Why The Removal Of Asbestos Floor Tile Is Necessary?
Removal of asbestos floor tile is a wide term that refers to removal of not only asbestos containing floor tiles but also other materials containing asbestos like sheet vinyl, vinyl or asphalt floor tiles, linoleum and other adhesive materials.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of fibrous mineral and has been widely in use in: building and insulation materials, fireproofing, cement, pipe covering, refractory materials, gaskets, floor tiles and joint compounds during 1890 to 1970. Exposure to asbestos particles suspended in the air causes many asbestos related diseases including a rare but life threatening type of cancer known as mesothelioma. Removal of asbestos floor tile becomes more important with the growing awareness about harmful effects of asbestos exposure.
When should you go for removal of asbestos floor tile?
You should opt for the removal of asbestos floor tile only when it becomes friable i.e. the asbestos crumbles in the powdery form when it is subject to pressure by hands. However, make sure that you regularly monitor even the good and intact flooring. There is no need of removal of asbestos floor tile if the tiles are intact and in good condition.
Dos And Don'ts For Removal Of Asbestos Floor Tile:
Before you start the removal of asbestos floor tile, you have to get a permit from the Air Quality department. You need to post this permit all the time on the work site. You ought to keep floor cover wet before and during the removal of asbestos floor tile. This is necessary to ensure that the removal of asbestos floor tile is safe and do not pose any health hazards for the persons involved in the removal process and for the residents of the building.
Never perform any removal of floor tiles in dry condition. To ensure minimal breakage, remove the tiles in whole pieces and linoleum in large sections. After removal, put the wet material in 6-mil poly bags or wrap in 6-mil poly sheeting, immediately. Never leave the material in loose condition. To prevent material from leakage use a duct tape to seal the poly bags or sheets. Watch that contained floor material does not poke or tear holes in 6-mil poly bags or sheets. Send the material immediately to landfill before it becomes dry, along with one copy of your permit for the disposal records.
About the Author
Kirsten Hawkins is a asbestos and mesothelioma specialist from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.asbestosblog.org/ for information on asbestos reform, mesothelioma lawsuit news, and more.