Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre that was commonly used in building materials in Australia prior to the mid-1980’s. Building materials were manufactured with asbestos because of its flexibility, tensile strength, insulation from heat and electricity, chemical inertness and affordability.
Asbestos containing materials can be categorised as friable and non-friable. Non-friable asbestos, where it is mixed with other materials like cement, is the type most commonly found in our built environment. Friable asbestos materials are not bound in a stable matrix and are therefore more likely to release airborne asbestos fibre.
Both friable and non-friable asbestos materials pose a significant health risk to all workers and others if the materials are not properly maintained or removed carefully. Confirmation of the presence of asbestos in building materials can only be made by specific testing.
Common non-friable asbestos containing materials
Non-friable asbestos material means any asbestos-containing material that are bound within a stable matrix. Examples of non-friable asbestos include, but are not limited to, asbestos cement building products, vinyl floor tiles, friction materials and any product where the asbestos is locked into the matrix. Where the matrix of the non-friable material significantly degenerates it would then be classified as a friable material.
Common friable asbestos containing materials
Friable asbestos materials means any material that contains asbestos and is loosely bound or can be easily crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry. Examples of friable asbestos include, but are not limited to, asbestos lagging, sprayed insulation and millboard.
Click here for more information on Common Asbestos Materials.