ASB/Specific/TBT-ASB-009

Asbestos in Floor Tiles and Adhesives

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Asbestos in Floor Tiles and Adhesives

Toolbox Talk Record

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

  • Vinyl floor tiles manufactured before 2000 commonly contain chrysotile asbestos at up to 25% by weight.
  • The black bituminous adhesive used to fix these tiles also frequently contains asbestos fibres.
  • Asbestos floor tiles in good condition are low risk, but breaking, sanding, or grinding them releases fibres.
  • Refurbishment and demolition surveys must identify asbestos floor tiles before any work disturbs them.
  • Removing asbestos floor tiles is typically non-licensed work (NNLW) but still requires trained workers and controls.
  • Using powered floor strippers, sanders, or grinders on asbestos tiles creates extremely high fibre exposure.
  • The adhesive residue left after tile removal often contains more asbestos than the tiles themselves.
  • Encapsulation by overlaying new flooring over intact asbestos tiles is often the safest management option.
  • The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 apply to all work that may disturb asbestos floor coverings.
  • Workers must not assume old floor tiles are safe; laboratory analysis is the only way to confirm content.

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)
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