in asbestos abatement projects. Published by ASTM International, this standard outlines best practices and test methods to determine whether encapsulants effectively minimize or eliminate the release of asbestos fibers from spray- or trowel-applied surfacing materials. ASTM E1494-18 plays a significant role in project design, implementation, and verification of abatement projects involving asbestos-containing materials (ACM), supporting compliance with other recognized practices such as ASTM E1368 and ASTM E2356.

Key Topics

• Encapsulant Testing: Procedures to assess the physical properties of materials used to encapsulate friable asbestos-containing surfacing materials.
• Types of Encapsulants:
  • Bridging encapsulants - create a surface film over ACM.
  • Penetrating encapsulants - absorbed into the ACM matrix.
• Cohesion/Adhesion Tests: Measures the strength of adhesion between the encapsulant and the surface, and the internal cohesion of the surfacing material, to assess the impact of encapsulant application.
• Coverage and Penetration Testing: Determines the thoroughness and saturation level of encapsulants across the surface and depth within the material.
• Project Phases:
  • Design phase - pre-application testing on patches to determine optimal encapsulation strategy.
  • Post-application - validation that encapsulation requirements and project outcomes are met.
• Regulatory References: Recognizes the influence and applicability of OSHA, EPA, and other safety and health regulations for asbestos management.
• Health and Safety Precautions: Stresses the need for appropriate training, protective equipment, and containment measures due to the hazardous nature of asbestos fibers.

Applications

The practical application of ASTM E1494-18 spans different stages of asbestos abatement projects involving friable materials commonly found as fireproofing, acoustical and decorative plaster, or soundproofing:

• Project Design Surveys: Assists in evaluating existing conditions and defining encapsulation or removal specifications during planning, in line with ASTM E2356.
• Abatement Implementation: Supports on-site testing to ensure encapsulants are effectively applied and meet performance criteria for coverage, penetration, and cohesion/adhesion, as outlined in the standard.
• Quality Assurance: Provides a systematic methodology to verify that the encapsulation or removal of asbestos-containing surfacing material is carried out completely and effectively.
• Regulatory Compliance: Helps professionals meet the project component requirements of visual inspection (per ASTM E1368) and air sampling clearances, critical for building owner, contractor, and regulator confidence.
• Occupational Safety: Guides the execution of test procedures in compliance with EPA and OSHA regulations to protect personnel and building occupants.

Related Standards

ASTM E1494-18 functions alongside several key standards and regulatory guidelines in the field of asbestos management and building abatement work:

• ASTM E84: Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• ASTM E119: Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
• ASTM E605: Thickness and Density of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material
• ASTM E736: Cohesion/Adhesion of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Materials
• ASTM E1368: Visual Inspection of Asbestos Abatement Projects
• ASTM E2356: Comprehensive Building Asbestos Surveys
• EPA 40 CFR Part 763 Subpart E: Model Accreditation Plan
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101: Asbestos in Construction
• 1-GP-205M2003: Sealer standards for asbestos-fiber releasing materials

By adhering to ASTM E1494-18, organizations ensure high standards in asbestos encapsulation and abatement, reducing risk, achieving compliance with international and national regulations, and helping safeguard public health and building integrity.

Keywords: asbestos abatement, friable surfacing material, encapsulant testing, ASTM standards, adhesion test, penetration test, asbestos encapsulation, regulatory compliance, building materials safety.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1494 − 18
Standard Practice for
Testing Physical Properties of Friable Surfacing Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1494; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This practice covers encapsulants intended to reduce or
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
eliminate the release of asbestos fibers from a matrix of friable
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
spray- or trowel-applied asbestos-containing surfacing mate-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
rial.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.2 This practice includes a series of determinations to be
2. Referenced Documents
conductedinthefieldonasbestosabatementprojectsforwhich
encapsulation is being considered or has been performed.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
1.3 This practice is to be used to determine the appropriate-
Building Materials
ness of encapsulation as an abatement measure in accordance
E119 Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction
with Practice E1368, as part of a Project Design Survey in
and Materials
accordance with Practice E2356, and to demonstrate complete-
E605 Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Sprayed
ness of abatement in accordance with Practice E1368. Perfor-
Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) Applied to Structural
mance of the encapsulated surfacing material for other pur-
Members
posesisnotwithinthescopeofthispractice.UseTestMethods
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E84, E119, and E605 to determine other properties of the
E736 Test Method for Cohesion/Adhesion of Sprayed Fire-
material.
Resistive Materials Applied to Structural Members
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
E1368 Practice for Visual Inspection ofAsbestosAbatement
standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
Projects
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-
E2356 Practice for Comprehensive Building Asbestos Sur-
tion only and are not considered standard.
veys
2.2 Other Standards:
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1-GP-205M2003 Sealer for Application to Asbestos-Fiber
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Releasing Materials
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
2.3 EPA and OSHA Regulations:
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
40 CFR Part 763 Subpart E, Appendix C (Model Accredita-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
tion Plan) Environmental Protection Agency, February 3,
1.6 Warning—Asbestos fibers are acknowledged carcino-
gens. Breathing asbestos fibers can result in disease of the
29CFR1926.1101 OccupationalExposuretoAsbestos(Con-
lungs including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
struction Industry Standard), Occupational Safety and
Precautions in this standard practice should be taken to avoid
Health Administration, August 10, 1994
creating and breathing airborne particles from materials known
or suspected to contain asbestos. See 2.3 for regulatory
requirements addressing asbestos.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
1 4
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM D22 on Air Quality and is the Available from Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB), 11 Laurier St.,
direct responsibility of Subcommittee D22.07 on Sampling and Analysis of Phase III, Place du Portage, Gatineau, Quebec K1A0S5, Canada, http://www.tpsgc-
Asbestos. pwgsc.gc.ca/ongc-cgsb.
Current edition approved July 1, 2018. Published July 2018. Originally approved AvailablefromUnitedStatesEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),William
in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as E1494 – 12. DOI: 10.1520/ Jefferson Clinton Bldg., 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20460,
E1494-18. http://www.epa.gov.
2 6
“Elimination of Asbestos-Related Diseases,” World Health Organization, Sep- Available from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 200
tember 2006. Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210, http://www.osha.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1494 − 18
3. Terminology 4.3 Asbestos-containing surfacing materials installed in
buildings may include fireproofing, acoustical and decorative
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of building terms, refer to
plaster, and soundproofing. Properties not directly addressed in
Terminology E631.
this practice may be important and appropriate test methods
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
should be considered. See Test Methods E84, E119, and E605,
3.2.1 bridging encapsulant, n—an encapsulant that forms a
and 1-GP-205M2003.
discrete layer on the surface of an in situ asbestos matrix.
4.4 The test methods described in this practice are designed
3.2.2 encapsulant, n— for friable asbestos-containing
to(1)determinethedepthofpenetration,orlackthereof,ofthe
building materials, a water insoluble material that surrounds or
encapsulant into the matrix of the surfacing material, (2)
embeds asbestos in an adhesive matrix to prevent release of
determine the coverage of the encapsulant on the surfacing
fibers.
material, and (3) to determine the adhesive and cohesive
3.2.3 encapsulation, n—the process of applying an encap-
properties of the encapsulated surfacing material.
sulant.
4.5 Compliance with the acceptance criteria in this practice
3.2.3.1 Discussion—The terms encapsulation and encapsu-
and with referenced specifications does not guarantee that the
lant are frequently used to describe the post-removal operation
abatement project will pass the visual inspection for complete-
on abatement projects to inhibit the release of fibers from an
ness of clean-up in Practice E1368, or that the project will pass
abated surface. Although the material used for this purpose
final air sampling for clearance, as other factors besides
may be an encapsulant as defined herein, the proper terms are
encapsulant performance affect these outcomes.
sealer and lock-down. See Practice E1368.
3.2.4 disturbance, n—activities that disrupt the matrix of
5. Qualifications
asbestos-containing materials, crumble or pulverize asbestos-
5.1 The test methods in this practice require disturbance of
containing materials, or generate visible debris from asbestos-
asbestos-containing materials. Activities that disturb asbestos-
containing materials.
containing materials are subject to regulations of the Occupa-
3.2.5 load, n—force per unit area (kPa or lbf/ft ) applied to
tional Safety and HealthAdministration (OSHA), the Environ-
the matrix of the surfacing material, with the area equal to that
mental Protection Agency (EPA), and other jurisdictions
oftheinterfacebetweenthematerialandthediscorlidholding
including certain state agencies.
the adhesive.
5.2 ThetestmethoddescribedinAnnexA1todeterminethe
3.2.6 penetrating encapsulant, n—an encapsulant that is
adhesive and cohesive properties of encapsulated surfacing
absorbed by an in situ asbestos matrix without leaving a
material can result in a release of asbestos-containing debris.
discrete surface layer.
Persons conducting this test must have the appropriate creden-
3.2.7 substrate, n—a structural or architectural building
tials and training to clean up the debris.
component to which a surfacing material is applied.
5.3 The test method described in Annex A2 to determine
3.2.8 surfacing material, n—material that is sprayed,
depth of penetration requires taking core samples of the
troweled-on, or otherwise applied to interior and exterior
encapsulated surfacing material. This activity requires accredi-
structural and architectural surfaces, including but not limited
tation as an asbestos inspector according to the EPA Model
to fireproofing, plaster, and sound-proofing.
Accreditation Plan.
4. Significance and Use
6. Cohesion/Adhesion Tests
4.1 The purpose of this practice is to provide test methods
6.1 Tests On Encapsulated Surfacing Materials:
and performance criteria involving encapsulants for surfacing
6.1.1 The cohesion/adhesion test shall determine whether
material on an asbestos abatement project in accordance with
the encapsulant adversely affects the in situ cohesive and
Practice E1368, including the application of encapsulants to
adhesive strength of the friable asbestos-containing surfacing
the surfacing material as an abatement measure and the
material and shall be in accordance with Annex A1.
removal of existing encapsulated surfacing material.
6.1.2 The load required to cause adhesion or cohesion
4.1.1 Abatement projects involving application of encapsu-
failureoftheencapsulatedmatrixshallnotbelessthantheload
lants require coverage, penetration, and cohesion/adhesion
required to cause failure of the unencapsulated matrix. In no
tests to determine encapsulation requirements during project
case shall the load-holding capabilities of the unencapsulated
design, on test patches, and at conclusion of the project to
matrix be less than the load imposed by the applied encapsu-
determine completeness of abatement.
lation materials.
4.1.2 Removal projects requires penetration tests during
6.1.3 The load required to cause adhesion or cohesion
project design on test patches to determine thicknesses of
failureoftheencapsulatedmatrixshallnotbelessthantheload
encapsulated and un-encapsulated surfacing material.
required to cause failure of the unencapsulated matrix, and in
4.2 The test methods and performance criteria described in no case shall the load be less than 2.4 kPa (50 lbf/ft ).
this practice may also be used during a Project Design Survey 6.1.4 Internal failure of the encapsulated matrix is due to
in accordance with Practice E2356 to provide information for horizontal delamination within the encapsulated or un-
preparingtheplansandspecificationsforapplyingorremoving encapsulated material, separation at the interface between the
the encapsulated surfacing material. encapsulated and un-encapsulated materials, or separation at
E1494 − 18
the interface between the un-encapsulated material and the 7.1.1 For penetrating encapsulants, the coverage rate to
substrate. Shear forces across a vertical cylindrical surface achieve encapsulation is the saturation (maximum) coverage
equal to the diameter of the disc or lid times the thickness of rate for the particular asbestos-containing material. Saturation
the material from the exposed surface to the plane of delami- is achieved when no further absorption of the encapsulant into
nation act to resist failure but are not considered in the the matrix is observed. Coverage shall be reported as liquid
calculation of loads. volume applied per unit area.
7.1.2 For bridging encapsulants, the coverage rate to
6.2 Tests On Un-Encapsulated Surfacing Materials:
achieveencapsulationoccurswhenavoid-freeuniformcoating
6.2.1 The cohesion/adhesion test shall determine the in situ
is formed over the surface of the matrix. Application quantity
cohesive and adhesive strength of the friable asbestos-
must be sufficient to achieve the manufacturer’s minimum
containing surfacing material and shall be in accordance with
dry-thickness requirements. Coverage shall be reported as
Annex A1.
liquid volume per unit area.
6.2.2 The load required to cause adhesion or cohesion
7.2 Penetration Depth:
failure of the matrix shall not be less than the manufacturer’s
7.2.1 The penetration test values shall determine whether or
specification for the surfacing material.
not the encapsulant shall be classified as a penetrating encap-
6.2.3 Internal failure of the matrix is due to horizontal
sulant or bridging encapsulant, in accordance with the test
delamination within the material or separation at the interface
method in Annex A2. Encapsulation coverage rate used to
between the material and the substrate. Shear forces across a
prepare specimens for testing shall be the saturation (maxi-
vertical cylindrical surface equal to the diameter of the disc or
mum) coverage rate as determined in 7.1.
lidtimesthethicknessofthematerialfromtheexposedsurface
7.2.2 If penetration to a depth of 10 mm ( ⁄8 in.) of the
to the plane of delamination act to resist failure but are not
matrix occurs, the product is classified as a penetrating
considered in the calculation of loads.
encapsulant. Products having lesser penetrations are classified
asbridgingencapsulants.Differingfibrousmatricesasinstalled
7. Coverage and Penetration Tests
in the field may affect the penetration rate.
7.1 Coverage Rate—The coverage rate for encapsulants
8. Keywords
used on surfacing material shall be at the level required by the
matrix system field installation, as established by spraying a 8.1 asbestos; bridging encapsulant; encapsulant; penetrating
test area (test patch) using the specified encapsulant. encapsulant
ANNEXES
(Mandatory Information)
A1. TEST METHOD TO DETERMINE THE COHESION/ADHESION PROPERTIES OF FRIABLE SPRAY- OR TROWEL-
APPLIED ASBESTOS-CONTAINING SURFACING MATERIALS
A1.1 Scope bottoms flanges of beams. It may be used on vertical surfaces
with modifications to the testing apparatus that are beyond the
A1.1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining
scope of this method.
the cohesion/adhesion strength of friable spray- or trowel-
applied surfacing materials by the application of a force
A1.3 Significance and Use
perpendicular to the surface. This test method is applicable to
A1.3.1 This test method measures the load required to
both encapsulated and unencapsulated surfacing materials.
separate either untreated or encapsulated material from the
NOTE A1.1—This Annex A1 is based on Test Method E736.
substrate, as well as the internal cohesive strength of the
material, and is an indication of the ability of the material to
A1.2 Summary of Test Method
remain in place and resist separation during anticipated service
A1.2.1 The property of cohesive/adhesive strength is deter-
conditions.
mined using a disc or lid attached to the material with an
A1.3.2 Unless the presence or absence of asbestos in the
adhesive.Aspring-loaded scale or weights are suspended from
surfacingmaterialhaspreviouslybeenestablished,collectbulk
the disc or lid with a hook to allow manual application of
samples and analyze them according to Practice E2356.Ifthe
increasing force until cohesive/adhesive failure occurs or a
surfacing material does not contain asbestos, the precautions
predetermined load is reached.
for exposure to asbestos fibers may be dispensed with.
NOTE A1.2—The lid can be a
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E1494 − 12 E1494 − 18
Standard Practice for
Encapsulation Testing Physical Properties of Friable
Asbestos-Containing Surfacing Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1494; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers encapsulants intended to reduce or eliminate the release of asbestos fibers from a matrix of friable
spray- or trowel-applied asbestos-containing surfacing material.
1.2 This practice includes a series of determinations to be conducted in the field on asbestos abatement projects for which
encapsulation is being considered or has been performed.
1.3 This practice is to be used to determine the appropriateness of encapsulation as an abatement measure in accordance with
Practice E1368, as part of a Project Design Survey in accordance with Practice E2356, and to demonstrate completeness of
abatement in accordance with Practice E1368. Performance of the encapsulated surfacing material for other purposes is not within
the scope of this practice. Use Test Methods E84, E119, and E605 to determine other properties of the material.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only.mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 Warning—Asbestos fibers are acknowledged carcinogens. Breathing asbestos fibers can result in disease of the lungs
including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Precautions in this standard practice should be taken to avoid creating and
breathing airborne particles from materials known or suspected to contain asbestos. See 2.3 for regulatory requirements addressing
asbestos.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
E119 Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
E605 Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) Applied to Structural Members
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E736 Test Method for Cohesion/Adhesion of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Materials Applied to Structural Members
E1368 Practice for Visual Inspection of Asbestos Abatement Projects
E2356 Practice for Comprehensive Building Asbestos Surveys
2.2 Other Standards:
1-GP-205M2003 Sealer for Application to Asbestos-Fiber Releasing Materials
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM D22 on Air Quality and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D22.07 on Sampling and Analysis of Asbestos.
Current edition approved April 1, 2012July 1, 2018. Published July 2012July 2018. Originally approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 20102012 as
E1494 – 92 (2010).E1494 – 12. DOI: 10.1520/E1494-12.10.1520/E1494-18.
“Elimination of Asbestos-Related Diseases,” World Health Organization, September 2006.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB), Place du Portage III, 6B1 11 Laurier Street Gatineau, QuebecK1A 1G6 Canada, http://www.tpsgc-
pwgsc.gc.ca/cgsb.11 Laurier St., Phase III, Place du Portage, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0S5, Canada, http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/ongc-cgsb.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1494 − 18
2.3 EPA and OSHA Regulations:
40 CFR Part 763 Subpart E, Appendix C (Model Accreditation Plan) Environmental Protection Agency, February 3, 1994
29 CFR1926.1101 Occupational Exposure to Asbestos (Construction Industry Standard), Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, August 10, 1994
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of building terms, refer to Terminology E631.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 bridging encapsulant, n—an encapsulant that forms a discrete layer on the surface of an in situ asbestos matrix.
3.2.2 encapsulant, n— for friable asbestos-containing building materials, a water insoluble material that surrounds or embeds
asbestos in an adhesive matrix to prevent release of fibers.
3.2.3 encapsulation, n—the process of applying an encapsulant.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—
The terms encapsulation and encapsulant are frequently used to describe the post-removal operation on abatement projects to
inhibit the release of fibers from an abated surface. Although the material used for this purpose may be an encapsulant as defined
herein, the proper terms are sealer and lock-down. See Practice E1368.
3.2.4 disturbance, n—activities that disrupt the matrix of asbestos-containing materials, crumble or pulverize asbestos-
containing materials, or generate visible debris from asbestos-containing materials.
3.2.5 load, n—force per unit area (kPa or lbf/ft ) applied to the matrix of the surfacing material, with the area equal to that of
the interface between the material and the disc or lid holding the adhesive.
3.2.6 penetrating encapsulant, n—an encapsulant that is absorbed by an in situ asbestos matrix without leaving a discrete
surface layer.
3.2.7 substrate, n—a structural or architectural building component to which a surfacing material is applied.
3.2.8 surfacing material, n—material that is sprayed, troweled-on, or otherwise applied to interior and exterior structural and
architectural surfaces, including but not limited to fireproofing, plaster, and sound-proofing.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The purpose of this practice is to provide test methods and performance criteria involving encapsulants for surfacing
material on an asbestos abatement project in accordance with Practice E1368, including the application of encapsulants to the
surfacing material as an abatement measure and the removal of existing encapsulated surfacing material.
4.1.1 Abatement projects involving application of encapsulants require coverage, penetration, and cohesion/adhesion tests to
determine encapsulation requirements during project design, on test patches, and at conclusion of the project to determine
completeness of abatement.
4.1.2 Removal projects requires penetration tests during project design on test patches to determine thicknesses of encapsulated
and un-encapsulated surfacing material.
4.2 The test methods and performance criteria described in this practice may also be used during a Project Design Survey in
accordance with Practice E2356 to provide information for preparing the plans and specifications for applying or removing the
encapsulated surfacing material.
4.3 Asbestos-containing surfacing materials installed in buildings may include fireproofing, acoustical and decorative plaster,
and soundproofing. Properties not directly addressed in this practice may be important and appropriate test methods should be
considered. See Test Methods E84, E119, and E605, and 1-GP-205M2003.
4.4 The test methods described in this practice are designed to (1) determine the depth of penetration, or lack thereof, of the
encapsulant into the matrix of the surfacing material, (2) determine the coverage of the encapsulant on the surfacing material, and
(3) to determine the adhesive and cohesive properties of the encapsulated surfacing material.
4.5 Compliance with the acceptance criteria in this practice and with referenced specifications does not guarantee that the
abatement project will pass the visual inspection for completeness of clean-up in Practice E1368, or that the project will pass final
air sampling for clearance, as other factors besides encapsulant performance affect these outcomes.
Available from United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ariel Rios William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20460,
http://www.epa.gov.
Available from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210, http://www.osha.gov.
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5. Qualifications
5.1 The test methods in this practice require disturbance of asbestos-containing materials. Activities that disturb asbestos-
containing materials are subject to regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA)(EPA), and other jurisdictions including certain state agencies.
5.2 The test method described in Annex A1 to determine the adhesive and cohesive properties of encapsulated surfacing
material can result in a release of asbestos-containing debris. Persons conducting this test must have the appropriate credentials
and training to clean up the debris.
5.3 The test method described in Annex A2 to determine depth of penetration requires taking core samples of the encapsulated
surfacing material. This activity requires accreditation as an asbestos inspector according to the EPA Model Accreditation Plan.
6. Cohesion/Adhesion Tests
6.1 Tests On Encapsulated Surfacing Materials:
6.1.1 The cohesion/adhesion test shall determine whether the encapsulant adversely affects the in situ cohesive and adhesive
strength of the friable asbestos-containing surfacing material and shall be in accordance with Annex A1.
6.1.2 The load required to cause adhesion or cohesion failure of the encapsulated matrix shall not be less than the load required
to cause failure of the unencapsulated matrix. In no case shall the load-holding capabilities of the unencapsulated matrix be less
than the load imposed by the applied encapsulation materials.
6.1.3 The load required to cause adhesion or cohesion failure of the encapsulated matrix shall not be less than the load required
to cause failure of the unencapsulated matrix, and in no case shall the load be less than 2.4 kPa (50 lbf/ft ).
6.1.4 Internal failure of the encapsulated matrix is due to horizontal delamination within the encapsulated or un-encapsulated
material, separation at the interface between the encapsulated and un-encapsulated materials, or separation at the interface between
the un-encapsulated material and the substrate. Shear forces across a vertical cylindrical surface equal to the diameter of the disc
or lid times the thickness of the material from the exposed surface to the plane of delamination act to resist failure but are not
considered in the calculation of loads.
6.2 Tests On Un-Encapsulated Surfacing Materials:
6.2.1 The cohesion/adhesion test shall determine the in situ cohesive and adhesive strength of the friable asbestos-containing
surfacing material and shall be in accordance with Annex A1.
6.2.2 The load required to cause adhesion or cohesion failure of the matrix shall not be less than the manufacturer’s specification
for the surfacing material.
6.2.3 Internal failure of the matrix is due to horizontal delamination within the material or separation at the interface between
the material and the substrate. Shear forces across a vertical cylindrical surface equal to the diameter of the disc or lid times the
thickness of the material from the exposed surface to the plane of delamination act to resist failure but are not considered in the
calculation of loads.
7. Coverage and Penetration Tests
7.1 Coverage Rate—The coverage rate for encapsulants used on surfacing material shall be at the level required by the matrix
system field installation, as established by spraying a test area (test patch) using the specified encapsulant.
7.1.1 For penetrating encapsulants, the coverage rate to achieve encapsulation is the saturation (maximum) coverage rate for the
particular asbestos-containing material. Saturation is achieved when no further absorption of the encapsulant into the matrix is
observed. Coverage shall be reported as liquid volume applied per unit area.
7.1.2 For bridging encapsulants, the coverage rate to achieve encapsulation occurs when a void-free uniform coating is formed
over the surface of the matrix. Application quantity must be sufficient to achieve the manufacturer’s minimum dry-thickness
requirements. Coverage shall be reported as liquid volume per unit area.
7.2 Penetration Depth:
7.2.1 The penetration test values shall determine whether or not the encapsulant shall be classified as a penetrating encapsulant
or bridging encapsulant, in accordance with the test method in Annex A2. Encapsulation coverage rate used to prepare specimens
for testing shall be the saturation (maximum) coverage rate as determined in 7.1.
7.2.2 If penetration to a depth of 10 mm ( ⁄8 in.) of the matrix occurs, the product is classified as a penetrating encapsulant.
Products having lesser penetrations are classified as bridging encapsulants. Differing fibrous matrices as installed in the field may
affect the penetration rate.
8. Keywords
8.1 asbestos; bridging encapsulant; encapsulant; penetrating encapsulant
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ANNEXES
(Mandatory Information)
A1. TEST METHOD TO DETERMINE THE COHESION/ADHESION PROPERTIES OF FRIABLE SPRAY- OR TROWEL-
APPLIED ASBESTOS-CONTAINING SURFACING MATERIALS
A1.1 Scope
A1.1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the cohesion/adhesion strength of friable spray- or trowel-applied
surfacing materials by the application of a force perpendicular to the surface. This test method is applicable to both encapsulated
and unencapsulated surfacing materials.
NOTE A1.1—This Annex A1 is based on Test Method E736.
A1.2 Summary of Test Method
A1.2.1 The property of cohesive/adhesive strength is determined using a disc or lid attached to the material with an adhesive. A
spring-loaded scale or weights are suspended from the disc or lid with a hook to allow manual application of increasing force until
cohesive/adhesive failure occurs or a predetermined load is reached.
NOTE A1.2—The lid can be an ordinary jar lid. The disc can be the removable insert from a two-piece canning jar lid.
A1.2.2 This test method is intended for surfacing materials applied to horizontal surfaces such as ceilings, decks, and bottoms
flanges of beams. It may be used on vertical surfaces with modifications to the testing apparatus that are beyond the scope of this
method.
A1.3 Significance and Use
A1.3.1 This test method measures the load required to separate either untreated or encapsulated material from the substrate, as well
as the internal cohesive strength of the material, and is an indication of the ability of the material to remain in place and resist
separation during anticipated
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