What is Friable Asbestos?
Asbestos products are classified as either Non-friable or Friable, but what is the difference and why is Friable asbestos more dangerous to handle?
Friable asbestos is identified by its loose structure that can fall apart with light pressure from your hands. It’s a highly dangerous product as it breaks into a fine dust that is easily released into the air. Any friable asbestos fibres that get into the air have the potential to be inhaled and cause harm.
The dangers of working with, or in buildings composed of asbestos are now widely known. Unfortunately it was not always so!
If you encounter asbestos on any of your sites or facilities, or if you suspect that your building may contain asbestos materials, contact the professionals at Focus Demolition and Asbestos Removal. We will assess the hazard, advise on how best to deal with the problem and work with you to strip the hazardous material safely and efficiently, then restore it to a safe working environment.
Asbestos removal services include:
- “Limpet” fireproofing
- Pipe “lagging”
- Gaskets
- Fire retardant materials
- Sprayed-on insulation
- Acoustic walls and ceilings
For our asbestos removal works we have an extensive range of equipment for working in enclosures with all our negative air units, decontamination units and air supply equipment, regularly serviced and maintained.
Our industry-leading technique for removing friable asbestos safely and efficiently ensures that no asbestos fibres are released into the atmosphere during and after the operation. Although each site may be different, this would normally entail:
- Erecting an enclosure to seal off the hazardous material
- Installing negative air pressure exhaust units
- Installing a multi-stage decontamination unit
- Smoke-testing the enclosure
- Removing the hazardous material / ensuring that all workers wear full protective equipment
- Continuous air monitoring
- Safe disposal of the hazardous material
- Certification of Building Re-Occupation and inspection by independent environmental contractors.
With our expertise, you can be assured of getting back to full working capacity quickly, efficiently and safely. Our experience and expertise in stripping and removing the hazardous materials ensures a speedy resolution to any industrial problem and rapid restoration of your working environment. Contact us for friable asbestos removal.
Friable Asbestos FAQ
What was friable asbestos used for?
Asbestos was used in over 3000 building products before it was banned in Australia in 2003. Friable asbestos products can be crumbled in your hand – this brittle nature makes it easy for friable asbestos products to break apart and release harmful fibres into the air. Examples of common friable asbestos products include insulation around hot water pipes, asbestos rope and loose fill asbestos like “Mr Fluffy”. Loose fill asbestos has a flossy appearance and is usually blueish grey or white in colour. In older buildings, spray-on insulation made from friable asbestos was a popular choice. If you suspect you have friable asbestos in your home or business contact a professional.
What was non friable asbestos used for?
Examples of common non-friable asbestos and their uses include asbestos cement for flooring, asbestos cement sheeting for fencing (also known as ‘fibro’) and vinyl asbestos floor tiles. Non-friable asbestos materials are usually tougher and if left alone, will not release any fibres.
How long does asbestos stay in the air?
When asbestos-containing material is disturbed or broken, tiny invisible fibres are released into the air. Asbestosis and associated medical conditions are normally triggered by long-term exposure to asbestos over months or years. Asbestos dust is toxic and should be avoided where possible. Disturbed asbestos can stay airborne for between 48-72 hours and will settle eventually. Once settled even the slightest breeze can potentially release more fibres into the air.
Why is asbestos roofing treated as friable?
Asbestos roofs are 30+ years old and have all been subject to extensive weathering by rain, sun and wind. There is likely to be a presence of moss and lichen growth too. Weathering erodes the cement matrix from around the asbestos fibres, making them more vulnerable to release as they lose their binding and break off. As the asbestos roof ages, the sheets become weaker and more brittle, leaving them more at risk of collapse due to physical damage. This increasingly brittle structure means a person could fall through an old asbestos roof when walking on it, or the roof may be damaged by falling branches or extreme weather events.
