No — you should not sand old floor tiles that might contain asbestos yourself. Sanding is one of the most hazardous things you can do with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) because it releases enormous quantities of microscopic fibres into the air. In New Zealand, this type of work is tightly regulated, and getting it wrong can have serious, irreversible health consequences — as well as legal ones.
Why Sanding Asbestos Tiles Is So Dangerous
Asbestos fibres are invisible to the naked eye. When you sand, grind, or aggressively abrade a tile containing asbestos, you create a fine dust that hangs in the air for hours and can be inhaled deep into the lungs. Long-term exposure is linked to mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer — diseases that can take decades to develop but are often fatal. There is no safe level of asbestos fibre exposure.
Vinyl floor tiles (often called VAT — vinyl asbestos tiles) were commonly used in New Zealand homes built before the late 1980s. The adhesive (mastic) beneath them can also contain asbestos. Both the tile and the glue must be treated as potentially hazardous.
How to Tell If Your Tiles Might Contain Asbestos
You cannot identify asbestos by looking at it. If your home was built or renovated before 1990, assume any resilient floor tiles or their adhesive could contain asbestos until proven otherwise. The only reliable way to confirm is to have a sample tested by an accredited laboratory. Do not attempt to take a sample yourself by sanding or breaking the tile — this defeats the purpose.
A licensed asbestos assessor can take a sample safely and send it for analysis. WorkSafe NZ maintains guidance on asbestos identification and the obligations of homeowners and workers.
What NZ Law Says About Asbestos Work
Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, asbestos removal work in New Zealand is classified into two categories:
| Class | What it covers | Who can do it |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Friable asbestos or bonded asbestos >10 m² | Licensed Class A removalist only |
| Class B | Bonded (non-friable) asbestos ≤10 m² | Licensed Class B or Class A removalist |
Sanding floor tiles — regardless of area — makes the material friable (crumbleable), which immediately elevates the risk to Class A territory. This means only a licensed Class A asbestos removalist can legally carry out this work. Homeowners are not exempt from these rules when it comes to asbestos.
WorkSafe NZ is the authority that licences asbestos removalists and can help you understand your obligations.
What You Can Do as a Homeowner
While you cannot sand or aggressively disturb the tiles, there are some lower-risk options worth discussing with a professional:
- Leave them in place — If the tiles are in good condition (not cracked, lifting, or deteriorating), encapsulation or covering them with a new floor layer may be the safest and most cost-effective option.
- Cover with new flooring — Laying new flooring over intact asbestos tiles is often acceptable, but always check with your local council and a qualified tradesperson first.
- Get a professional assessment — A licensed asbestos assessor can inspect the tiles, take samples, and give you a written management plan.
Do not vacuum up any dust or debris from old tiles with a standard household vacuum — this spreads fibres further. If you've already disturbed the tiles, leave the area, ventilate it, and call a professional.
The Removal Process (What a Professional Does)
A licensed asbestos removalist will:
- Conduct or review an asbestos assessment report
- Establish a containment zone with appropriate signage
- Use P2/P3 respirators and full protective suits
- Wet-strip tiles carefully to minimise fibre release (not sand them)
- Double-bag and label all waste as hazardous asbestos waste
- Dispose of waste at an approved facility
- Conduct a clearance inspection before the area is re-occupied
This process protects not just the workers but your family and neighbours.
Building Consent and Healthy Homes Considerations
Removing floor coverings as part of a renovation may or may not require a building consent depending on the scope of work — check with your local council. If you're a landlord, the Healthy Homes standards require safe, well-maintained floors, but this never overrides asbestos safety law. Cutting corners on asbestos to meet a Healthy Homes deadline is not a legal defence.
For broader guidance on managing hazardous materials in buildings, BRANZ is an excellent NZ resource.
When to Call a Professional
Call a licensed asbestos professional if:
- Your home was built or renovated before 1990 and you're planning any floor work
- Tiles are cracked, lifting, or showing signs of deterioration
- You've already disturbed tiles and are concerned about exposure
- You want a written asbestos management plan for peace of mind
You can find qualified, licensed asbestos removal specialists in your area right here on tradedirectory.co.nz. Always ask to see their WorkSafe licence before work begins.
⚠️ Safety note: If you suspect you've already been exposed to asbestos dust, seek medical advice and inform your GP of the potential exposure. Keep a record of when and how it occurred.