Class A asbestos training teaches you how to remove both non-friable and friable asbestos. Class B asbestos training is for the removal of non-friable asbestos only. Non-friable asbestos is slightly less hazardous as it doesn’t crumble into dust.
What are the different types of asbestos?
Although we often think of asbestos as one specific mineral, it’s actually a group of six different naturally occurring substances. Asbestos is the common name for a series of minerals with fibres that are resistant to corrosion and heat, including crocidolite, amosite, actinolite, chrysotile, tremolite and anthophyllite.
In the industrial and commercial sector, asbestos was historically used for everything from building materials to brake pads, before we discovered just how dangerous it is.
There are two types of asbestos that can still be found today in various products, known as friable or non-friable asbestos.
1. Friable Asbestos
The term friable refers to a dry substance that you can crush, crumble, change to a powder form or pulverise using your hand pressure. Friable asbestos can often be found in:
- Fuse insulation
- Rope gaskets
- Spray-on coatings
- Pipe insulation
2. Non-friable Asbestos
Non-friable is the complete opposite of friable. Non-friable asbestos cannot be easily crushed, pulverised, crumbled or turned to powder form using hand pressure.
Non-friable asbestos contains less than 15% asbestos forming a solid substance that does not crush between fingers. This solid nature keeps it in a stable condition which means it presents a low risk for inhalation. But this does not make it harmless, and it should be approached with proper precaution.
- Examples of places you may find non-friable asbestos include:
- Cement flue on top of a hot water system
- Corrugated cement sheet
- Cement sheet linings on the wall below ceramic tile walls
- Bituminous products
To handle asbestos or work in the removal or demolition industry, you’ll need the proper asbestos removal training and appropriate licences.
Why Do You Need Asbestos Removal Training?
Any disturbance of asbestos, during processes like demolition or renovations, requires the worker to have professional training and an asbestos removal licence.
Proper training will guarantee you take safety precautions to reduce risks to you and others.
To remove non-friable asbestos, you must undergo the appropriate asbestos removal training program, such as the courses held in Melbourne at Kallibr Training (RTO 32365).
According to asbestos legislation, you must complete Class B asbestos licence training, which permits you to work on asbestos.
An applicant wishing to get a class A removal licence must have prior industry experience of three years in removing friable asbestos. On the contrary, an applicant hoping to get a class B removal licence must have one year of previous industry experience.
Difference between Class A and B Asbestos Training
Class A asbestos training grants you a licence that permits you to remove both non-friable and friable asbestos. The Class A training requires you to have documentation in CPCCDE3015A Remove Friable Asbestos. However, you also need to do a refresher course each year and complete medical certification every two years.
On the other hand, a Class B license allows an individual to remove non-friable asbestos only. In practice, non-friable asbestos is often contained or sealed in other substances such as cement, creating a firmer substance where the asbestos fibres have a low risk of being disturbed and becoming airborne.
Get Your Class B Asbestos License With Kallibr Training (RTO 32365)
Enrol in a Class B asbestos training program at our training facility in Melbourne. At Kallibr Training, we offer real training on real equipment, instructed by experienced assessors. After you have completed your course with us, you can apply for your Class B asbestos removal license with WorkSafe or your local WHS authority to complete your certification.
An asbestos removal licence is valid for five years unless otherwise cancelled for other reasons. Book your training with us today or call us to find out about Kallibr Training and get your Class B asbestos removal license.
