What precautions should be taken when working with non-friable asbestos?

When working with non-friable asbestos, it is crucial to avoid any disturbance to the material. Non-friable asbestos, although less likely to release fibers into the air compared to friable asbestos, can still become a hazard if it is damaged, cut, or improperly handled. For instance, activities like sawing, drilling, or breaking non-friable asbestos products can cause the fibers to become airborne, which presents significant health risks.

Maintaining the integrity of non-friable asbestos materials minimizes the potential for fiber release. This precaution aligns with best practices in asbestos management that prioritize safety by aiming to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers. Furthermore, when non-friable asbestos is left undisturbed, it can often remain safe to handle under controlled conditions, emphasizing the importance of careful work practices in ensuring safety.

While it's true that some precautions involve containment and cleaning, immediate disposal or treating it as completely safe is not the most appropriate approach, which is why focusing on disturbance avoidance is the key safety principle.