Asbestos can be found in many older homes and commercial properties. It becomes dangerous when it is deteriorated or disturbed during renovations and demolition.
Non-friable asbestos is tightly bound and does not crumble under light pressure. This type of asbestos is typically found in roofs and fences. It is not as toxic as friable asbestos, which can release deadly fibres into the air.
Non-friable
Regarding mpaasbestosremoval.com.au asbestos removal Adelaide, two types of materials can be deemed hazardous: friable and non-friable. While non-friable asbestos poses less threat, it must still be removed, disposed and replaced with safe material by licensed contractors with appropriate training and experience.
Asbestos is most dangerous when it becomes airborne, which can be done when the material is damaged or disturbed. This is when it can be inhaled or ingested, which leads to serious health problems such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Friable asbestos is more prone to damage and can easily break apart, making it easier for the harmful fibres to become airborne. Non-friable asbestos is harder to damage and does not release dangerous fibres when disturbed.
Non-friable asbestos is usually bonded with cement, resin, or vinyl. This encases the asbestos, making it much more difficult for the harmful fibres to become airborne. Although, this material can still be impacted by other things that can cause it to become dangerous, such as ageing, damage and wear and tear. It is also possible for non-friable asbestos to transition into friable material if it is scraped, sanded, crushed or otherwise disturbed.
According to the Department of Health Research, most in situ asbestos remaining in Australian buildings is non-friable. This includes asbestos products such as cement sheeting for internal walls and external cladding, vinyl floor tiles in residential, commercial and public spaces, and fibro cement ceilings.
If the non-friable material is not altered and does not sand, cut or grind during removal, it is not subject to regulation as RACM. Similarly, category I non-friable mastic can be safely removed by flooding the area with water and using a manual tool such as a spud hoe to pop the material from the subfloor. Using an approved mastic reducer or infrared heating device and keeping the area wetted with amended water throughout the process should help minimize the risk of contamination.
Non-friable asbestos can only be safely removed from a building by a licenced contractor with a Class B removal permit. This must be obtained from the NSW EPA before any work begins and includes an air monitoring assessment by a licensed mpaasbestosremoval.com.au asbestos removal Adelaide assessor. The person conducting the business or undertaking (PCBU) is responsible for arranging this for the workplace. The PCBU is also responsible for ensuring that any licensed asbestos removal work occurs in a fully sealed workspace, with all personnel entering and exiting the area wearing a mask. In addition, the PCBU must ensure that any waste from the licensed asbestos removal work is appropriately contained and secured after removal and disposal. This ensures that dangerous asbestos particles don’t escape and contaminate the surrounding area. It is illegal for anyone to carry out licensed asbestos removal without this permit. This is to protect the health and safety of workers and community members.
Asbestos Removal – What Type of Asbestos is in Your Home?
Asbestos was a dangerous material commonly used in Australian construction before it was banned in 2003. It poses a severe health risk as inhaling its fibres can scar the lungs and lead to cancer.
Asbestos services include testing, inspections, developing asbestos registers, and removing and disposing of friable asbestos. Only a licensed professional can do this work.
Friable Asbestos
Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can be categorized as either friable or non-friable. Friable asbestos is more hazardous because it is much easier to crumble and release breathable asbestos fibres into the air. This can cause diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Homeowners must understand what type of ACMs they have in their homes to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves.
As best as possible, avoid tearing down any ACMs that are classified as friable. Instead, enlist the services of a professional mpaasbestosremoval.com.au asbestos removal Adelaide company that is licensed to handle friable asbestos. The company should be able to inspect and test any ACMs before commencing work.