what type of foundation. ?

 

Open below is a full basement built on rubble stone foundation. Circa 1902..from what I can see the VAT is over a planked 3/4 t&g subfloor. Not sure how many layers of tile are there...hoping only one

 

So you think making it friable by cutting it and busting it up from underneath is a better solution? Where did you get your license? Cracker Jacks :laughing:

 

Call an asbestos removal company. Unless you are certified

 

Real funny there sky. No I was actually going to pull up the tiles along the sides. Cut it, then using crowbars, etc to push everything up.

 

It wouldn't be funny if what he didn't state specifically but clearly implied was you get fined and lose your license to work in construction. Really depends on your state and if you care about the law-------criminal penalties............but mostly we're talking about LIABILITY.

You don't REALLY have to hurt anyone in this case as far as anyone showing actual damages like asbestosis or mesothelioma. A home owner who misunderstands the abatement process and dangers could agree to anything and then after the fact FREAK OUT over the risks you've exposed them to by not following the law. So then they'll throw you under the bus, hire the $$$$million$$$$ guys with space suits, tents and hepafilters and backcharge your ass back to the stone age. Good luck fighting that in court.

My advice is RESEARCH your state and local ordinances before you proceed. I'll bet everyone here knows how to safely handle these tiles. But that's really irrelevant in this day and age. You're NUTZ to risk so much for so little. This isn't your problem til you disturb the asbestos.

 

Depends on what your state rules allow for removal. What state?

Also, might consider if your insurance excludes asbestos removal. You're on the hook if they don't cover removal.

What is the new floor covering?

 

I'm having a flashback from a previous asbestos post!

 

Olzo: state is NJ. I know the liability scares me as well as the safety of my crew. New flooring will be 3/4" read oak flooring. Only problem is owner doesn't want to pay for such a small room. I thought if we cut out the floor, the chances are it will be less friable since my hope is we can take it out in large sheets. Total vat area is about 300 square...

 

Olzo: state is NJ. I know the liability scares me as well as the safety of my crew. New flooring will be 3/4" read oak flooring. Only problem is owner doesn't want to pay for such a small room. I thought if we cut out the floor, the chances are it will be less friable since my hope is we can take it out in large sheets. Total vat area is about 300 square...

Tell him to remove it or demand abatement!

 

Encapsulate. Legal. Easy. No liability.

 

How do I encapsulate? 1/4 ply over the whole floor? Owner wants it gone...bas$&*

 

How do I encapsulate?

It was on the test.

 

Tell owner to remove it. Most asbestos laws don't apply to homeowners. But tell them how to do it safely .

 

Not sure if I posted this a couple weeks ago, but here goes. I recently had a measly 25 s.f bathroom floor with vat. They wanted new tile floor. Half the vat was already removed by the plumber for a drain repair. I mentioned to the owner what they had and how to remove it (they did not know it was vat). Next thing I know I'm getting cc'd on emails by a real estate agent/family member who was absolutely freaking out to them about asbestos, needing abatement companies, saying they have to move out while work was being done, etc. This was for about 12 sf. of tile remaining, mind you, but it was disturbed.

I did not do that job. Ran like hell. There's a lesson there. Once they hear the magic word, don't touch it.

 

1/4 ply would do it.

 

1/4" ply was for kalats problem.

 

My bad!

 

The EPA told us to just cover when possible. That was in the early 80s and still is the best advice.

 

Thanks guys. I'll try to run. But if I have to do it I'll ply over the mess.
Thanks
Again
K

 

Nothing wrong with removing it fi you follow the Asbestos Abatement guidelines.
Make sure the HO understands what you are doing also. The reason AA companies are so expensive is because most customers are ignorant about the facts. Most AA companies want to keep it that way. Paranoia is what helps them inflate their prices.

Asbestos Program
How to Remove Nonfriable Vinyl
Asbestos Floor Tiles
A Guide for Meeting DEQ Rules
Purpose
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulates the removal, handling and
disposal of asbestos-containing materials during construction, remodeling, and demolition.
Air Quality
This document provides guidance for removing nonfriable vinyl asbestos floor tiles (VAT). Asbestos
2020 SW 4th Ave., Suite 400
Portland, OR 97201
Before you start Phone: 503-229-5982
Contact one of the DEQ regional offices (see contact information below) for information 800-452-4011
Fax: 503-229-6945
on complying with Oregon’s asbestos program regulations. Contact: Susan Patterson
www.oregon.gov/DEQ
If the project is taking place in a school (K-12), you must comply with the Asbestos Hazard
Emergency Response Act (AHERA) rules from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency DEQ is a leader in
restoring, maintaining and
(EPA). Contact the EPA's regional office at 800-424-4372 for current rule and policy enhancing the quality of
information. Oregon’s air, land and
water.
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OR-OSHA) also has rules for
working with asbestos-containing materials. Contact OR-OSHA at 503-378-3272 for
current rule and policy information.
How to determine if a material contains asbestos
The only way to determine if a material contains asbestos is to take a sample and have it
analyzed by an accredited laboratory. Vinyl asbestos floor tile can be assumed to contain
asbestos and should be handled appropriately.
What are vinyl asbestos floor tiles?
Vinyl floor tiles, both 9” x 9” and 12” x 12” in size, often contain asbestos. The vinyl
acts as a binder that holds the asbestos fibers within a solid matrix. This will prevent
asbestos fibers from being released easily, unless mishandled, damaged, or in badly
worn condition. In most cases, vinyl floor tiles are considered nonfriable.
Vinyl floor tiles should not be confused with sheet vinyl flooring that can have an
asbestos backing. Sheet vinyl products are always considered friable and the regulations
for removing friable asbestos-containing materials outlined below must be followed.
Removing nonfriable asbestos-containing materials
The removal of nonfriable asbestos-containing materials in good condition is exempt from
some DEQ rules. You do not need to be a DEQ licensed asbestos contractor or a DEQ
certified asbestos worker to do nonfriable asbestos removal. If you remove vinyl asbestos
floor tiles following this guide, they should remain in a nonfriable condition.

These are the Oregon laws. Your state may differ.