Friable Asbestos
Summary
Friable asbestos refers to asbestos-containing material that can be easily crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Because friable asbestos readily releases airborne fibres, it presents a significantly higher health risk than non-friable asbestos.
Friable asbestos is subject to strict regulatory controls in Australia and typically requires specialist assessment, licensed removal and independent clearance inspection.
Definition
Friable asbestos is asbestos-containing material that, when dry, can be broken down by hand pressure and is therefore capable of releasing asbestos fibres into the air.
Common examples of friable asbestos include sprayed asbestos coatings, asbestos insulation, pipe lagging and deteriorated asbestos products that have lost their bonded structure.
Why Friable Asbestos Matters
From a health perspective, friable asbestos poses a high exposure risk due to the ease with which fibres can become airborne. Inhalation of asbestos fibres is associated with serious diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
From a regulatory standpoint, friable asbestos is treated as a high-risk material. Its presence triggers specific requirements for licensing, containment, air monitoring and clearance. Unauthorised disturbance of friable asbestos can result in immediate work stoppages, enforcement action and significant liability.
Friable asbestos also has practical implications for project planning. Its presence can affect demolition methods, remediation strategies, construction sequencing and cost. Early identification is critical to avoid unplanned delays and exposure incidents.
When Friable Asbestos Is Typically Identified
Friable asbestos is commonly identified where:
Older buildings contain sprayed coatings or thermal insulation
Pipework, boilers or plant rooms include asbestos lagging
Asbestos materials have deteriorated due to age, water damage or mechanical disturbance
Previously bonded asbestos materials have degraded and become friable
Unexpected asbestos is encountered during demolition or remediation works
Assessment is typically undertaken by a competent asbestos assessor.
Legislative and Regulatory Context
Friable asbestos is regulated under work health and safety legislation and associated codes of practice.
In New South Wales, friable asbestos removal must be carried out by a Class A licensed asbestos removalist and is subject to strict requirements for containment, air monitoring and clearance inspection. Similar regulatory frameworks apply across Australia.
Independent clearance inspection and clearance certification are mandatory following friable asbestos removal.
How We Can Help
Confluence Environmental provides independent asbestos consulting services related to friable asbestos.
Our services typically include:
Identification and assessment of friable asbestos
Risk assessment and advice on management or removal
Asbestos air monitoring during removal works
Support with regulatory and compliance requirements
We focus on providing clear, defensible advice to manage high-risk asbestos safely and compliantly.
Related Terms and Concepts
Asbestos
Non-Friable Asbestos
Asbestos Contamination
Asbestos Clearance Inspection
Asbestos Air Monitoring
Asbestos Management Plan
Hazardous Materials Survey