I have trained many floor refinishers and understand the challenges they face, especially in older homes with respect to containment of the dust from the clear finishes. I am passing this article on to all in my network as I found it interesting, especially with the inclusion of the asbestos hazard noted. This is just good reading for all renovators from carpenters[deconstructionalists] to painters [strippers of coatings] and all trades in between.
By Catherine Liewen
February/March 2001
There are many hazards associated with the hardwood flooring industry. Power tools, electrical hook-ups and heavy lifting pose an everyday threat. What many contractors don't realize is that other intangible dangers may lie beneath the surface. Evil culprits like lead and asbestos can lie harmlessly on a floor, but pose serious health risks when disturbed through sanding. With the increasing popularity of renovating older homes, including ripping up old tile to expose original wood flooring, dealing with these deadly toxins should be a priority for wood flooring contractors.
Many contractors, however, aren't aware of the risks or don't want to deal with the hassles, which include informing the home owner and properly removing these substances. "People in our industry have ignored this problem and would like to continue to ignore it," says Bob Ikens, owner of Ikens Hardwood Floors in Madison, Wis. Some contractors are hesitant to inform the customer that a potential health hazard may exist — it's a lot easier to just do the job, collect the check and be on your way. The risk is in exposing your workers and the occupants to these toxins. Not only do you have a moral obligation to them, you could also be held liable if they develop health problems later from exposure to lead or asbestos. The first step is recognizing what possible health hazards exist, then testing for them and taking necessary precautions to keep them contained.
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