Your property will be completely safe from dangerous friable asbestos once licensed professionals have removed it.
This happens when you hire certified experts who follow strict NSW safety protocols.
In this article, we explain why friable asbestos is so dangerous, how to remove asbestos safely, and why you must never attempt DIY removal.
Continue reading to understand how expert friable asbestos removal can protect your health, your family, and your property.
What Is Friable Asbestos and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Friable asbestos is material that can easily be reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry, making it the most dangerous type of asbestos.
What Exactly Defines Friable Asbestos?
Friable asbestos contains loosely packed asbestos fibres that can be crushed easily in the hand.
Common examples include:
- Asbestos insulation lagging for pipes
- Fibre blankets
- Spray-on insulation on ceilings and walls
This type differs from non-friable (bonded) asbestos, where fibres are locked into cement, vinyl, or resin and cannot be easily crumbled.
Why Does Friable Asbestos Pose Such a Serious Health Risk?
Friable asbestos removal is so dangerous because fibres release into the air incredibly easily.
The fibres are small and can’t be seen. They are breathed into the lungs when inhaled and create immediate health risks, including often-fatal diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
How Do Professionals Safely Remove Friable Asbestos?
Professional asbestos removal follows a strict 7-step process that contains fibres, prevents dispersal, and ensures complete clearance testing.
What Steps Do Professionals Follow During Removal?
Steps in the removal process:
- Site preparation, including erection of barriers and warning signs to isolate the affected area
- The use of wetting techniques to prevent airborne release of fibres
- The extraction of material without crushing
- Air monitoring throughout the process
How Is Friable Asbestos Disposed of Safely?
Safe disposal involves:
- Wrapping removed asbestos in plastic sheeting
- Taking the materials to a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility
- Providing a full report with air readings before, during, and after completion
Contact your nearest landfill site before going to confirm that they accept asbestos.
Why Must Friable Asbestos Removal Be Done by Licensed Professionals?
Licensed professionals are mandatory because friable asbestos requires a Class A licence and strict safety standards that unlicensed workers cannot meet.
What Risks Come With DIY or Unlicensed Asbestos Removal?
DIY removal risks include:
- Uncontrolled fibre release into the air throughout your property
- No air monitoring so you have no idea whether the area is safe
- Incorrect disposal at unlicensed facilities (illegal dumping)
- Serious health risks for family, neighbours, and workers
- Possible legal penalties
- Potential property contamination requiring expensive remediation
You must always use a licensed asbestos removalist. They know how to safely remove and dispose of asbestos, then decontaminate your property to minimise health risks for your family or workers.
FAQs: Friable Asbestos Removal
How do I know if I need friable asbestos removal at my premises?
Older properties across the South Coast often still have asbestos-containing materials. Friable asbestos poses greater risk as fibres easily become airborne, requiring professional removal.
Why is friable asbestos removal different from standard asbestos removal?
Because friable asbestos can be so easily reduced to powder, even by hand pressure when dry, releasing fibres into the air, it requires specialised equipment, procedures, and safety measures.
Must I test for asbestos before demolition or renovation?
Yes, it is essential to ensure asbestos-containing materials are safely removed and prevent airborne contamination.
Ready to Safely Remove Friable Asbestos from Your Property?
At South Coast Demolition, we know how to remove asbestos safely. We have all relevant licences, and our local team understands the local challenges, offering practical solutions with honest advice, no hidden fees, and straightforward processes.
Contact us today for a free quote on professional friable asbestos removal. Call us or email admin@southcoastdemolition.com to start your project with genuine, reliable experts who are easy to engage.
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