Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00418:body:0:p60
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00418
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 164419–167181

often visible clumps of chrysotile were also produced. Sheet floor coverings were sometimes backed with a thin layer of chrysotile paper. Some underfelts, such as hessian underlays for carpets and linoleum, were also manufactured containing asbestos. The mastics which were used to bond the floor covering to the surface could also contain asbestos. Some hard-wearing composite floors (for example, magnesium oxychloride) also contain about 2 per cent of mineral fibres, which could be asbestos.
Place a tool (such as a scraper or wide blade) between the tiles and lift the tile away from the floor, being careful to minimise breakage. A hammer or mallet can be used to tap the tool under firmly-adhered tiles to assist separating the tiles from the floor.
Minimise dust by spraying fine water mist under tiles as they are lifted.
Place the tiles into a 200 µm plastic waste bag or suitable alternate waste container dedicated for asbestos waste that is clearly labelled with an appropriate warning sign indicating asbestos waste.
Use the scraper to remove any adhesive that is left adhered to the floor after each tile has been removed and place this waste into the asbestos waste bag or suitable waste container.
The vinyl can be cut into strips prior to its removal to facilitate bagging, or it can be rolled into one roll and wrapped securely with plastic, making sure it is totally sealed.
If a heat source is used to soften the adhesive beneath a vinyl tile, care should be taken not to scorch or burn the tile. Burning or scorching vinyl tiles can result in the release of toxic decomposition products and generate a fire hazard. In some cases, the adhesive may contain asbestos.
Follow the cleaning, decontamination, waste removal and disposal procedures once the tiles have been removed.
Ensure that clearance of the area has been completed prior to reoccupation of the area.
Personal decontamination must be carried out in accordance with the WHS Regulations and this Code.

Removing bituminous (malthoid) products
This material is generally regarded as non-friable and includes bitumen products such as roofing felts and damp-proof courses that have been widely reinforced by the addition of asbestos, usually in the form of chrysotile paper. Bitumen-based wall and floor coverings were also produced.
Some mastics used to stick the bitumen products commonly had asbestos added to them for flexibility. Other sealants also had asbestos added to improve the performance of the product. When removing bituminous products:
    * seal access points (for example, skylights) with material such as 200 µm plastic sheeting and duct tape
    * where there are exhaust vents from gas fired equipment in the area, it is dangerous to seal over them. Turn the gas