Australian legislation defines a friable asbestos containing material as one which, when dry:
1. May be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure, or
2. Though through a work process may be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure.
There is no regulatory definition for non-friable and is generally taken to be all asbestos containing material which are not friable.
A friable asbestos containing material is more likely to release airborne fibre through accidental disturbance and through a work process. It is also more likely to release airborne asbestos fibre during the sampling process. Therefore, additional precautions and PPE are recommended for sampling friable asbestos containing materials.
Sprayed asbestos insulation, asbestos pipe insulation and asbestos fire rated board are all considered friable asbestos containing materials regardless of the work process.
Asbestos cement sheet is usually considered a non-friable asbestos containing material. However, should the material be drilled (an action prohibited under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations unless controlled) then parts of the cement sheet would become friable.
Asbestos fire door insulation could be considered a non-friable asbestos containing material while the timber or metal cladding remains intact. However, should the locking mechanism require changing, then the work process may result in the insulation becoming friable