This specification covers woven and braided asbestos tubular sleeving having a specified minimum mass % of asbestos fiber, excluding the mass of other inorganic strands which may be present. Asbestos tubular sleeving are classified into classes (Classes A, B, C, D, and E) based on the nature of the yarns from which they are braided or woven, into grades (Commercial, Underwriters', A, AA, AAA, and AAAA) based on the mass % of asbestos content, and types (Types II, IV, and VI) based on magnetic rating that identify performance limits. Specimens shall be sampled, prepared, tested, and comply accordingly with chemical (wire, organic, and inorganic reinforcements), physical (electrical insulation and magnetic rating), mechanical (tensile or breaking strength), and dimensional (inside diameter, wall thickness, mass per unit length, fabric count, and yarn number) property requirements.

1.1 This specification covers woven and braided asbestos tubular sleeving having a minimum of 75 mass % of asbestos fiber, excluding the mass of other inorganic strands which may be present.

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.3 Warning—Breathing of asbestos dust is hazardous. Asbestos and asbestos products present demonstrated health risks for users and for those with whom they come into contact. In addition to other precautions, when working with asbestos-cement products, minimize the dust that results. For information on the safe use of chrysoltile asbestos, refer to “Safe Use of Chrysotile Asbestos: A Manual on Preventive and Control Measures.”

1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods, Section 13, described in this specification. 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific safety hazard, see 1.3.