When asbestos is discovered on site, the primary concern is not the material itself, but rather it’s potential to release fibres into the air. This creates a significant health risk for site occupants and can leave your project exposed to intense regulatory scrutiny.
Understanding the potential for fibre release is a core principle of asbestos management. With a clear picture of how risk manifests on your site, you can create a safe, effective and compliant working environment.
In this article, we explain what friable asbestos is, the health and compliance risks it poses and how West Soil & Water can develop an effective management strategy tailored to your site. For more information, get in touch with our office.
Asbestos containing materials (ACMs) were widely used as a building material in WA from the 1940s through to the 1980s. That’s because they’re made up of microscopic fibres that are extremely durable and resistant to heat, chemicals and general wear.
However, if they are somehow disturbed and their fibres released into the air, ACMs can cause significant danger. Fibres become lodged in lung tissue and because the body cannot break them down, they remain there for decades. This can lead to asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
These diseases often develop years after exposure – meaning site managers must take proactive action in mitigating asbestos risks.
The likelihood of fibre release depends on the condition of the ACM, known as its ‘friability’.
Friable asbestos containing materials are those that are easily crumbled or broken in the hand. These readily release fibres and present a higher risk of airborne contamination and inhalation. Non-friable asbestos is bound within a solid matrix such as cement sheeting. They a generally lower risk and are unlikely to release fibres unless they are damaged or weathered.
As mentioned above, ACMs pose next-to-no risk if they remain intact. But many development activities disturb these materials and cause fibres to release into the air.
Common scenarios include:
Demolishing or renovating older buildings
Excavating contaminated soil
Cutting, drilling or sanding ACMs
Severe weather events (which damage old structures and cause runoff in contaminated soils)
Asbestos fibres can stay suspended in the air for up to 72 hours. That is more than long enough for nearby workers or occupants to inhale them.
Fibre release is not limited to building materials. Site managers must also be vigilant of asbestos in soils.
Asbestos fragments and fibres can be present in soil on sites where demolition or manufacturing has previously occurred. Excavating or constructing on the site can disturb those soils and release fibres into the air. A good site investigation will identify this risk before works can begin.
Aside from implementing an abatement, remediation and removal plan, asbestos in soils must also be addressed with proper dust management. Dry conditions and heavy machinery can all increase the likelihood and duration of particle suspension.
Asbestos contamination varies from site to site and no two projects face the same level of risk. The likelihood of fibres becoming suspended in the air depends on several factors:
The quantity of asbestos
Whether the ACMs are friable or non-friable
The extent to which the materials are disturbed during works
Climate conditions
The extent of dust and containment measures
A robust site investigation will help developers understand these variables and develop an appropriate plan to minimise exposure risks. Depending on risk levels, this could range from a simple, non-invasive management program to fully licensed commercial asbestos removal services.
An effective and compliant asbestos management program is designed to reduce the potential for fibre release and suspension. Site managers can lay the foundations for such a plan by following these steps:
Engage West Soil & Water to conduct a detailed site investigation that identifies contamination risks
Establish controlled, compliance based procedures for excavation and handling
Implement dust suppression measures
Continue air monitoring throughout remediation works
Do your due diligence on any removal contractors you work with
At West Soil & Water, our consultants have over 13 years of experience supporting WA businesses in managing asbestos risks. They have an in depth understanding of locally relevant asbestos risks and how they are governed by regulations. WSW investigations and remediation plans are developed to align with those realities.
If you’re planning a demolition or redevelopment and are concerned about potential asbestos contamination on site, contact our team to arrange a site investigation and remediation consultation.