Asbestos Flooring – What is asbestos backed vinyl sheet flooring?

This fact sheet provides information regarding asbestos backed vinyl sheet flooring and vinyl tiles containing asbestos. Asbestos backed vinyl sheet flooring is where the “backing” contains friable (easily broken) asbestos material. The vinyl sheeting itself does not contain asbestos, however, manufacturers sometimes incorporated a felt-like ‘backing’ for cushioning purposes. It is this backing which contains asbestos.

Usually applied in sheet form, a lot of asbestos backed vinyl sheet flooring had a ‘terrazzo’ type pattern look on the surface. It is most commonly found in buildings constructed before the mid-1980s.

What is the risk of exposure from asbestos backed vinyl sheet flooring?

As the asbestos backing is sealed from the atmosphere by the overlaying vinyl, the risk of exposure to airborne fibres from asbestos  flooring is low unless the vinyl material is damaged or disturbed. Minor defects such as cracks, peeling or small worn patches in the surface vinyl will generally not cause asbestos to become airborne. However, asbestos backed vinyl sheet flooring with such minor defects must not be subject to mechanical abrasion as such activities may cause further deterioration.

In cases where vinyl sheet flooring has been damaged to the extent where the asbestos containing material on the underside is disturbed, a hazard assessment must be undertaken by a competent person to assess what control
measures must be implemented to control any risk. For more information on a competent person, refer to the Identifying and recording asbestos in the workplace fact sheet.

Where asbestos backed vinyl sheet flooring is to be removed, it must only be removed by an A Class certificate holder in accordance with the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008. The removal of asbestos backed vinyl sheet flooring must be performed in according with the  Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos 2nd edition.

What are asbestos containing vinyl tiles?

Asbestos vinyl tiles contain 8-30 per cent asbestos in a tightly bonded matrix. They do not have a ‘backing’ and are usually glued directly to the floor. It should be noted that glue used to adhere the asbestos vinyl tiles to the floor may also contain asbestos.

What is the risk of exposure from asbestos containing vinyl tiles?

Exposure to asbestos from asbestos containing vinyl tiles that are in good condition is thought to be very low. Floor care treatment systems that include the use of a sealant over which the finish coats are applied should be used on asbestos containing vinyl tiles. Two or more layers of sealant should be applied as a base coat followed by one or
more layers of a high percentage solids finish. Spray buffing or dry burnishing should only be performed on floors that have sufficient finish so that the pad cannot contact the underlying asbestos vinyl tile. There are certain activities which are prohibited:

• using power tools with an abrasive mechanism to clean asbestos containing materials
• using high pressure spray equipment (e.g. water blasting) to clean asbestos containing materials.

Where 10m2 or more of asbestos containing vinyl tiles are to be removed, and the asbestos remains in a bonded state, it must only be removed by an A or B class certificate holder . The removal of asbestos containing vinyl tiles must be performed in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos 2nd edition.

How to Identify and Dispose of Asbestos Flooring

Many experts say that instead of removing the asbestos vinyl, risking more exposure due to disrupting the tiles, you can do a better job of keep the exposure limited or dormant simply by covering it up. Doing this will prevent damage that can cause a release in asbestos fibers, risking the chance of inhalation.

If you are using carpet to cover up the vinyl, make sure you are using a well insulated carpet pad. If the asbestos vinyl is in your kitchen area, consider covering it up with a ceramic tile or different linoleum. Even if you have done all of these cover-up precautions, if the time comes where you must sell your home, as a courtesy, it would be proper to make note to the future home owners that there was an asbestos problem and that you fixed it by covering it up with reliable products.

This will save the new owners from any surprises if they ever want or need to tear the asbestos flooring up and will get them properly prepared to avoid any asbestos exposure.