What does Non-friable material mean in a school building context?

Non-friable material refers to substances that, when dry, cannot be easily broken down or crumbled by hand. In the context of a school building, this means that certain construction materials may contain asbestos but are classified as non-friable because their physical properties prevent them from being easily reduced to dust. Common examples of non-friable materials include certain types of floor tiles, roofing materials, and bonded asbestos products.

The term "friable" itself describes materials that can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder through hand pressure. Thus, recognizing that non-friable materials maintain their structural integrity and do not release asbestos fibers into the air unless significantly disturbed is crucial for proper safety management and risk assessment in school buildings. This understanding helps ensure that appropriate precautions are taken when handling or renovating such materials to avoid potential asbestos exposure.