Older Australian homes and commercial buildings can contain asbestos in a variety of materials, including some flooring products, adhesives and underlay. Asbestos-containing flooring can look similar to ordinary vinyl, tiles or other flooring materials, so it is not always possible to identify asbestos simply by looking at it.
If you suspect that your flooring contains asbestos, it is important not to disturb it unnecessarily. Professional assessment and removal can help reduce the risk of asbestos fibres becoming airborne.
Here is what you can generally expect before, during and after asbestos flooring removal.
Before Asbestos Flooring Removal
1. Identify Potential Asbestos
The first step is determining whether the flooring may contain asbestos. Flooring products installed in older buildings can potentially contain asbestos, particularly where they were installed during periods when asbestos-containing building materials were widely used.
Do not sand, grind, drill, scrape or break suspected asbestos flooring to try to identify it yourself. If testing is required, it should be arranged through an appropriately qualified professional.
2. Arrange an Assessment
A professional asbestos contractor can assess the flooring and determine the appropriate removal approach.
Depending on the circumstances, sampling and laboratory testing may be recommended to confirm whether asbestos is present. The contractor can then develop a suitable removal and control plan based on the material, location and condition.
3. Plan the Work Area
Before removal begins, the work area may need to be isolated from other parts of the building. Furniture and other movable items may need to be removed or protected.
The contractor should also consider access, ventilation, nearby occupants and the condition of the flooring.
The exact controls required depend on the type and condition of the asbestos-containing material and the applicable Australian and state or territory requirements.
During Asbestos Flooring Removal
1. The Area Is Controlled
Professional asbestos removal involves controlling the work area to minimise the potential spread of asbestos fibres.
Workers may use appropriate barriers, signage and other controls to prevent unauthorised people from entering the area.
The contractor will also use appropriate personal protective equipment and asbestos-control procedures for the work being undertaken.
2. Flooring Is Removed Carefully
The removal method depends on the type of flooring and whether asbestos is present in the flooring, backing or adhesive.
The objective is to minimise the release of asbestos fibres. Workers should avoid unnecessary breaking, cutting, grinding or other activities that could disturb asbestos-containing materials.
The exact removal procedure should be determined by the appropriately qualified asbestos professional rather than attempted as a DIY project.
3. Waste Is Handled Correctly
Asbestos-containing flooring and contaminated materials must be handled and packaged appropriately.
The waste should not simply be placed in ordinary household rubbish or a standard skip bin. It needs to be transported and disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations and facility requirements.
A professional asbestos removal contractor should be able to explain how asbestos waste will be managed as part of the project.
After Asbestos Flooring Removal
1. The Area Is Cleaned
Once the flooring has been removed, the work area needs to be cleaned using appropriate asbestos-control procedures.
The contractor should check the area for remaining material and potential contamination before the work is considered complete.
Depending on the type and scale of removal, additional clearance procedures may be required.
2. Clearance May Be Required
For certain asbestos removal work, an independent clearance inspection may be required under applicable regulations.
A competent person or licensed asbestos assessor, where required, can inspect the area and determine whether it is suitable for reoccupation.
The requirements can vary depending on the jurisdiction, type of asbestos and scale of the work.
3. Prepare for New Flooring
Once the area has been appropriately cleared, the next stage can be preparing the floor for replacement flooring.
The condition of the underlying surface should be assessed before installing new carpet, vinyl, tiles or another flooring product.
It is important not to assume that removing the visible flooring automatically removes all asbestos-containing material. Adhesives, backing materials and other components may also require assessment.
Why Professional Asbestos Flooring Removal Matters
Asbestos fibres can present a serious health risk when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed and fibres become airborne. Flooring removal can involve scraping, lifting or other activities that may disturb potentially hazardous materials.
Professional contractors understand the controls required for asbestos work and can use appropriate procedures, equipment and waste-management practices.
Australian asbestos requirements can also vary between states and territories, so property owners should make sure the contractor they engage meets the relevant local requirements.
What Should You Do If You Find Suspected Asbestos Flooring?
If you discover old flooring that you suspect may contain asbestos, the safest approach is to avoid disturbing it until it has been properly assessed.
Do not sand it, drill into it, break it up or attempt to remove it with ordinary household tools.
Instead, arrange an assessment with an appropriately qualified asbestos professional. They can determine whether testing is appropriate and advise you on the safest next step.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos flooring removal requires careful planning and appropriate safety controls. Before removal, the material should be assessed and the work area prepared. During removal, trained professionals should use suitable procedures to minimise fibre release and manage asbestos waste correctly. After removal, the area should be thoroughly cleaned and any required clearance procedures completed before normal use resumes.
If you suspect asbestos flooring in an older property, avoid disturbing the material and seek advice from a suitably qualified professional asbestos removalist. Proper assessment and professional removal can help protect occupants, workers and the surrounding environment.