Asbestos in Floor Tiles and Adhesives

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-ASB-009  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

Why?

Fibre releaseBreaking or grinding asbestos floor tiles releases respirable fibres that cause mesothelioma and lung cancer decades later.
Hidden hazardAsbestos floor tiles look identical to non-asbestos versions. Without testing, workers unknowingly expose themselves.
Adhesive riskThe black bituminous adhesive beneath tiles often contains more asbestos than the tile and is harder to remove safely.
Do Don't
  • Check the asbestos survey report before disturbing any pre-2000 floor tiles.
  • Send a sample for laboratory analysis if the tile asbestos content is unknown.
  • Use trained workers with NNLW notification for asbestos tile removal work.
  • Wet tiles and adhesive thoroughly before and during removal to suppress fibres.
  • Remove tiles whole where possible; avoid breaking, snapping, or grinding them.
  • Double-bag all asbestos tile waste in labelled bags for licensed disposal.
  • Consider encapsulation by overlaying if tiles are intact and undamaged.
  • Wear RPE and disposable coveralls during any asbestos tile removal task.
  • Clean the area using damp wiping or an H-type vacuum after removal.
  • Decontaminate tools and equipment before using them in non-asbestos areas.
  • DON'T use power tools to strip, sand, or grind suspect floor tiles.
  • DON'T break or snap floor tiles; remove them whole to minimise fibre release.
  • DON'T assume floor tiles are asbestos-free based on appearance or age alone.
  • DON'T dry sweep or vacuum asbestos tile debris with a standard vacuum cleaner.
  • DON'T scrape adhesive residue with power tools; use low-speed wet methods only.
  • DON'T mix asbestos floor tile waste with general construction waste.
  • DON'T remove asbestos tiles without the required NNLW notification to HSE.
  • DON'T overlay intact asbestos tiles without recording their presence in the asbestos register.
  • DON'T allow untrained workers to remove or disturb suspected asbestos floor tiles.
  • DON'T eat, drink, or smoke in areas where asbestos tiles are being removed.

See also: Asbestos Awareness | Non-Licensed Asbestos Work (NNLW)