What to Do About Asbestos Floor Tiles
Asbestos was used in the past in the manufacture of floor tiles. Chrysotile or White asbestos was used due to the robust nature & fire-resistant properties of the material.
Asbestos fibres can cause a number of different diseases if inhaled. It is important to know therefore whether the floor tiles in your house/workplace contain asbestos. Our experts at Rightway Environmental have put together this handy guide with all you need to know about asbestos floor tiles, floor tile removal and asbestos identification.
What Do Asbestos Floor Tiles Look Like?
There’s no simple rule when it comes to identifying asbestos floor tiles. Asbestos was used for a long time. This means that fashion changed multiple times and asbestos flooring consequently comes in a variety of different shapes and sizes.
Identify the Age of the Building
The age of a building can be a key factor in the likelihood of tiles in a building containing asbestos. Asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999 and has been illegal to use since that year in the manufacture of any products. The older the tiles are the greater the possibility is of them containing asbestos.
Asbestos Floor Tiles Appearance
There are many types of flooring that can contain asbestos. Floor tiles, sheet vinyl and many floorings with paper-like backing or glues are likely to contain the substance. Asbestos containing floor tiles were produced in a wide range of thicknesses, dimensions, patterns, shapes and cuts. This can make it difficult to narrow down exactly which tiles contain asbestos. Many manufacturers have published guides on which of their tiles are affected. If you know the manufacturer of the floor tiles you can check these guides.
How to Identify Asbestos?
It’s a common misconception that all old floor tiles contain asbestos. Many lines of flooring that were produced between the 1950s and the 1980s did not contain asbestos. This can make it increasingly difficult to determine whether your flooring is safe.
As mentioned, if you can identify your floor tile manufacturer, laboratory testing might be unnecessary. Because many of these tiles are entirely unique, using guides can be a very effective way of identifying which flooring is affected. If this is not possible then laboratory testing is the alternative. Many buildings with old tiles were provided with a box of spare tiles for repairs and these can be used if a sample is required rather than disturbing tiles that may or may not contain asbestos.
When is Flooring Dangerous?
Floor tiles that are in good condition are completely safe . Asbestos is only dangerous once damaged as it can release microscopic fibres into the air that then become respirable and potentially hazardous to health.
If you suspect that your flooring contains asbestos but is in good condition the general consensus is to leave it alone. Unless there’s a good reason for the flooring to be removed i.e., building refurbishment, demolition or tile damage, then it should never be disturbed.
How to Deal with Asbestos Floor Tiles
When managing asbestos floor tiles the first step to take is to identify exactly where the asbestos is and in what quantity. Asbestos surveying is the best way to determine this quickly, safely and efficiently.
Removing Flooring Yourself
In some situations it may be possible for home owners to remove asbestos tiles themselves however it is not recommended to do so without the right equipment and training. Asbestos removal contractors use a combination of specialist tools and personal protective equipment to keep themselves and those in the building safe.
If removed incorrectly you may endanger the lives of those living/working in the building.
Hiring a Professional
The best way to remove asbestos is to hire an asbestos removal professional. Contractors are experienced in identifying and managing asbestos and will advise you on the best way to handle the asbestos floor tiles in your property.
Bear in mind that removal is not always necessary as proper management of asbestos can mean that it’s perfectly safe to remain in place. Many contractors will offer a variety of services alongside removal and decontamination. Encapsulation is one of these services and is the process of sealing asbestos to prevent it from becoming a hazard. This means that the asbestos can remain in place while ensuring that it poses minimal risk to the building’s inhabitants.
If you’re ever unsure about how to deal with any flooring that might contain asbestos, contact a professional immediately.
Professional Asbestos Surveying & Removal with Rightway Environmental
It’s not always easy knowing how to deal with asbestos, be it in floor tiles or elsewhere in your building. We have many years of experience in dealing with asbestos at Rightway Environmental. Having worked in domestic, commercial and industrial environments, we are equipped to deal with any asbestos-related issues that you might have.
Our highly trained, customer focused team understand that every client’s needs are different and no two buildings are the same! Get in touch with us today and have a chat with one of our friendly experts. We’ll create a tailored plan for your building that’s fairly costed and comprehensive.