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Removing asbestos floor tile: Space suits needed?

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Ted W

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
A potential customer has to get the asbestos floor tiles removed from her basement before any remodeling, so drilling into the floor doesn't release a toxic cloud. She's told that licensed asbestos abatement speciallists must do this, sealing up the perimeter and wearing the space suits and all. Needless to say it's going to be way costly.

My inclination is to mind my own business, especially when I have no interest in doing the demolition. But I can't help thinking she's getting taken for a ride on this one. Removing asbestos tiles does not create airborn dust.

The project is located in Skokie IL. Does anyone know if a licensed abatement speciallist is required to remove floor tiles? And how about other regions? Anyone got any feedback to offer?
 
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#2 ·
WOW
You don't think it is dangerous. ! ? ! ?
Do some reading and then run!
We only get one shot at this life. I'm not risking mine on someone's basement.
There are billions of dollars in lawsuit world wide over asbestos. Must be a reason? Can anyone say James Hardi. (I know, now it is pulp fiber- didn't used to be), Even hardiplank today should be cut with the nibblers and not a circular saw.

And you indicate that you are going to be working in the space after the demo. Working hard- breathing lots of air- The particles of asbestos that get you are the ones that are too small to see.
Write us a note when you get that first lung removed,

The only alternative I have heard of is pourng a sealer over the entire area. The problem there ,as I have been led to understand ,is what happens in the future when some unsuspecting brothers in the trades twenty years from now rip ito it? What's your responsibility if you knew it was dangerous and how much tougher will laws in the future be about that sort of thing? Too many unanswerable question.
CYA - call in the specalist.
Hey guys and gals, take care of yourselves and the health of the people that work for and around you. It's the cheapest route ultimately, Or at least that's my 2 cents worth.
 
#3 ·
My wife is a lisenced abestos monitor here in connecticut. While you laws my differ,conn says that if the tiles are loose,and can be poped up whole and intact you don't need an abatement crew. If they will be damaged in any way,you need an abatement crew. I work as a carpenter in a large ins company. I have seen them abate 12x12 tiles,and asked about it because 12x12 i thought were vct as 9x9 are act. They said they had samples tested and the glue used for the 12x12 had asbestos.
 
#5 ·
A lot of Asbestos abatement companies went through some real tough times when they found you should leave asbestos as is when possible.
Then mold came to the rescue and they had work again. Then mold went now it is back to asbestos:eek:
Not saying I would risk it, but it does make one wonder how much validity there is to the science:no:
 
#6 ·
Wear a good respirator and pop them up.

People hear the word asbestos and make them jump out of their pants. From time to time, we’ve removed asbestos material. Years and Years of exposure, sure, you will get sick. For such a small project, come on lets get real, pick it up and dispose of it properly. If its in the budget, then hey, call the pros.


Im pretty sure 99% of this forum is against me on this 1, but its ok, your comments are welcome.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
That's what I love about this forum - lots of replies, lots of opinions, fast. :thumbup:

Over my 20+ years in the trades I've personally removed plenty of asbestos tiles and "carefully" removed asbestos insulation. I have absolutely no respiratory illness what so ever. Those who suffer asbestosis have been working in clouds of it, and their families get exposed when they come home wearing dust laden work clothes.

Of course it's hazardous if not properly contained, but so is lime, fiberglass and even sawdust. When asbestos tiles are removed they crack and break, but they do not release the asbestos. They crack like plastic, not crumble like plaster. The asbestos remains fully contained in the tile, no matter how small the broken chips.

I remember when asbestos started making the news, when the issue was asbestos used in public schools. There were no reports of kids getting sick from it, but just the mention of the slight possibility that kids might get exposed was enough to assure some very hefty contracts for the abatement crews. And of course, nobody dared to oppose the removal (ie, disturbance) of perfectly contained asbestos in schools for fear of accusation of being indifferent to our children's health and welfare. Funds needed for other much more immediate issues was diverted. After all, violence, drug abuse and teen pregnancy don't generate big contracts.

The issue with asbestos in schools is old history now, as practically all of it has been removed. But there's no shortage of older houses with asbestos used in their construction. And the big money contracts continue to roll in.
 
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#8 ·
Yes, I totally agree, I think it's crap and just another way for someone to make more money. While one would never find me taking in big breaths of air, with out the proper mask, I have no issues removing the stuff. However, here in CA and I think most everywhere, if the waste company that takes your dumpsters finds the stuff in there, you be in trouble. Last I heard it was a 25K fine and a shinny new red tag till the abaitment company comes out. What is a home owner sopposed when he needs to remove some of the stuff, and doesn't want the abaitment company involved?
 
#9 ·
I was on a job a while back where a flooring guy was removing them in a basement. He had this liquid that he soaked the floor in, let it sit for a bit and then took a long handled scraper and the tiles almost peeled themslves up with no dust. I don't know what the liquid was, but maybe someone else knows.

Dave
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
Water wouldn't soften the tiles. I'd also like to know what the liquid was, would probably come in handy for a lot of applications. I know one thing for sure, floor tiles can be a real bear to get up sometimes.
 
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#13 · (Edited)
grinding wheel and a fan

Use a grinding wheel, power sander and a large fan and go at it. Just kidding. We removed some siding from an old house and sprayed it with water, used gloves and wore masks. We worked slow as to stir up any dust, double bagged it and according to county we dumped at the dump. Saved the customer about 2300.00 on a 16x8 section of wall with siding.
 
#14 ·
Ted W said:
Removing asbestos tiles does not create airborn dust.
Click to expand...
If you truly believe that, you need to re-read your info on asbestos!! If you wet the tiles it will keep the dust down, but to make a statement like that is just crazy! Before starting my own biz, I worked in the chemical industry for 20 years and have many hours of training in asbestos.

Make sure the area is completely clean before you start any work in the after the floor is removed.

Go with you inclination and MYOB!
 
#15 · (Edited)
I've always heard that if you didnt break the tiles there is no dust espessially if they are soaked. I'm not sure but thats just wat ive heard. I tried getting a hold of the flooring guy that used that chemical he moved to florida I guess he changed his number. Dam I wish I would have payed more attention to the bottle. I do beleive it had a citris smell to it, but it wasn't like a googone or anything like that.


Dave
 
#16 ·
The liquid was water and dish soap! Citrus remover is used to remove asbestos cut back adhesive. Heat and dry ice are methods that work well to keep the tile intact. Its not an abatement activity unless the material becomes friable. Keep the piece wet and in large portions (no more than 5 pieces per 12" tile) and you are in good shape. Homeowners have the right to remove the material themselves contractors must be licensed, if it is an abatement activity (Check your local regs). Any friable material over 160sf has to be monitored anything less no one cares.
 
Discussion starter · #19 ·
The liquid was water and dish soap!
Click to expand...
Even the soapiest water will not soften the tiles. It was obviously something that penetrated the tiles.

and have many hours of training in asbestos.
Click to expand...
I am minding my own business but I still think it sucks. No matter what the chemistry industy said, the fact is I've removed hundreds of square feet of asbestos tiles in basements, popping them up with a 6" floor scraper. No windows, no respirator, not even a cheap dustmask. There was no dust and I still have full use of my lungs, as do the people who live in the homes. Absolutely not one single ioda of asbestos was released from those tiles. None! I think those who write the training material should get out in the field and do some further research.
 
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#20 ·
I am minding my own business but I still think it sucks. No matter what the chemistry industy said, the fact is I've removed hundreds of square feet of asbestos tiles in basements, popping them up with a 6" floor scraper. No windows, no respirator, not even a cheap dustmask.
Click to expand...
Have you ever thought you may be in the minority?


The fact is that there is no conspiracy theory on Asbestos. If sanded, or dry scraped it WILL release those corkscrew fibers that are known to cause problems.
Abatement teams can control the environment as best as possible for removal.
I will never recommend DIY removal just like I would not recommend DIY T.V. repair.
Can you teach someone who knows very little to do it safely? Maybe.
But I still wouldn't do it.

Even if you wear a mask, where do all the other fibers go?
Possibly thru the vent system right into the babies room. And the babies lungs are still developing.
Maybe not.

Fact is that it is always better to be safe than sorry. And asbestos fibers will not affect you 3 hours after it's in you. It takes awhile if ever. Depends on your lungs, if you smoke, ect...ect...

I do not mind risking myself. But I will not risk others even if the chance is slim.
 
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Floorwizard
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