Most asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are what is called non-friable.  This means that it cannot easily be crushed by hand and therefore release the asbestos fibres. ACMs that are non-friable and over 10sq/metres, legally have to be removed by a licensed Class B (or Class A) asbestos removal company. In addition, a competent person, independent from the removal company, has to undertake at least a visual inspection and provide an asbestos clearance in writing.

Typical examples of non-friable material are (but not limited to) fibre cement boards, decramastic roofing tiles and Super Six roofing. There are more, but these are the main ones most people will come across on a day- to-day basis. Be aware that if these are damaged or destroyed during removal, they will release asbestos fibres and trip over into a Class A removal. You don’t want that to happen !

Non-friable material less than 10 sq/m can be removed without a licensed removal company. You can not split a project up into a number of smaller jobs to hit the 10sq/m rule.  However, OHS SafeAssist highly recommends a licensed removal company remove all non friable asbestos. They can ensure it is fully removed, the area is free from asbestos fibres and they can dispose of the waste appropriately. If you do it yourself, do not throw it in your bin!!!     

OHS SafeAssist Ltd can provide advice in this area and undertake Class B Asbestos clearances. However, we don’t remove asbestos. We leave that to the experts.