In short: almost certainly not safely, and in many cases not legally. Older linoleum and vinyl floor tiles — particularly those laid before the mid-1980s — frequently contain asbestos, and disturbing them without the right controls can release dangerous fibres into your home. New Zealand law sets strict rules around who can remove asbestos and how, so it's important to understand your obligations before you pick up a scraper.
Why Old Linoleum May Contain Asbestos
Asbestos was widely used in New Zealand building materials right through to the late 1980s. In flooring, it was commonly added to vinyl sheet flooring, vinyl floor tiles, and the adhesive (mastic) used to bond them down. Even if the surface layer is asbestos-free, the backing or the black bitumen-based glue underneath may still contain asbestos fibres.
Homes built or renovated before approximately 1990 are most likely to have asbestos-containing flooring materials. If you're unsure, do not assume it's safe — treat it as potentially containing asbestos until proven otherwise by testing.
How to Find Out If Your Flooring Contains Asbestos
The only reliable way to confirm whether your flooring contains asbestos is to have a sample tested by an accredited laboratory. This should be done by a trained asbestos assessor or occupational hygienist who can take a sample safely without releasing fibres. Do not attempt to cut or scrape a sample yourself.
BRANZ has useful guidance on identifying asbestos-containing materials in older New Zealand homes, and MBIE Building Performance outlines your obligations under the NZ Building Code and associated regulations.
What NZ Law Says About Asbestos Removal
Asbestos removal in New Zealand is governed by the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, administered by WorkSafe NZ. The rules distinguish between two classes of removal work:
| Class | Type of Work | Who Can Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Friable asbestos or any amount of friable material | Licensed Class A removalist only |
| Class B | Non-friable asbestos (e.g. bonded vinyl/lino), areas over 10 m² (or any amount if the total project area exceeds 10 m²) | Licensed Class B or Class A removalist |
| Minor work | Non-friable, under 10 m² total | Homeowner may do this, with strict controls — confirm current requirements with WorkSafe NZ |
Friable asbestos crumbles easily and releases fibres readily. Non-friable (bonded) asbestos — such as intact vinyl sheet flooring — is more stable, but can become friable if cut, sanded, or aggressively scraped.
If the total area of asbestos-containing flooring you need to remove is more than 10 m², you are legally required to use a licensed asbestos removalist. Most kitchens exceed this threshold once you account for the adhesive layer as well.
Can a Homeowner Ever Do It?
For areas under 10 m² of non-friable asbestos material, a homeowner may legally carry out removal — but only by following strict WorkSafe guidelines. This includes:
- Never dry-sanding, grinding, or cutting the material (this makes it friable)
- Wetting the material thoroughly before and during removal to suppress dust
- Wearing a properly fitted P2 respirator (not a dust mask)
- Using disposable coveralls, gloves, and overshoes
- Double-bagging waste in labelled asbestos waste bags and disposing of it at an approved facility
- Keeping other people and pets out of the work area
Even where it is technically legal for a homeowner to do minor asbestos work, WorkSafe NZ strongly recommends hiring a licensed professional. The risks of getting it wrong — to yourself, your family, and future occupants — are serious and long-lasting. Asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma can take decades to develop.
The Adhesive (Mastic) Is Often the Bigger Problem
Many homeowners focus on the vinyl sheet itself but overlook the black bitumen adhesive beneath it. This mastic frequently contains asbestos and is often more difficult to remove cleanly than the flooring above it. Scraping it aggressively can release significant amounts of fibre. A licensed assessor should evaluate the adhesive as well as the flooring before any work begins.
Do You Need a Building Consent?
Removing floor coverings is generally not restricted building work under the Building Act 2004, and in most cases does not require a building consent. However, if the removal is part of a larger renovation, consent requirements may apply. Always check with your local council to confirm — rules can vary. More information is available at MBIE Building Performance.
When to Call a Professional
You should hire a licensed asbestos removalist if:
- The total area of flooring (including adhesive) is 10 m² or more
- You suspect the material may be friable or is already damaged
- You are not confident you can follow all safety controls correctly
- Anyone in the household is vulnerable (children, elderly, or immunocompromised people)
- You want a clearance certificate confirming the area is safe after removal
A licensed removalist will also arrange for an independent clearance inspection by a licensed asbestos assessor before the area is reoccupied — giving you genuine peace of mind.
You can find qualified, licensed asbestos removal specialists in your area at tradedirectory.co.nz.
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