And What Should I Do if They Are?

Have you’ve just lifted up old carpeting or old floor coverings and underneath them have discovered further floor coverings? Maybe some of these even have fibrous type backing to them?

Are you now wondering what these floor tiles or old sheet lino is or could be? Have you also noted old adhesives or black bitumen glues below the tile or vinyl?

If you have Vinyl flooring in your home or commercial property and noticed black mastic or fibrous backing underneath, it’s only natural to wonder: could this contain asbestos?

Here in Western Australia, vinyl floor tiles/lino, and the adhesives used to install them commonly contained asbestos right up until the late 1980s. And while they may appear to be harmless, (due to the % of asbestos content or the removal method adopted) some of these materials can pose a serious risk if disturbed or removed without the correct controls being in place.

This article will help guide you through how to identify whether your floor tiles may contain asbestos, what steps to take, and how to either manage them or remove them not only safely but legally.

When Were Asbestos Floor Tiles Used in WA?

Asbestos was widely used in vinyl floor tiles, sheet flooring, and the adhesives (often called blackjack mastic) throughout the 1950s to late 1980s. In Perth and across regional WA, due to its abundance and cost it was particularly common in homes built or renovated during this period.

You’re much more likely to find asbestos flooring in:

• Homes built before 1990
• Government and public buildings from the post-war era
• Commercial sites such as offices, shops, and schools
• Older kitchens, laundries, or utility rooms

If you even suspect your home may fall into this category, it’s time to proceed with utmost caution.

What Do Asbestos Floor Tiles Look Like?

Unfortunately, you can’t confirm whether vinyl tiles or lino sheeting contain asbestos just by looking at them. However, here are some signs that may indicate asbestos is present:

• Size and Pattern: Older tiles are often 225mm (9-inch) or 305mm (12-inch) squares with a marbled, speckled, or plain finish.
• Colour: Common colours include beige, grey, brown, or faded black but not limited to these colours.
• Adhesive: The tile may be held down by a black bitumen-based adhesive, often referred to as “blackjack mastic”, which itself may also contain asbestos.
• Backing: The underside of the tile or sheet may have a fibrous, paper-like or woven texture – this is where asbestos is typically found.

Newer vinyl flooring products manufactured after 1990 in Australia are asbestos-free, but if your flooring predates that, there’s a real and very reasonable chance asbestos may be present.

What Should I Do If I Suspect Asbestos?

1. Do Not Disturb It

If you’re renovating and have uncovered suspicious vinyl tiles or adhesive:

• Stop work immediately
• Do not pull, scrape, sand, or cut the tiles
• Avoid sweeping or vacuuming debris
• Evacuate and seal off the area even the simple act of closing doors may help and assist from further contamination spreading, especially if fibres may have been released into the air.

Asbestos is most dangerous when disturbed and becomes airborne, as the microscopic fibres can be inhaled or easily migrate to other areas and rooms creating more issues.

2. Book Professional Testing

The only way to confirm whether your vinyl tiles contain asbestos is through laboratory testing. At Dingo Services, we work with NATA-accredited labs to carry out safe sampling and testing.

Book an asbestos inspection and testing service with Dingo Services here.

One of our licensed team can visit your site, take a sample using industry-standard containment methods, and deliver certified laboratory results that confirm whether asbestos is present – and if so in what form and what type of asbestos it is.

What Happens If Asbestos Is Found?

If testing confirms asbestos is present in your vinyl flooring or adhesive, we wouldn’t advise you to attempt to remove it yourself. In Western Australia, removing more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos-containing material is illegal without a licence, and removal of any amount of friable asbestos must be undertaken by an “A CLASS” asbestos license holder only.

Even if the area is smaller than 10sqm, we strongly advise against DIY removal due to the risks involved.

You have two main options:

✔ Safe Removal by Licensed Contractors

Dingo Services offers safe, fully licensed removal of asbestos vinyl tiles and adhesives. We:

• Use low-dust removal techniques
• Contain and seal the work area
• Dispose of all waste at licensed asbestos disposal facilities
• Provide documentation and clearance for your records

Learn more about our Residential Asbestos Removal and Commercial Asbestos Removal services.

✔ Leave It Undisturbed (If in Good Condition)

If the flooring is intact and you’re not planning any renovations, it may be safer to leave the tiles in place and monitor them for damage.

In this case, consider:

• Sealing the floor with a non-penetrating coating or covering with new flooring (without disturbing the original)
• Placing warning labels in utility areas (especially in rental or commercial premises)
• Scheduling periodic checks if the property is managed or leased

Dingo Services can advise on risk management plans for undisturbed asbestos.

Legal Responsibilities in Western Australia

In WA, asbestos is regulated under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 and enforced by WorkSafe WA. If you are a property owner, landlord, or business operator, you may have legal obligations when it comes to managing asbestos on-site.

For disposal, asbestos waste must be:

• Wrapped in thick plastic sheeting, sealed, and labelled
• Transported by a licensed contractor
• Disposed of at an approved asbestos waste facility

Visit WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) for official guidance on asbestos disposal in WA.

View WorkSafe WA’s asbestos management guide here.

Can I Sell or Rent Out a Property with Asbestos Flooring?

Yes, but under WA law you may be required to disclose the presence of asbestos to buyers or tenants – especially in commercial or managed properties. For workplaces, an asbestos register is mandatory where asbestos has been identified or is likely to be present.

If you’re unsure whether your property contains asbestos flooring, it’s best to get an assessment done before listing or leasing, Dingo services are able to support you here with pre contract or pre purchase inspections and assessments, many clients have found this service most valuable.

Final Thoughts

If you’re asking yourself “Are my vinyl floor tiles asbestos?”, the best approach is to assume they might be – especially in homes or buildings built before 1990. Disturbing asbestos-containing flooring without proper precautions can put your health at risk and may result in fines under WA law.

Dingo Services provides professional asbestos surveys, audits, assessments and asbestos testing, asbestos removal, and disposal across Perth and throughout regional Western Australia. With over 25 years of experience, we ensure your property is handled safely, legally, and efficiently.

Need Advice or Testing?

Contact Dingo Services today to book a site inspection, get a quote, or ask a question. We’re here to help you manage asbestos the right way – from start to finish.

📞 Call us on (08) 6117 8900 or request a quote and we’ll be out to help.