Asbestos was once a very popular building material used in many different things like cement sheets for walls, corrugated sheets for roofs, insulation and soundproofing, and of course as an additive in floor tiles. However, it was discovered that asbestos has a nasty quality of causing chronic respiratory illnesses like mesothelioma, which is only caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers.
When and how to remove asbestos floor tiles
When the floor is well-maintained, asbestos tiles do not pose any health risks; but as with all homes, you might not have kept up with the maintenance of your tiles and they have started deteriorating, and this is when it becomes dangerous. When the asbestos tiles weaken and crack, tiny asbestos fibers are sent flying through the air, and when a person inhales these microscopic particles they will attach themselves to the lungs and in a couple of years they can and will cause tumors.
However, the removal process itself can release asbestos particles, so it’s important to have the right method and the complete equipment to safely get rid of the hazardous materials.
The Proper Techniques and Equipment For Asbestos Tile Removal
The proper method in the removal of asbestos tiles starts with the use of adequate safety gear. You need to use coveralls and a face mask with a fine filter and a respirator so that you can be sure that you will not be inhaling any of the hazardous asbestos fibers.
You should also seal off the area with sheets of plastic and use a special vacuum cleaner for the asbestos particles.
You will also need the proper technique in the removal of the tiles. You cannot remove asbestos tiles like you would regular ones because you will only be releasing millions of fibres in the air, which will be dangerous to the people nearby; this means you must not use a hammer or a grinder to break up the floor tiles into small, manageable pieces. You need to remove the tiles in such a way that you do not risk breaking them.
If you’re not an experienced professional, it can be very difficult to remove the tiles without breaking them apart. And once you have managed to remove the offending asbestos tiles, you still need to dispose of them. Proper asbestos tile disposal does not mean you just simply throw them into the nearest dust bin. You need to pack the tiles in sealed, leak-proof containers, that are marked as hazardous materials, then send them to a government-approved disposal facility where they will be taken care of.
As you can see, the removal of an asbestos floor is something that should not be attempted by the regular DIY enthusiast. To be sure that your home is made safe and free from asbestos, it is best that you hire the services of a professional company to remove all traces of asbestos in your home.
Absolute Environmental Services has been in the business of asbestos removal for many years and we have been granted a friable asbestos licence by the state of NSW which allows us to remove all types of asbestos from households. We use the best in safety equipment and dispose of the hazardous materials in the proper way so that no one else will fall victim to it. If you live in the Sydney area or are located in any of the neighbouring towns like Parramatta, Wollongong, Central Coast, or Blue Mountains, contact us for a quote. We’re equipped to handle the entire process for removing asbestos floor tiles.
AES provides environmental services in metropolitan Sydney, Canberra, Wollongong and Illawarra, Newcastle and other NSW towns.