[Neil Gott]

I am quoting for the cleaning of thermoplastic tiles on communal staircase and landings in a small block of flats.

I normally just clean, and don’t apply seals and polishes, but I think that these particular tiles would benefit from some form of protective coating. The problem is that with residents coming and going, they are likely to be walked on at any time after application.

Any suggestions for dealing with this situation would be welcome. Thanks

[keith b]

Neil,

The thermoplastic tiles you are dealing with, if old, may contain some asbestos.

Please click on to the website below, it will give useful contact details of industry organisations who deal with this, they will definately give you advice on how to manage your situation.

Do take some photos to show them!

www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg223.pdf

[Jonny jones]

hi neil,
 why dont you post some sort of leaflets through their letter boxes and ask them to stay in or out between the time you want to do them,
and use carefree eternum cos it only takes bout 20min tohalf our to dry, open all doors and windows it will dry even quicker for you,  remember you cones and put enough other sings for visitors to know what you are doing, that should be ok ,
 and hope you dont get an awkward s.o.b. to start trouble with you

thanx jonny

let castle take the hassle

[Cleaning Resource]

fans or carpet dryers, do half the steps at a time so as to allow a walkway up one side, then swap..... plenty of signs..  cos people are thick : : : : : : : : :

[John Kelly]

Why would you be concerned about asbestos if you only cleaning the tiles. The asbestos in these tiles is bonded in and is only a minor hazard if you start breaking them up. In fact you don't even have to be a licensed contractor to uplift and remove them as long as you follow protocol and take care.
By the way I am a qualified Asbestos Surveyor.

[keith b]

John Kelly,

Firstly neither you or I are aware of the exact condition of these tiles, he (neil) may or may not be aware of the possibility that some older thermoplastic tiles may or may not contain asbestos.

By pointing him towards the website, he will be able to obtain advice for example on:- the correct sealants to use, health & safety issues, legal responsibilities to the public, himself or his employees etc etc etc.

Imparting knowledge to fellow cleaners on where to obtain information can only be a good thing! do you not agree?

By the way Im not a asbestos surveyor! :

[John Kelly]

You have a point. Just that the risk is so small from these tiles it should not be a major concern. Different if you were dealing with a flood incident or refurbishing the building.
Thousands of acres of these tiles are cleaned everyday and I bet the majority of the people doing it aren't aware.
If you do work in any commercial premises, even communal areas in flats, you should ask to see the Asbestos register. This would tell you straight away if there is any Asbestos present and where.
Cheers

[Neil Gott]

Thank you, gents, for your replies. I must admit that I was not aware of the asbestos situation. Maybe not applicable to my present query but well worth keeping in mind.