The quick answer is no.
Recently I went on a training course to find out about asbestos and specifically where it might occur in flooring and, what me and my floor layers should do if we come across it.
Asbestos was a commonly used in new and refurbished buildings before 2000. Since 2000 the use was banned. With respect to flooring, the only items that contained asbestos are vinyl /plastic tiles and some very old sheet vinyl (I have been in the carpet and flooring business over 30 years and I have never seen any of the vinyl they showed on the course). These tiles most commonly occur in commercial buildings like schools and council properties.
Early ‘plastic’ floor tiles often had a small amount of asbestos added for extra strength in the material. The material is very stable and has a low asbestos content of no more than 7%. In normal, everyday use fibre release is unlikely so therefore, under present legislation, they do not need to be replaced. So if tiles are in good condition, they can often be left alone.
However if these tiles get damaged or loose they will need to be replaced with new tiles or floor coverings. The the person taking up needs to take precautions when uplifting the flooring. These precautions include wearing protective clothing including masks, overalls and goggles. The old tiles need to be placed in special bin bags, along with the used clothing and masks. To avoid getting particles in the air, any debris must be vacuumed up, not swept up and the waste placed in the same waste bag together with the vacuum bag. For large areas a special vacuum with a filter must be used, more details can be found at the Health and Safety Executive website.
How can you work out if you have got these tiles? Firstly they will been installed before 2000. Secondly they will be 9″ square, (modern tiles are slightly bigger 30cm square, which is 10.7″) and finally if any have come up they will be very brittle. Modern tiles are more flexible.
So in conclusion, even if your tiles were installed before 2000 as long as they are not broken or loose there is no risk from the very small amounts of asbestos used and they do not need to be replaced. If the tiles are broken or loose, they will need uplifting and replacing. You do not need a licence to do this, however there are safety rules that do need to be followed to remove the risks from the asbestos particles.
For more information on Asbestos in flooring or other building materials of old buildings visit the Health and Safety executives website.
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