When asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are identified on site, developers and managers must ask whether they are friable or non-friable. That distinction determines how the asbestos behaves, the risks it presents and how it should be managed.
In other words, identifying the type of asbestos on site allows site managers to make informed and compliant remediation decisions.
This article explains the differences between friable and non-friable asbestos and how understanding those distinctions can help you design safer, more compliant remediation strategies. For more information or to arrange a site visit, contact West Soil and Water.
ACMs are divided into two categories: friable and non-friable. The differences between them create significantly different risk profiles for safety and compliance.
Friable ACMs are those that can be easily crumbled or broken by hand pressure. They contain loosely bound asbestos fibres that can easily release into the air when disturbed. In WA, friable asbestos was commonly used for pipe lagging, installation and spray on coatings.
Friable asbestos is considered the most hazardous form of contamination because of its high likelihood of fibre release. Those fibres can remain suspended in the air for up to 72 hours, an enormous window for potential inhalation and health complications.
Also known as bonded asbestos, non-friable asbestos contains fibres that are tightly bound within another material. In WA, this often means cement sheeting, roofing or fencing.
Non-friable ACMs have a very low likelihood of fibre release when they remain intact and undisturbed – but that does not mean they are without risk. Fibres can easily release if site works or general ageing damage or disrupt the bonding materials.
As mentioned above, non-friable ACMs can become hazardous as time exposes them to more activity and longer periods of ageing. Weathering, physical damage and chemical exposure can all cause the bonding materials to break apart and trigger fibre release.
Even larger chunks (or fragments) are dangerous. If they fall into a soil bed, the pieces will, in time, degrade into smaller particles and contaminate the immediate environment. In effect, the non-friable asbestos begins to behave as if it is friable.
Taking proactive action and arranging an investigation will give you an understanding of your site’s ACMs, their condition and the associated risks.
The friability of asbestos on your site has a direct effect on the management strategies and regulatory conditions you must follow.
Licensing and removal procedures are tied to the type of asbestos present. Friable asbestos requires stringent handling controls and commercial removal services, whilst non-friable materials are subject to more relaxed safety measures.
When it comes to remediation strategies, non-friable ACMs can often be safely removed and contained. In contrast, friable contamination will require complex excavation and soil treatment programs.
Leaching particles and detaching fibres can contaminate soil with asbestos. Soil based asbestos contamination most commonly manifests as:
Asbestos containing material (ACM): Fragments of bonded materials
Fibrous asbestos (FA): Loose fibrous material, often originating from friable sources
Asbestos fines (AF): Miniscule fragments that can pass through typical screening equipment but still pose an airborne risk
Again, a detailed site investigation prior to redevelopment is essential. These three forms can exist in the same area, at different potencies and with different risk levels. Having a clear understanding of how they interact is the surest way to protect safety and compliance.
West Soil & Water is proud to assist WA projects with comprehensive asbestos investigations and remediation programs.
Our team will identify the type, distribution and condition of asbestos contamination on your site and develop a plan to mitigate environmental dangers and regulatory hazards. We utilise NATA accredited laboratories for all testing, helping identify whether any fibres or fines have degraded into site soils. Where needed, we can also engage specialist commercial services to undertake asbestos removal.
If you are concerned about asbestos contamination in soil or building materials, contact WSW to arrange a site investigation or remediation planning session.