How can I tell if vinyl flooring contain asbestos?

[justaftb]

I recently purchased a maisonette that was built in the late 50s. I removed the carpet from the first set of stairs and landing and under the underlay the is some black vinyl. Not vinyl tiles, but from a roll of vinyl.

I've read that vinyl tiles can contain asbestos, but can't find any information about whether that includes sheets of vinyl flooring. The vinyl is rubbery and flexible.

Anyone?

Black tiles laid in the corridor. Were covered by carpet for maybe 20+ years.

AFAIK you can't tell just from looking.
The flooring would need to be tested to see if it contained asbestos.
Do you want to take the flooring up or are you planning on recarpetting?
Is the vinyl in good/sound condition?
If yes, and you are re carpeting, can you just leave well alone and not disturb it?

Some bits already are disturbed. It's laid over a small entrance hallway, first set of stairs (13 steps) and about 1.5 square metres of landing. Was under carpet, but when we lifted that, found the tiles/vinyl. Want to carpet the stairs but put flooring at the entrance and landing.

Have sent off for a sample testing kit. Hopefully it won't be too expensive to remove.