Asbestos Tiles Removal

Asbestos in its tile form is not a problem for the environment. In fact, if left intact, it can be an artfully decorative material and also a superb firefighting tool. The problem begins to surface when asbestos begins to crumble. As soon as it starts getting friable, it begins to get airborne. Airborne particles of asbestos can enter your respiratory tract and create serious medical issues for any person. Prolonged exposure to asbestos is known to cause a kind of cancer called Mesotheliomia. Many asbestos factory workers are known to suffer from this kind of carcinoma.

Permission mandatory for do-it-yourselfers

If you find that the tile at your home is giving away friable asbestos, you should not waste any moment in looking for asbestos tiles removal. It is advisable to take help of professional units for this purpose as they know each intricacy of the job. However, if you have passively operated over such a job in the past and know about the elementary techniques of conducting it, you may look to perform it yourself. As a first, you must get permission to perform the job from the government approved authorities. Once you get written permission, you can go ahead with asbestos tiles removal.

Wet Stripping Method is hailed as the best option

For asbestos tiles removal, you should first wet the whole surface-spread of floor tile with water. Water loosens the adhesive bond between asbestos and the central material of the tile. It also helps in making the crumbled asbestos settle down so that it does not pose any risk of airborne contamination. Wet Stripping Method, as the procedure is known, is highly regarded by environment experts as it clearly eliminates any chance of poisonous contamination. Hammer and putty knives are generally used for asbestos tiles removal. The central idea is to move from the tile on the edge towards the tile at the center.

How to perform asbestos tiles removal

When you fix your putty knife below the tile and apply pressure at 45 degrees, it gains enough load-fulcrum-effort dynamics to push off the tile from the floor surface (remember Archimedes’s statement). While performing asbestos tiles removal, completely refrain from cutting or sawing them. Such measures can very easily lead to contamination. Your effort must be towards carefully popping out the tiles and moving them inside leak-resistant bags. While performing the procedure of asbestos tiles removal it is important to create a proper area of operation.

Precautions you must take

As a first, you should cast away any movable object in the area. It is because such objects might attract asbestos dust and transfer it to the nearby environment on being moved. It is also strongly recommended to turn off the HVAC system. This includes air conditioners and heaters. Ideally, you should also cover the fixed objects with polyethylene and use duct tape to keep them sealed till you are performing the job.

Personally, you must be covered well enough with disposable coveralls and smart particulate respirators. While conducting asbestos tiles removal it is also significant only to rest at a place far off from the operating area. Also, you should take off your protective gear before moving out for food or beverage or smoke.