Polystyrene ceiling tiles - legality?

HGLTsuperstar

Any experts on here who can clarify the (il)legality of polystyrene ceiling tiles, or direct me to the relevant statutory body?
What would the position be of a landlord who lets out a property where the bedroom ceiling has these tiles, and what of the letting agency who takes such a property on. Is it contrary to health and safety legislation?

Thanks,
Holly

LittleVoice

Only problem I know of is that the tiles should not be coated with gloss paint - as this creates a fire hazard.

HGLTsuperstar

They are a fire risk full stop - but where does the law stand on this please?

coolagarry

They are probably not illegal
http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=75547
http://bbs.scoobynet.com/archive/index.php/t-364636.html

Tromsaregreat

As a short aside to this, does anyone have any tips for removing polystyrene tiles from a bathroom ceiling?

Thanks

rustybucket

Yes a heat gun, scraper and patience.

TimBuckTeeth

I would not use a heat gun as they get very hot and could burn the tiles or start melting them.
If you are lucky and they are not stuck too firmly then flat scraper behind them could get them off, otherwise start hacking at them with scrapers etc. then clean up the mess after.

Bungarm2001

Scrape 'em off, then skim the ceiling. Or tack new plasterboard over and skim.

Bungarm2001

I don't think polystyrene tiles are illegal as such, but I wouldn't mind betting that they would be at least mentioned as a possible class 2 hazard by an EHO when doing an HSSRS inspection. If I had any in my properties I would get rid of them now.

Emma37

They are extremely dangerous. I saw a tv programme where the room went up in flames in seconds once the ceiling tiles had ignited. They also produce toxic fumes.

rustybucket

I used a heat gun which has a variable temperature control and it worked very well. I had no problems with getting them off but I was dreading it.