Asbestos Victoria is a leading company in Victoria for asbestos removal. Thankfully, our team has 14 years of experience in handling all types of asbestos jobs, regardless of the project’s size. With our eco-friendly approach, we give you a safe, as well as cost-effective solution to fulfil all your needs. However, one of the most common questions that is usually asked is ‘how to do the friable asbestos detection.’ Read the following article to gain valuable insight.
What Is the Difference Between Friable and Non-Friable Asbestos?
Friable Asbestos
Do you encounter asbestos that can easily crumble or turn into powder when dry? This is friable asbestos-containing material. In this type, the fibres become very dangerous as they are disseminated into the air where you can breathe them in. Therefore, it is very hazardous to health, including lung cancer.
You can find friable asbestos in the following materials:
- Insulation around hot water pipes
- Loose-fill asbestos
- Asbestos ropes
- Spray paints
- Surface coatings
- Ceiling tiles
- Popcorn ceilings
- Pipe lagging
Non-friable Asbestos
Non-friable asbestos is also known as bonded asbestos. It is more stable in nature when you compare it to the friable asbestos. Simply put, its fibres are less likely to spread in the air unless they are damaged by mechanical means.
Non-friable asbestos examples include the following:
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Cement sheet
- Cement moulded items
- Bitumen waterproofing
- Home siding
- Roofing felt
- Gaskets
Let’s understand bonded vs friable asbestos-containing materials through the following table:
|
Aspect |
Friable Asbestos |
Non-friable Asbestos |
|
Physical Nature |
Brittle in nature |
Sturdy fibers |
|
Risk Level |
High due to crumbled or loose asbestos fibres |
Low until fibres are intact and not cut or broken |
|
Resources Needed for Removal |
Specialised equipment and professionals are required because of the dangerous procedure |
Compliance with precautions until the fibres are damaged. |
How to Tell Which One You Have?
Knowing non-friable and friable asbestos identification in Australia is vital for its safe management. Take a look at the following pointers to understand how to differentiate between the two:
- Detailed Visual Check: Are you ready for asbestos testing? The first step begins with a thorough visual check. This includes the identification of the signs of wear and tear. Tell-tale signs of friable asbestos that you should not overlook are the following:
- Power residue
- Loose flaky fibres
- Easily crumbled by hand.
These are riskier because they can become airborne in no time and can cause serious respiratory problems when inhaled.
Conversely, you can identify non-friable fibres through their rigid and solid nature. Since these fibres often remain bound by cement or resin, they are less likely to deteriorate.
- Lab Testing: Remember, only visual checks are not enough to identify the difference between the two. Take the help of a licensed professional to collect samples for the lab test analysis. This way, you’ll know what type and at what stage the asbestos material is. For friable materials, you need careful handling, while non-friable materials are safer to deal with.
Real Example: A Homeowner’s Experience in Victoria
One of our clients had no idea that there could be asbestos in their old 1960s home’s ceiling insulation. However, they called us for the inspection before commencing their partial renovation project. Finally, they came to know that it was friable asbestos. The material was brittle to the touch. Thanks to their vigilance, they did not try to test the asbestos on their own. We safely removed the asbestos, following strict safety regulations.
Why Knowing the Difference Matters?
- Health Risks: Friable asbestos-containing materials are really hazardous substances compared to non-friable ones. Their brittle fibres can be easily released into the air, posing an immediate risk of inhaling. Once inhaled, the person can become the victim of serious lung issues.
- Legal Compliance: In Victoria, the renovation project needs to begin with asbestos testing and removal. Disturbing the friable asbestos-containing materials is unlawful. You even need to follow safety protocols while handling non-friable asbestos materials.
- Cost of Removal: Removing the friable asbestos is more expensive because of the specialised equipment involved. If the report shows non-friable asbestos materials, you may get rid of unnecessary expenses.
How Much Does Friable vs Non-Friable Removal Cost?
The following cost breakdown is only a general estimate. The quote may vary because of the type and condition of the material being removed. Take a look:
- Friable Asbestos: AUD 100 to AUD 150 per square meter
- Non-friable Asbestos: AUD 20 to AUD 50 per square meter
Can I Tell On My Own Without Testing?
We will never suggest you do the DIY identification. This is the case since the materials containing asbestos might not necessarily appear brittle. Nevertheless, even a small disturbance can set them in the air, increasing the threat of severe breathing health hazards. Hence, a professional should be hired to analyse what type and in what condition the asbestos is present.
We ensure providing transparent asbestos removal services. However, the price may change due to several factors, including your property size and how bad the contamination is, among others. We will give you a detailed quote after scheduling a free inspection.
Are you wondering whether it is a friable or non-friable asbestos-containing material? Don’t put your life at risk. Contact us today at 1300-893-366 to get a FREE quote estimate. Alternatively, you may write an email to us at [email protected].