How must non-friable asbestos-containing materials be handled under Regulation 8?

Non-friable asbestos-containing materials must be handled with minimal breakage and disturbance to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the air. This approach is essential because non-friable materials, such as vinyl tiles or asbestos cement products, are generally more stable than friable forms of asbestos but can still become hazardous if they are damaged or improperly disturbed.

When these materials are intact and undisturbed, they pose a lower risk; however, during renovation, repair, or demolition activities, care must be taken to minimize actions that might lead to breaking or disturbing them. By ensuring minimal disturbance, the integrity of the materials is maintained, thereby limiting the potential for asbestos exposure.

Other methods such as complete removal may be employed in more critical situations, but they are not universally required for all non-friable materials, and doing so can increase risk if not done meticulously. Soaking in water or sealing with tape might offer temporary solutions but are not effective handling protocols for non-friable asbestos under Regulation 8, which emphasizes the importance of managing the risk through minimal disturbance.