Asbestos is described as either 'bonded' or 'friable'.  It is able to withstand heat, erosion and decay and has fire and water resistant properties.

Bonded asbestos material means any material (other than friable asbestos material) that contains asbestos.  Bonded asbestos cannot be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry.

Common uses for bonded asbestos in buildings include flat (fibro) corrugated or compressed asbestos cement sheets, water, drainage / flue pipes and floor tiles.

If fire, hail or water blasting damages bonded asbestos, it may become friable asbestos material.

Friable asbestos material is any material that contains asbestos and is in the form of a powder or can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry.

Friable asbestos was not commonly used in the home, it was mainly used in industrial applications.

Friable asbestos should only be removed by a specialised asbestos removal contractor with a friable asbestos licence.  Licenced contractors can be found in the Yellow Pages under Asbestos Removal and/or Treatment.

Disposal of Asbestos

For asbestos disposal customers are requried to complete an application to dispose of asbestos and a minimum of 48 hours notice is required before disposal can occur.

www.workcover.nsw.gov.au

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/waste/asbestos/index.htm

www.nsw.gov.au/fibro

 

www.thinkasbestos.com.au

www.diysafe.nsw.gov.au