For the last 50 years, asbestos has been used in the construction and insulation of buildings due to its fire-resistant properties and strength. However, it has been discovered that the small fibres making up an asbestos product can be breathed in or swallowed without much effort at all. These particles are very dangerous and if breathed in can stick to the walls of your lungs, which can lead to very serious diseases like asbestosis and cancer. That’s why it’s extremely important to take precautions when dealing with vinyl asbestos tiles removal.
Asbestos tiles need to be handled with extreme caution. You should only deal with it if it’s in a non-friable state, which means the tile cannot be reduced to dust by hand. If it can be then there’s the likely possibility you could breathe in the deadly fibres. In this case, you should seek a professional to do the job.
Removing asbestos tiles is no walk in the park. To do the job, you will need the correct safety gear like overalls, goggles and a respirator. These make it a little less comfortable to work, but they’re a necessary evil. See a safety work wear store for the right gear for you. It is important when removing tiles to do so in whole pieces so the material is kept non-friable. This means you should not be grinding, sawing, hammering or drilling the tiles. Doing so could release dangerous fibres into the air.
In many jurisdictions, you must employ the services of a trained asbestos removal professional. They have all the necessary equipment and education to remove the dangerous material safely.
Asbestos removal is a serious business. It involves correct treatment and disposal, with many rules and regulations to abide by along the way.
You should not attempt vinyl asbestos tiles removal yourself. It’s dangerous. You could even be fined if you do try and get caught. You also need to consider the correct disposal of asbestos. It’s not enough just throw it in with your weekly garbage.
For more information on the rules and regulations for asbestos removal in your area, contact your local authorities.
