Asbestos Tile Removal Tips

Asbestos fiber were popularly used in the manufacturing of different flooring materials till 1970s. This was because asbestos fiber helped to add extra strength to the flooring materials and was resistant towards fire. Later, it was found that when these flooring materials become friable, they tend to release asbestos fibers into the air. Asbestos, if inhaled, is bad for the respiratory organs and can lead to some serious diseases like mesothelioma. At the time of asbestos tile removal, there is a high chance of asbestos exposure. Therefore, certain precautionary measures need to be taken so that the harmful asbestos does not get mixed up with the air.

Asbestos Tile Removal Tips

Before you start the task of asbestos tile removal, it is essential that you protect yourself with proper safety gear. You should wear such clothes that completely cover your body. Moreover, you have to wear gloves, a respirator and goggles for the purpose of protection of your hands, lungs and eyes respectively. After the task is done, take a shower to get rid of any asbestos fiber from your body.

There is some equipment that is required to remove asbestos floor tiles. They include - utility knife, metal putty knife, amended water, polyethylene sheets, duct tape, waste disposable bags and boxes. Gather all the mentioned equipment in the working area itself so that you do not have to leave the site in between. Thus, you can prevent contamination of other areas of the house.

Preparation of the working area is very important. A good preparation means minimum exposure of asbestos to the surroundings. Turn of the air conditioners or the heaters of the room. Remove all the movable objects from the floor of the room. Cover up rest of the objects, windows, vents etc., with polythene sheets and seal them up with duct tape.

Proper disposal of the removed asbestos tiles is must to prevent environmental pollution. Put the chunks of tiles into waste boxes and seal them up. Gather up all other debris into the waste bags and seal them up. Mark the bags and boxes that they contain asbestos material and dispose them in the landfill area which is meant to deal with such type of garbage. Do not simply throw it into the garbage bin near your house.

How to Remove Asbestos Floor Tiles?

To start with, thoroughly wet the flooring with amended water. The water helps to soften up the tile material and loosen up its bond with the adhesive agent, and makes the work of removal easier. This is known as the wet stripping method and is considered as the safest. This is because the water soaks up all the asbestos fiber dust and prevents its dispersal into the air.

The task to remove the asbestos tile should begin from the edges and then move on to the middle of the floor. You should take the help of a hammer and a putty knife to loosen up the first asbestos tile. Then place the putty knife at a 45 degree angle and put some pressure on it. You can see that tile popping out. After that, you can easily remove the rest of the tiles in the same manner. Remove the tiles in the form of large chunks to minimize the release of powdered asbestos fiber. When you are removing the asbestos tiles, do not drill, cut or saw them. Such acts damage the tiles which results in release of a large amount of asbestos dust into the air. Once you have finished your work, clean up the work area by wiping it off with the help of a damp cloth. Wash the equipment that has been used for the purpose of asbestos tile removal.

In some areas, there are some local laws that makes it compulsory to hire professionals for asbestos tile removal. If there is any such law in your area as well, then you should take the help of such professionals. Moreover, if you find it is difficult to carry out the task on your own with so many precautionary measures, it is always advisable to hire professionals as well.