Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor Practice Exam

Which material is most likely to be classified as non-friable if intact?

1. Asbestos insulation

2. Vinyl asbestos floor tile

3. Asbestos-containing drywall

4. Sprayed-on fireproofing

The correct answer is: Vinyl asbestos floor tile

Vinyl asbestos floor tile is most likely classified as non-friable if it remains intact because it is designed to be a durable, solid material that does not easily crumble or break apart. Non-friable materials are those that cannot be reduced to powder by hand pressure, meaning they generally pose a lower risk of asbestos fibers being released into the air. In contrast, asbestos insulation and sprayed-on fireproofing are typically considered friable because they can easily deteriorate, releasing asbestos fibers into the environment. Asbestos-containing drywall could also be classified as friable depending on its integrity; if it becomes damaged or deteriorated, it can release fibers. In contrast, vinyl asbestos floor tile, when undisturbed and intact, maintains its structural integrity, making it less likely to release harmful fibers compared to the other materials listed.