Asbestos! It is a strong fire resistant fiber that was widely used in the past for fire protection and insulation purposes. The problem is that it has these small, buoyant fibers that people can easily inhale or swallow. These harmful particles have been shown to cause a number of very serious diseases including asbestosis (which is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing extremely difficult) and cancer. So it’s no wonder why people are concerned when removing asbestos tiles from older buildings.
Vinyl floor tiles contain asbestos (vinyl, asbestos tile – VAT) and must be handled with great care when removing them. The first rule is to make sure that the material is in a non-friable state. Asbestos is considered non-friable when the material CANNOT be reduced to dust by hand pressure. Non-friable asbestos can become friable if the tiles are damaged or broken, which could mean these harmful fibers can be released.
Removing these tiles is not easy. For starters, you’ll need to wear protective gear, such as a respirator and safety glasses, which will lead to more difficult breathing and poorer vision. VAT removal has to be done for whole pieces to keep the material in a non-friable state. This means that it is not safe to grind, saw or drill to facilitate removal.
In most states, asbestos should only be removed by licensed asbestos abatement contractors who are fully equipped and trained in the safe removal and disposal of such materials. They will usually come assembled with plastic sheeting to prevent particles from moving freely. VATs are also typically moistened to prevent particles from becoming airborne during the removal process.
Safe disposal of asbestos tiles is serious business and they are usually placed in leak proof containers and clearly marked with wording similar to “ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIALS HAZARD”.
Once removal has taken place, the authorized agent transports the sealed containers to an EPA-approved landfill where they are buried. There are paperwork and administrative procedures necessary to register the work in question, and the appropriate documents are submitted to the relevant authorities for filing upon completion.
Attempting VAT removal yourself is NOT recommended and there will probably be fines if you try and are found out. Furthermore, the waste product must be disposed of safely and cannot simply be disposed of with the local rubbish.
For more detailed information and procedures on the safe disposal of asbestos products, search online or contact your local authorities for an up-to-date fact sheet.
