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Asbestos Flooring Removal Stocksfield

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Asbestos Flooring Removal in Stocksfield

Asbestos Flooring Removal Stocksfield

Have you discovered an asbestos floor in your property? If so, you need expert help and advice. Even if you suspect that your floor tiles may contain asbestos, it's essential that you get them checked out to make sure.

Asbestos SOS is a professional asbestos removal company, and we specialise not just in asbestos flooring removal in Stocksfield but also offering advice on asbestos management. We can resolve your asbestos problem, no matter how big or small.

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Are Asbestos Floor Tiles Dangerous?

Asbestos was once regarded as a 'wonder material', used extensively in industrial and commercial buildings, as well as domestic settings. It found its way into more than four thousand different products, prized for its heat-resistant, insulating, fire-proof, water-proof and sound-proof qualities.

It was often used to strengthen and stiffen plaster and cement. It was also used in boilers, roofs, pipes and lagging, to name a few.

Asbestos floor tiles became popular in the first half of the 20th century, as they were hard-wearing and durable, with increased fire-resistance and sound-absorbing qualities.

However, concerns were soon raised about health issues related to the inhalation of asbestos fibres. This can happen when asbestos-containing materials become damaged or deteriorate over time, as they release dust and asbestos particles that contain tiny fibres. When these microscopic fibres enter the lungs, they can cause several extremely unpleasant health conditions (see below).

Eventually, asbestos was completely banned from use in construction materials in 1999.

This means that any property constructed before this time will almost definitely contain asbestos somewhere.

Are Asbestos Floor Tiles Dangerous

Health Conditions Caused By Asbestos Fibres

Exposure to asbestos can cause a number of serious health conditions, some of the most common being:

Cancers:

  • Mesothelioma - This is a rare and aggressive cancer of the lining of the lungs (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). It's almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure and has a poor prognosis.
  • Lung cancer - Asbestos is a well-known risk factor for lung cancer, even in people who have never smoked, although smoking raises the risk significantly. The risk increases with the amount of asbestos exposure.
  • Laryngeal cancer - Cancer of the voice box can also be linked to asbestos exposure, with the risk rising with higher levels of exposure.
  • Other cancers - While less common, asbestos has also been linked to cancers of the ovary, stomach, colon, and rectum.

Non-cancerous conditions:

  • Asbestosis - This is a scarring of the lung tissue caused by inhaling asbestos fibres. Over time, this scarring makes it harder to breathe.
  • Pleural plaques - These are small, thickened areas on the lining of the lungs that are usually harmless, but they can be a sign of past asbestos exposure.
  • Pleural thickening - This is a similar condition to pleural plaques, but it causes a more widespread thickening of the lung lining, which can lead to breathing difficulties.
  • Pleural effusions - This is a build-up of fluid between the lung lining and the chest wall, which can also cause breathing problems.

It's important to note that symptoms of these conditions can take many years, even decades, to develop after exposure to asbestos. This means that someone who was exposed to asbestos decades ago may not be aware of any health problems until later in life.

These conditions typically affect those who worked extensively in the construction industry or associated trades, where exposure to asbestos-containing materials was common.

If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos, or you are concerned about any symptoms, it's important to see a doctor. They can advise you on the best course of action, which may include further medical tests and monitoring.

Although the above conditions are serious and can be fatal, early detection increases the chances of receiving the right treatment and care.

What To Do When You Discover Asbestos Floor Tiles

What To Do When You Discover Asbestos Floor Tiles

Despite the stark warnings above, the risk of harm from asbestos materials is very small. However, the risk is real and must be taken seriously.

If you suspect that you have asbestos tiles or other types of flooring, don't worry - just give us a call, and we'll advise you. The key is to establish whether asbestos is present, and then determine its type and condition.

Read more on “what does asbestos look like”.

Asbestos floor tiles are frequently hidden beneath carpets and other floor coverings, only to be discovered much later. This causes anxiety for homeowners, as they often don't know how to proceed. The good news is that the asbestos-containing floor tiles are usually protected by the materials placed over the top. The bad news is that by removing these coverings, you expose the asbestos floor tiles (or vinyl floor covering), potentially damaging them in the process.

The key is to contain asbestos; put the carpet back in place and get in touch with us for expert advice. We will inspect and test the materials involved, and devise a plan of action.

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How Do You Remove Asbestos Floor Tiles Or Vinyl Flooring?

The asbestos floor tile removal process must always follow strict protocols to ensure the safety of all concerned, including our staff, the occupants, and anyone else in the area.

A typical asbestos tile removal project goes something like this:

How Do You Remove Asbestos Floor Tiles Or Vinyl Flooring

Step 1: Asbestos Survey and Testing

Before any removal can begin, we need to confirm the presence of asbestos. A certified asbestos surveyor will take samples of the flooring and adhesive underneath. Once this has been analysed, the results will determine the type and condition of asbestos present, helping us to plan the removal process.

Step 2: Containment and Isolation

The affected area, ideally the entire room, needs thorough containment. All doorways, windows and air vents are sealed with heavy-duty plastic sheets and masking tape. Floor-to-wall junctions are sealed, and plastic barriers are used to create a negative pressure zone within the work area. This prevents asbestos fibres from escaping into the building.

Step 3: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Protective gear is paramount to protect both workers and occupants from exposure. This includes:

  • Disposable coveralls and hood
  • Full-face respirator with HEPA filter
  • Safety goggles
  • Boots and gloves

All PPE should be donned before entering the containment zone and disposed of safely after removal is complete.

Step 4: Floor Removal

The removal method depends on the type of asbestos flooring and its condition. Generally, the process involves:

  • Wetting the flooring - A pump sprayer filled with water is used to create a fine mist spray that keeps dust suppressed and fibres inactive.
  • Careful removal - Tiles are gently pried up with pry bars or specialised tools to minimise breakage. Sheet vinyl is peeled back slowly, wetting the exposed backing as it goes. Any old adhesive residues may require scraping.
  • Double-bagging - Each piece of removed material, including dust debris, is placed in a double layer of heavy-duty, asbestos-labelled plastic bags. This is sealed securely before transferring to designated holding containers.

Step 5: Cleaning and Final Sealing

Once the floor is fully stripped, a thorough cleaning of the subfloor and surrounding surfaces is essential. A HEPA vacuum cleaner is used to remove any remaining dust, while walls and equipment are wiped down with damp cloth.

The containment barriers are then carefully dismantled and disposed of, ensuring no fibres escape.

Step 6: Waste Disposal and Clearance

Asbestos waste must be disposed of in accordance with strict regulations. Licenced waste carriers will transport sealed containers to approved disposal sites that accept asbestos waste. These are usually operated by your local council and are situated in recycling centres.

Finally, an air monitoring specialist will conduct air clearance testing to confirm no asbestos fibres remain in the air. Only after a clean clearance certificate is issued can the containment zone be dismantled and the room reoccupied.

Remember: This guide is a basic overview, and individual cases may require specific procedures.

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Do Asbestos Floor Tiles Have To be Removed

Do Asbestos Floor Tiles Have To be Removed?

It's not always necessary to remove asbestos materials; We occasionally use epoxy floor paint to seal the floor tiles, keeping the asbestos trapped beneath a protective layer. This stops the material from becoming damaged and releasing asbestos fibres.

While it may be possible to do this yourself, it's still wise to contact an asbestos professional before doing so, as we can establish the condition of the material. It's important to remember that disturbed asbestos (especially if it's crumbly, known as friable material) potentially presents a serious health risk.

Why Choose Asbestos SOS

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Can I Remove Asbestos Tiles Myself?

No expert in this field would ever recommend asbestos removal as a DIY job!

While the laws state that you may be able to handle asbestos floor tile removal yourself under certain conditions, few people are able to meet the criteria. This includes wearing adequate personal protective equipment, sealing off the work area with plastic sheeting, and safe disposal of all waste.

Besides this, removing asbestos floor tiles is a time-consuming task that requires experience and skill to do the job properly.

Can I Remove Asbestos Tiles Myself

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Asbestos SOS Professional Asbestos Removal Service

Asbestos SOS Professional Asbestos Flooring Removal Service In Stocksfield

At Asbestos SOS, we are dedicated to helping our customers to avoid asbestos exposure.

Our complete asbestos management service guarantees the safe removal or sealing of all types of asbestos, from floor tiles to entire garages.

Our highly skilled team has all the right equipment and the experience to take on any asbestos removal project, however big or small.

Contact the Asbestos SOS Stocksfield team now, and we'll put together a plan to create an asbestos-free environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the UK, encapsulating or covering asbestos flooring is a viable option if the asbestos is in good condition and not friable. This process involves laying a new floor over the asbestos-containing material, reducing the risk of asbestos fibre release and exposure.
It's often recommended to vacate your home during professional asbestos removal in the UK, especially if large areas are involved. This is to ensure your safety from asbestos fibres that might become airborne during the removal process.
In the UK, testing for asbestos in flooring should be done by accredited laboratories. You can take a small sample yourself, using appropriate safety measures, or hire a professional asbestos surveyor to collect the sample and send it to a lab for analysis.
Painting over asbestos flooring in the UK is not recommended as a long-term solution. While it may temporarily seal in asbestos fibres, any future wear or disturbance can still pose a risk. It's best to consult with a professional for safe management or removal.
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