Removing old asbestos-containing floor tiles yourself in New Zealand is not recommended and, in most cases, is legally restricted. Asbestos is a serious health hazard, and NZ law sets strict rules about who can remove it and how. Before you pick up a scraper, here is what every homeowner needs to know.
Why Asbestos Floor Tiles Are Dangerous
Many vinyl floor tiles installed in NZ homes before the mid-1980s contain chrysotile (white) asbestos. When tiles are drilled, scraped, broken, or sanded, they can release microscopic fibres into the air. Breathing these fibres can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer — diseases that may not appear for decades. Even tiles that look intact can release fibres if disturbed incorrectly.
If your home was built before 1990, treat any resilient floor tiles as potentially containing asbestos until proven otherwise by a sample test from an accredited laboratory.
NZ Legal Framework: What the Law Actually Says
Asbestos removal in New Zealand is governed by the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, administered by WorkSafe NZ. The key rules are:
- Class A asbestos removal (friable or disturbed asbestos, or any removal over 10 m²) must be carried out by a WorkSafe-licensed Class A removalist.
- Class B asbestos removal (non-friable asbestos, 10 m² or less) must be carried out by a WorkSafe-licensed Class B removalist — or, in limited circumstances, by a competent person following strict controls.
- Homeowners working on their own home are not automatically exempt from these regulations. The rules apply to any workplace, and WorkSafe's guidance makes clear that engaging a licensed removalist is the safest and legally sound approach.
In plain terms: if you have more than 10 m² of asbestos floor tiles, you must use a licensed removalist. For smaller areas, you are still strongly advised to do so. Always confirm your specific situation with WorkSafe NZ before proceeding.
Getting Your Tiles Tested First
Before assuming your tiles contain asbestos, have them sampled and tested by an accredited laboratory or a licensed asbestos assessor. Do not attempt to collect samples yourself by breaking tiles — this is exactly the kind of disturbance that releases fibres. A professional assessor can take samples safely and provide a written report. BRANZ has useful guidance on identifying and managing asbestos in older homes.
What a Licensed Asbestos Removalist Will Do
A licensed removalist will:
- Prepare an asbestos removal control plan
- Seal off the work area with negative-pressure enclosures where required
- Use appropriate PPE, including P2 or P3 respirators and disposable coveralls
- Wet-suppress tiles during removal to minimise fibre release
- Double-bag and label all waste as hazardous asbestos waste
- Dispose of waste at a council-approved facility — check with your local council for approved sites
- Provide a clearance certificate on completion
If You Are Considering a Very Small Area (Under 10 m²)
Even for small areas, the regulations require strict controls. If you are a homeowner considering this path, you must at minimum:
- Confirm the tiles are non-friable (bonded, not crumbling) via a lab test
- Read and follow WorkSafe NZ's asbestos guidance in full
- Use a properly fitted P2 disposable respirator (not a dust mask)
- Wear disposable coveralls, gloves, and eye protection
- Never dry-scrape, sand, grind, or use power tools on asbestos tiles
- Wet the tiles thoroughly before and during removal
- Double-bag all waste in clearly labelled asbestos waste bags
- Shower and change clothes immediately after work
- Dispose of waste only at an approved facility
This is not a standard DIY job. The consequences of getting it wrong are severe and long-lasting. We strongly recommend engaging a professional regardless of area size.
Encapsulation: A Safer Alternative
In many cases, encapsulation — covering the existing tiles with new flooring rather than removing them — is a safer and legally simpler option. Provided the tiles are in good condition and not friable, laying new vinyl, timber, or tile over the top avoids disturbing the asbestos entirely. Discuss this option with a licensed asbestos assessor or a qualified flooring contractor.
Building Consent Considerations
Asbestos removal itself does not typically require a building consent, but any associated renovation work (e.g., structural changes, new wet areas) may. Check with your local council and refer to MBIE Building Performance for Schedule 1 exemption guidance.
When to Call a Professional
You should always engage a WorkSafe NZ-licensed asbestos removalist if:
- The area is 10 m² or larger
- The tiles are crumbling, damaged, or friable
- You are unsure of the tile condition or composition
- You have any respiratory conditions or vulnerabilities
- You want a clearance certificate for insurance or sale purposes
A qualified demolition contractor or asbestos removalist can assess your situation, manage the removal legally, and give you peace of mind. You can find licensed local professionals on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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