No items found.
During much of the 20th century, asbestos was incorporated into a wide variety of construction materials, including floor tiles. Asbestos floor tiles are common in buildings constructed before 2000 and can pose a potential health risk to occupants.
Today, asbestos use in the UK is banned, and there are strict regulations surrounding its handling, removal and disposal. In this blog post, the expert team at EMS Asbestos will break down the topic of asbestos floor tile removal, including what asbestos floor tiles are and how to spot them, the regulations around removal, the professional process and why DIY removal of asbestos floor tiles can be dangerous.
To discuss removing asbestos floor tiles with a specialist, call our team now on 0800 3581100.
Asbestos floor tiles reached their peak popularity between the 1950s and 1980s, before falling out of use amidst rising health concerns associated with asbestos. The bulk of the tiles were comprised of vinyl plastic, but asbestos fibres were added as a cost-effective way to make the tiles stronger and more heat resistant.
The end result was a tile that was more durable and cheaper to manufacture. However, the incorporation of asbestos fibres meant that if the tiles were damaged or degraded, they could release these fibres, posing a health risk to nearby occupants.
Identifying asbestos tiles without laboratory analysis can be difficult. The asbestos fibres are incorporated into the tiles themselves, hidden within the structure.
There are some very general indications that tiles may contain asbestos, but these should not be used as a reliable guide:
The only way to categorically, and safely, identify asbestos floor tiles is with professional laboratory analysis. This will involve a specialist asbestos surveyor carefully collecting a sample from the tile, which can be tested thoroughly.
Trying to identify asbestos tiles yourself can be challenging and potentially hazardous, especially if you disturb the tiles. If you suspect that tiles in your property may contain asbestos, your first step should be to contact a professional surveyor.
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral, made up of millions of tiny fibres, and mined from deposits in the earth. When disturbed, these fibres are small enough to become airborne, where they can be inhaled by people nearby.
Asbestos fibres don’t degrade naturally, so they sit inside the lungs once inhaled, irritating the lining of the lung over time. While those affected are unlikely to experience any short-term symptoms, the fibres lodged in the lungs can eventually lead to potentially severe health concerns, including mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Asbestos floor tile removal, conducted without due care, training and the proper PPE, can lead to fibre release and inhalation, putting building occupants at risk of long-term health complications.
All types of asbestos removal in the UK, including asbestos floor tile removal, are subject to strict regulations and guidance. The primary legislation and guidelines affecting removal include:
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR), owners of business and commercial premises also have a duty to protect occupants and employees from asbestos-related hazards. This responsibility is reinforced by the Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974 as well as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, 2002.
Those found to be in breach of asbestos control or workplace safety regulations can be subject to large fines and even imprisonment, depending on the nature of the violation.
Asbestos removal is broken down into three categories, which dictate how it must be removed and the specific safety measures that will need to be taken:
When it comes to dealing with asbestos floor tiles, there are a few options available. Which you should select will depend on the condition of the tiles as well as any intended work in the area around them.
In all cases, you should also always arrange a professional asbestos survey to accurately determine the condition of the tiles. The surveyor may also be able to offer assistance in drawing up an asbestos management plan.
If the asbestos tiles are in good condition and are unlikely to be disturbed by renovations or normal use of the building, you may be able to leave them in place. This will, however, be under the provision that a monitoring plan is drawn up to ensure their condition is routinely checked.
Alternatively, you can choose to encapsulate asbestos floor tiles. By sealing them underneath a layer of new material, you can protect them from damage and prevent the release of fibres. Encapsulation can be done using specialised materials or by sealing them under a new floor, or both.
If you choose to encapsulate asbestos tiles underneath a new floor, you should always ensure that future occupants of the building will be made aware of the asbestos below in some way. This will prevent accidental disturbance in the future.
If the tiles are damaged, degrading or likely to be disturbed in the course of building maintenance or renovations, then they should be removed. They will also need to be removed if the building is due to be demolished. The type of removal required will depend on the specific tiles in question, but it is always advisable to hire a professional asbestos removal contractor.
The proper procedure for asbestos tile removal is laid out in Asbestos Essentials task sheet a23, from the HSE.
01 – Initial Survey and Testing
The first step when dealing with ACMs of any kind, or suspected ACMs, is to arrange an asbestos survey with a trusted provider. Information on selecting a surveyor can be found in HSG227. The survey will give clarity on the presence of asbestos as well as the hazards presented.
02 – Risk Assessment and Method Statement
If removal is deemed necessary, then the next step is to conduct a risk assessment and draw up a method statement. This will help ensure the asbestos floor tile removal process is conducted safely and efficiently.
03 – Area Preparation
Before the removal of asbestos floor tiles, the area should be properly prepared. You should limit access to reduce the number of people near the work area, close any nearby doors and use tape or signs to notify building occupants and ensure the area is well lit.
04 – Safe Lifting of Tiles and Adhesive
When lifting the tiles, it is important to be as delicate as possible to avoid breaking them. Gently lever them one-by-one using a scraper, while spraying water into the opening crack to suppress fibre release from the adhesive or paper backing underneath.
Any adhesive should be carefully scraped away. This can be made easier by softening it with solvents, warming it with an infra-red lamp or by using dry ice to make it brittle.
05 – Bagging and Sealing Asbestos Waste
As the asbestos tiles and adhesive are removed, they should be bagged using asbestos waste bags. These should then be taped closed before being placed inside another clear bag, which should also be sealed with tape.
06 – Transportation and Licensed Disposal
According to the Hazardous Waste Regulations, 2005, asbestos will need to be transported and disposed of by a licensed carrier and a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note must be completed.
07 – Clearance and Decontamination
After removing asbestos floor tiles, it is important to thoroughly clean the work area and conduct personal decontamination. Work areas can be cleaned using damp rags or a Class H vacuum cleaner. All personnel should then follow personal decontamination procedures in accordance with HSE guidelines.
A common question we hear at EMS is ‘Can you undertake the removal of some asbestos floor tiles yourself?’. From a legal perspective, you are able to carry out non-licensed asbestos removal yourself, which usually includes asbestos floor tile removal. However, DIY asbestos removal of any kind is highly inadvisable.
Without the proper training, PPE and experience, you are more likely to damage materials or put yourself and other building occupants at risk of inhaling fibres. Additionally, even if you conduct the removal yourself, you will still need to arrange for professional transportation and disposal.
A dedicated licensed or non-licensed asbestos removal contractor will be able to handle every stage of this process safely and efficiently, without putting you or other occupants at risk. From removal to disposal, using a professional removal provider will make removing asbestos floor tiles safer and easier.
The cost of asbestos tile removal will vary from property to property. It will depend on how many square metres of tiles need to be removed, the type of tiles and whether they require non-licensed or notifiable non-licensed removal.
You can find more information on the cost of asbestos removal in the UK in our guide: ‘How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost?’. Or, for a precise quote for your removal, call our team on 0800 3581100.
The HSE provides thorough guidance on hiring asbestos removal contractors in HSG227, but here are some quick tips to get you started.
There are a number of key accreditations which can help signal a reputable removal contractor:
Another way to help identify the right asbestos removal contractor is to ask some straightforward questions before hiring them. Ask about:
Be on the lookout for warning signs that a contractor might not be as reliable as they are trying to suggest:
After your asbestos floor tiles have been removed, a number of things should be considered. Asbestos tile removal does not usually require clearance certification and air testing like some forms of asbestos removal, but you should make sure that the area has been thoroughly cleaned before allowing occupants to return.
It is also important to ensure that your removal contractor has safely disposed of your asbestos waste by obtaining a copy of the Hazardous Waste Consignment Note (HWCN). This is a legal requirement under the Hazardous Waste Regulations. After this, you can begin to evaluate new flooring options for the area.
Yes, provided the asbestos tiles are in good condition, you may be able to cover them with an encapsulating coating or with new flooring. To accurately determine the condition of the tiles and whether covering is an option, you should arrange an asbestos survey.
The length of an asbestos tile removal project will be dictated by the scale of the removal and how easily the area can be accessed. To find out how long your removal will take, email our team on info@emsgroupuk.com for a free quote.
No. Floor tiles made in the 1970s are not guaranteed to contain asbestos. However, any floor tiles manufactured before 2000 could be made with asbestos. If you are unsure, it is always safest to assume they do. The only way to be certain is to arrange an asbestos survey.
It is not strictly illegal to remove asbestos tiles yourself, but it is highly inadvisable. If you are not equipped with removal training, PPE and experience, you are more likely to cause yourself or another building occupant to be exposed to asbestos fibres. It is always safer to arrange for professional asbestos tile removal.
The best way to get a quote for asbestos removal is to contact the friendly team at EMS Asbestos. Call us now on 0800 3581100.
Contact EMS Asbestos today to get a free quote for your asbestos floor tile removal. Since 2003, we’ve been offering expert asbestos consultancy services as well as surveys and nationwide removals.
We operate in accordance with key legislation and guidelines, including HSG227 and are accredited and trusted by household names from across the UK. EMS offers asbestos removal nationwide, including: Asbestos removal in Hereford, Asbestos removal in Birmingham and Asbestos removal in Worcester
To get started, just call us on 0800 3581100, email us at info@emsgroupuk.com or fill out our contact form.
CONTACT US
