Bonded asbestos is asbestos fibre locked into another material, usually cement, and it can’t be crumbled by hand when dry. Friable asbestos is loose, or can be crumbled, crushed or turned to powder by hand pressure, so it releases fibres far more easily. Friable asbestos carries a higher risk, and in NSW it can only be removed by a Class A licensed asbestos removalist.
Knowing which type you’re dealing with shapes everything that follows, from who can remove it to how the work area is set up and how the waste is disposed of. WasteWise Services has over 25 years experience in the demolition and asbestos industry, and our licensed team removes both bonded and friable asbestos across Sydney.
What Is Bonded Asbestos?
Bonded asbestos, also called non-friable asbestos, is made by mixing asbestos fibres with a binding material such as cement. The fibres are held in place, so the material is relatively stable while it stays in good condition.
It was widely used in Australian homes and buildings before the late 1980s. Common examples include:
- Fibro wall and ceiling sheeting
- Eaves and soffit linings
- Bathroom and laundry wall linings
- Corrugated roofing sheets
- Fencing panels and garden sheds
- Some vinyl floor tiles
Bonded asbestos is generally low risk when it’s intact and left alone. The danger comes when it’s cut, drilled, sanded, broken or water blasted, because those actions release fibres into the air.
What Is Friable Asbestos?
Friable asbestos is any asbestos material that is in powder form, or that can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Because the fibres are only loosely held, they can become airborne with very little disturbance.
Examples include:
- Pipe lagging and insulation on old boilers and hot water systems
- Sprayed insulation on beams and ceilings, often found in older commercial buildings
- Insulation inside some old heaters and stoves
- The backing on some older vinyl sheet flooring
- Asbestos dust and debris left behind after uncontrolled work
Friable asbestos is more common in older commercial and industrial buildings, but it can turn up in homes too.
Bonded Asbestos Can Become Friable
Bonded asbestos doesn’t always stay bonded. Weathering, fire, hail, crushing or high pressure cleaning can break down the cement and leave the material crumbly.
Old fibro fences, sheds and roofs that are cracked, broken or badly weathered need extra caution. Once bonded asbestos is damaged to the point it can be crumbled by hand, it’s treated as friable.
Why the Difference Matters
Who Can Remove It
In NSW, the type and amount of asbestos decides who is allowed to remove it.
- Friable asbestos must be removed by a Class A licensed asbestos removalist, no matter how small the amount
- Bonded asbestos over 10 square metres must be removed by a licensed removalist holding a Class A or Class B licence
- Bonded asbestos up to 10 square metres can legally be removed without a licence, but it still has to be handled safely and disposed of correctly
Even for small areas, a licensed removalist is the safest option. Correct containment and compliant disposal protect you, your family, your neighbours and anyone working on the property after you.
How the Work Is Carried Out
Bonded asbestos removal usually involves wetting the material down, removing sheets whole without breaking them where possible, and wrapping them in heavy duty plastic for disposal.
Friable asbestos removal is far more controlled. The work area is typically enclosed and sealed, with negative air pressure units, strict decontamination procedures and air monitoring throughout the job.
Notification and Clearance
Licensed asbestos removal work must be notified to SafeWork NSW at least five days before it starts.
When the work is finished, a clearance inspection confirms the area is safe to use again. For friable asbestos, air monitoring and the clearance inspection must be carried out by an independent licensed asbestos assessor. We provide a clearance certificate on completion where it’s required by regulation.
How Asbestos Waste Is Disposed Of
Both bonded and friable asbestos waste must go to a waste facility licensed to accept asbestos. It can’t go in household bins or general skip bins.
Asbestos waste has to be securely wrapped and labelled. In NSW, loads of more than 100 kilograms or 10 square metres of asbestos waste must also be tracked through the EPA’s WasteLocate system from collection through to disposal.
For more on what can and can’t go in a bin, see our guide to what you can’t put in a skip bin in NSW.
You Can’t Tell by Looking
Many asbestos products look the same as materials made without asbestos. The only way to confirm whether a material contains asbestos, and what condition it’s in, is professional inspection and laboratory testing.
If you’re unsure, treat the material as if it contains asbestos. Don’t cut, drill, sand or break it until it’s been checked. Our guide on where asbestos is commonly found covers the most likely spots in older Sydney homes.
How WasteWise Services Can Help
Our team provides asbestos inspections, removal and compliant disposal for homes, workplaces, gardens and construction sites across Sydney. We identify asbestos containing materials, explain what the job involves, and follow strict Australian Standards from inspection through to disposal.
If you’re weighing up costs, our guide to asbestos removal costs in Sydney explains what affects pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fibro bonded or friable asbestos?
Fibro sheeting that contains asbestos is bonded asbestos when it’s in good condition. If it’s badly weathered, broken or fire damaged to the point it crumbles, it’s treated as friable.
Is bonded asbestos dangerous?
It’s generally low risk when intact and left undisturbed. Cutting, drilling, sanding, breaking or water blasting it can release fibres, and that’s when it becomes a health risk.
Can I remove bonded asbestos myself in NSW?
The law allows up to 10 square metres of bonded asbestos to be removed without a licence, but it must be handled safely and disposed of at a licensed facility. We recommend a licensed removalist for any asbestos work.
Who can remove friable asbestos?
Only a Class A licensed asbestos removalist. Friable asbestos removal also needs air monitoring and a clearance inspection by an independent licensed asbestos assessor.
How do I find out which type of asbestos I have?
Through professional inspection and testing. The condition of the material matters too, so an on-site assessment is the best way to confirm it.
If you think your property contains asbestos, our team is ready to help. Visit our asbestos removal page to request an inspection, or call (02) 9188 8899.