Attempting to remove asbestos floor tiles on your own has a number of risks.
To begin with, breaking any tile into fragments while removing it turns it into a friable substance.
It goes without saying that keeping the tiles unbroken when removing them is difficult.
Furthermore, asbestos might be present in the old glue behind the tiles.
First and foremost, complete personal protection equipment must be worn during the procedure.
Disposable overalls with hoods, disposable gloves, non-laced boots, and, most critically, respiratory protection equipment are all included.
For such work, a regular dust mask will not be sufficient.
A half or full face mask with a HEPA filter is essential.
After that, you’ll need to get certain equipment and materials, as well as complete a few key stages, which are detailed below.
But first, let’s take a look at the most common tile removal technique.
Scrape the seams between the floor tiles with the scraper and begin lifting the tiles up.
This must be done with extreme caution in order to prevent damaging any tiles.
To peel off difficult-to-remove tiles, a hammer will be needed to tap the scraper.
In situations when there are numerous floor tiles to remove, you may need to use a shovel instead of a scraper to speed up the
procedure.
However, because the shovel is bigger, you run the danger of shattering the tiles.
You’ll also need to moisten the tiles and the space beneath them while you’re working to keep the work area damp and decrease the
chance of asbestos fibres getting into the air.
When pulling asbestos paper tile backing, it’s critical to moisten it well before lifting the tile.
Scrape away any mastic that has adhered to the surface.
It is preferable to soften it somewhat by using a solvent, adding dry ice, or warming it with an infrared lamp.
As you can see, removing asbestos tiles is a dangerous process that requires patience, time, and a great deal of care.
Given all of this, as well as the hazards involved, it’s preferable to have the tiles removed by an asbestos specialist.
Preparing the Workplace
Only a small number of individuals should be permitted into the work area, which should be walled off.
All doors and windows must be shut completely.
Any air vents should also be sealed to guarantee that no asbestos fibres escape from the area that has been shut off.
To prevent leaving the location after the task has begun, make sure you have all of the required equipment and supplies.
Also, make sure you have adequate light to see well while working, especially because natural light from windows may not be sufficient.
Tools and Equipment
During asbestos removal, you must block off the work area to avoid asbestos decontamination.
As a result, plastic sheets will be required to cover any doors, windows, or air vents.
It’s also a good idea to use caution tape to demarcate the area.
To decrease the danger of contamination, you’ll also need to set up an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
Another handy item is a water-filled pump sprayer.
It is critical to keep asbestos materials moist in order to prevent dust particles from entering the air.
As a result, the floor will need to be treated thoroughly with water.
This should be done to the old adhesive beneath the tiles as well.
It is critical to keep them as moist as possible.
Once the job is finished, a HEPA vacuum is suggested to remove any dust.
You’ll need the following instruments for the tile removal job: a scraper, a sharp knife, a hammer, a shovel, a pump sprayer, and buckets
of water.
Cleaning and Disposing of Rags
Cleaning should be done using a vacuum cleaner, ideally a Class H, and damp cloths on the area where the tiles were removed.
Wet cloths should be used to clean any equipment used to remove the tiles.
All of the tiles and debris should be thrown away in a clean polythene trash bag.
After that, carefully place it in an asbestos garbage bag.
To make sure it’s safe, tape it shut.
Disposal must be carried out in accordance with local rules.
There are certain landfills where asbestos trash may be disposed of.
Naturally, all of this would be done more efficiently if you hired a professional firm to dispose of the garbage in accordance with local
rules, and you wouldn’t have to worry about a thing.
The Benefits of Hiring a Professional
Asbestos is difficult to detect.
Some floor tiles may contain asbestos backing, while others may have asbestos fibres on the surface.
Unless you engage a professional to conduct sample testing at a UKAS accredited lab, you won’t be able to identify if your floor tiles
contain asbestos.
If you’re thinking of renovating or removing your floor tiles entirely, this is a must-do.
The tile removal process, as previously said, is time-intensive and requires a great lot of caution.
To guarantee maximum safety, you must follow specific measures and adhere to certain protocols.
Given the circumstances, it is preferable to entrust the task to a competent firm that will be able to save you time and effort.
More importantly, make sure the task is done correctly and safely.
