Removing old vinyl tiles that may contain asbestos is not a standard DIY job — in New Zealand, the rules around asbestos removal are strict, and getting it wrong can have serious, lifelong health consequences. If your home was built before the mid-1980s and has resilient vinyl floor tiles, there is a real chance they contain asbestos, and you must treat them accordingly before touching anything.
Why Asbestos in Vinyl Tiles Is So Dangerous
Asbestos fibres, when disturbed and inhaled, can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer — diseases that may not appear for decades after exposure. Vinyl floor tiles manufactured before approximately 1984 in New Zealand commonly contained chrysotile (white) asbestos as a binder. The adhesive (mastic) used to fix them down may also contain asbestos. You cannot identify asbestos by looking at it — testing is the only way to know for certain.
WorkSafe NZ is the primary regulator for asbestos in New Zealand and sets out the legal requirements under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016.
Step 1 — Get the Tiles Tested Before You Do Anything
Do not attempt to remove, sand, scrape, or drill into old vinyl tiles until you know whether they contain asbestos. The safest approach is:
- Hire an accredited asbestos assessor to take a sample and have it analysed by a laboratory. Do not take samples yourself unless you are trained to do so safely.
- Alternatively, contact a licensed asbestos removal company — many offer testing as part of their service.
- Results will confirm whether asbestos is present and, if so, what type and condition.
A list of accredited laboratories and assessors can be found through WorkSafe NZ's guidance pages.
What NZ Law Says About Asbestos Removal
Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, asbestos removal work is divided into two classes:
| Class | Type of Work | Who Can Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Friable asbestos or bonded asbestos >10 m² | Licensed Class A removalist only |
| Class B | Non-friable (bonded) asbestos ≤10 m² | Licensed Class B removalist (or homeowner — see below) |
Vinyl floor tiles are generally considered non-friable (bonded) asbestos, meaning the fibres are locked into the material when it is intact. However, if tiles are cracked, crumbling, or being mechanically disturbed (scraped, sanded, broken), they can release fibres and become a Class A risk.
Homeowner exemption: In some situations, a homeowner may be permitted to remove a small area (under 10 m²) of non-friable asbestos-containing material from their own home. However, WorkSafe NZ strongly recommends against this and requires strict controls even if you proceed. You must never sand, grind, or use power tools on asbestos-containing tiles.
If You Are Permitted to Remove a Small Area Yourself
Only proceed after confirming the material is non-friable, the area is under 10 m², and you have sought guidance from WorkSafe NZ. If you do proceed:
- Wear the correct PPE: a P2 (or higher) disposable respirator — not a dust mask — plus disposable coveralls, gloves, and eye protection.
- Keep the tiles wet throughout removal to suppress dust. Use a garden sprayer with water and a small amount of detergent.
- Do not break tiles — lift them whole using a stiff scraper or flat bar, working slowly and carefully.
- Double-bag all waste in heavy-duty polythene bags, seal with tape, and label clearly as asbestos waste.
- Dispose of waste at an approved landfill — contact your local council to find the nearest facility that accepts asbestos waste. Not all transfer stations accept it.
- Clean the area with a damp cloth — never vacuum with a standard vacuum cleaner.
- Shower and change clothes immediately after the work.
The Adhesive (Mastic) May Also Contain Asbestos
Even if you remove the tiles, the black or brown adhesive left on the subfloor may also contain asbestos. Do not sand, grind, or aggressively scrape this residue. A licensed assessor should test it separately. In many cases, the safest option is to encapsulate the old adhesive by installing new flooring directly over it, rather than removing it at all — discuss this with your flooring installer and asbestos assessor.
When to Call a Professional
You should always hire a licensed asbestos removalist if:
- The affected area is larger than 10 m²
- The tiles are cracked, crumbling, or in poor condition
- You are unsure of the extent of asbestos-containing material
- The adhesive beneath the tiles also tests positive
- You have any doubt whatsoever about your ability to work safely
For Class A removal, only a WorkSafe-licensed Class A asbestos removalist may legally carry out the work. Hiring a professional protects your health, your family's health, and ensures the work is legally compliant. You can find qualified local flooring installers and asbestos professionals on tradedirectory.co.nz.
For guidance on your obligations as a homeowner or to check a removalist's licence, visit WorkSafe NZ. For building consent questions related to floor replacement, check with your local council or visit MBIE Building Performance.
