Asbestos Tile Removal
Asbestos is a dangerous substance that can cause health problems like lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is highly recommended that you hire a professional asbestos abatement company to remove your floor tiles.
If disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and be inhaled. Before you start working on your asbestos tile removal, it is important to follow the safety guidelines outlined below.
Protective Equipment
Asbestos floor tile is common in older homes and can be a significant problem for homeowners who try to remove them without professional help. The danger is that the fibres can become airborne and inhaled, leading to serious health problems such as lung cancer and asbestosis.
Before starting work, the workspace should be sealed off with plastic sheeting and any doors and windows closed. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems should also be turned off to prevent contamination of the outside air. Furniture and decor that cannot be moved should be covered with poly sheeting and duct tape.
Workers should wear disposable clothing such as coveralls and a respirator with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Ideally, the wearer should also wear a face mask that covers the nose and mouth, as well as head and foot coverings. A HEPA vacuum cleaner should also be used to keep the working area clean of any loose debris.
Wet the Tiles
While asbestos is no longer used in new construction, it still appears in older homes and buildings due to renovation, remodeling or damaged materials. Since asbestos has been linked to cancer and other respiratory problems, it is smart to treat all construction materials as if they contain asbestos until you know for sure.
This is why it is important to always wear a respirator and work in a well-ventilated area when doing any renovation or repair work in your home. You can also reduce airborne asbestos by limiting the number of people in and out of the workspace. Seal off the room and make sure any doors or windows are closed.
It is best to leave any asbestos tile removal to the professionals who are geared up for this kind of work and know how to handle it properly. Choosing the DIY route could lead to serious health issues like mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer that only comes from asbestos exposure.
Seal Off the Workspace
During asbestos tile removal, you need to keep the workspace as sealed off as possible. This will minimize the amount of asbestos that becomes airborne while you are working. To do this, cover all openings and doorways with polyethylene sheeting, securing it with duct tape. This is a very important step that must be taken before any work begins on the floor. Once the work area is secluded, limit traffic in and out of it as much as you can.
Unless you are a dedicated DIYer and have the proper tools, equipment and skills to perform this job safely, it’s best to leave asbestos removal to the professionals. Disturbed asbestos can cause disease, and a large quantity of it can stay airborne for extended periods of time. The best way to protect your family is to call a local asbestos company for testing, professional removal and disposal. They have the tools, equipment and know-how to do the job quickly and correctly.
Clean Up
Once the asbestos tiles are removed, it is important to clean up thoroughly. Any dust or loose pieces left behind can release asbestos into the air and cause illness, including incurable diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer. The area should be swept and vacuumed to remove any residual fibers. It is also a good idea to have the space tested after cleaning.
The best way to determine if something is made of asbestos is to have a professional inspect it and send a sample for testing. However, some homeowners may be able to tell if the flooring is asbestos simply by looking at it. Asbestos tiles often have oily discoloration due to the presence of asphalt, and this can be a sign of the material.
If you suspect your floor contains asbestos, it is a smart decision to call an asbestos removal and abatement professional. Long periods of exposure to disturbed asbestos can lead to serious illnesses, so it is always better to leave the task to the professionals who are geared up for this type of job.
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