ASB/General/TBT-ASB-024
Asbestos in Floor Tiles Adhesives and Gaskets
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Toolbox Talk
Asbestos in Floor Tiles Adhesives and Gaskets
Asbestos was commonly used in vinyl floor tiles, bituminous adhesives, and pipe gaskets until the late 1990s. These materials are frequently encountered during refurbishment and demolition of older buildings. Unlike friable insulation, they often look unremarkable and may not be suspected as containing asbestos. Disturbing them without proper controls releases harmful fibres. This talk covers identification and safe working with these common asbestos-containing materials.
Key Hazards
Fibre release when floor tiles are broken, drilled, or scraped up
Inhalation of asbestos fibres from sanding or grinding bituminous adhesive
Uncontrolled exposure from removing pipe gaskets without prior testing
Long-term health effects including mesothelioma from even brief exposure
Control Measures
- Assume floor tiles, adhesives, and gaskets in pre-2000 buildings may contain asbestos until tested.
- Commission a bulk sample analysis before disturbing any suspected material.
- Use low-disturbance removal techniques such as intact tile lifting rather than breaking or scraping.
- Dampen materials before removal to suppress fibre release and never use power tools.
- Wear RPE with a minimum APF of 20 and disposable coveralls when handling suspected ACMs.
- Double-bag all removed material in labelled asbestos waste bags for licensed disposal.
- Carry out a visual inspection and air test after removal to confirm the area is safe for reoccupation.
- Record all work involving potential asbestos in the site asbestos register.
- Stop work immediately and evacuate if unexpected asbestos material is discovered during any task.
Remember
- Assume floor tiles, adhesives, and gaskets in pre-2000 buildings may contain asbestos
- Never use power tools on suspected asbestos materials; use low-disturbance methods only
- Dampen materials before removal and wear RPE with a minimum APF of 20
- Double-bag all removed material in labelled asbestos waste bags for licensed disposal
- Stop work immediately and evacuate if unexpected asbestos is found during any task
Applicable Legislation: Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 · COSHH 2002 · HSG264 (Asbestos: The Survey Guide) · Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005
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