Your safety

When is asbestos dangerous?

Asbestos fibres are not generally considered harmful unless they are inhaled, which is the most common way for asbestos to enter the body.

Asbestos is most dangerous when it is 'friable', which means it can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Non-friable asbestos is a material in which the asbestos fibres are bonded by cement, vinyl, resin or other similar materials. Non-friable asbestos-containing materials, such as asbestos cement sheet or vinyl asbestos tiles, present negligible asbestos hazard unless asbestos fibres are released into the air by pulverising, grinding or cutting the material.

The most important point is to always work so there is minimal release of dust or fibres from the asbestos-containing material. Wearing personal protective equipment will significantly reduce the chance of exposure to asbestos fibres.

Other general information

What is asbestos?
Health risks
Personal protective equipment
Legislation
Common locations