Chipping off old tile adhesive that contains asbestos is not safe to do yourself — and in most cases it is illegal under New Zealand law. Dry-chipping or grinding asbestos-containing material (ACM) releases microscopic fibres into the air that, when inhaled, can cause serious and potentially fatal diseases including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. This is one job where the risks are simply too high to cut corners.
Why Old Tile Adhesive May Contain Asbestos
Asbestos was widely used in New Zealand building products right up until the late 1980s and into the early 1990s. Black bitumen-based tile adhesive (sometimes called "black mastic") used under vinyl floor tiles is one of the most common sources found in NZ homes built or renovated before around 1990. The adhesive itself, the tiles, or both may contain asbestos — and you often cannot tell by looking at them.
If your home was built or renovated before 1990, treat any tile adhesive as potentially containing asbestos until proven otherwise by testing.
The Legal Situation in New Zealand
Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, asbestos removal work is classified into two categories:
| Class | What it covers | Who can do it |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Friable asbestos or non-friable ACM that will be disturbed (e.g. chipping, grinding) | Licensed Class A removalist only |
| Class B | Non-friable ACM removed without disturbance (e.g. carefully lifting intact tiles) | Licensed Class B or Class A removalist |
Chipping or scraping adhesive — even if the adhesive itself is non-friable — disturbs the material and generates dust, which means it is almost certainly Class A work. This must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist and, for jobs over 10 square metres, an independent licensed asbestos assessor must also be involved.
Doing this work yourself as a homeowner is not a legal exemption — WorkSafe NZ is clear that the regulations apply to all persons conducting work, including owner-occupiers carrying out work on their own homes.
What Happens When You Chip Asbestos Adhesive
When you chip, scrape, or grind asbestos-containing adhesive:
- Asbestos fibres become airborne and can remain suspended in the air for hours
- Fibres settle on surfaces throughout the room and can be re-disturbed later
- Standard dust masks (even P2 respirators used incorrectly) offer inadequate protection without proper fit-testing and full PPE
- Contamination can spread to other areas of your home via foot traffic and air movement
- Decontamination of the area afterwards requires specialist equipment and procedures
There is no safe level of asbestos exposure — even a single significant exposure event carries risk.
What You Can Do Yourself (Safely)
While the removal itself must be left to the professionals, there are steps you can take:
- Do not disturb the material. If tiles and adhesive are intact and in good condition, leaving them in place (encapsulation) is often the safest short-term option.
- Arrange asbestos testing first. A sample can be taken by a trained professional and sent to an accredited laboratory to confirm whether asbestos is present before any decisions are made.
- Get an asbestos assessment. A licensed asbestos assessor can inspect your home, identify ACMs, and provide a management or removal plan.
- Research your obligations via WorkSafe NZ and MBIE Building Performance.
Does Asbestos Removal Need a Building Consent?
Asbestos removal itself does not typically require a building consent, but any reinstatement work (such as laying new flooring or tiles) may trigger consent requirements depending on scope. Always check with your local council — what qualifies as exempt work under Schedule 1 of the Building Act can vary. MBIE Building Performance has useful guidance on consent exemptions.
Encapsulation as an Alternative
If the adhesive and tiles are in good, intact condition, encapsulation — sealing the material in place under new flooring — is a recognised and often preferred approach. This avoids disturbing the asbestos entirely. A licensed assessor can advise whether encapsulation is suitable for your situation. BRANZ provides technical guidance on managing asbestos in existing buildings.
When to Call a Professional
You should contact a licensed asbestos removalist immediately if:
- You have already disturbed the adhesive (stop work, ventilate the area, and seek advice)
- You are planning any renovation that will involve cutting, sanding, or removing old flooring
- You are unsure whether your adhesive or tiles contain asbestos
- You are selling or renting your property and need an asbestos register or management plan
For rental properties, Tenancy Services and the Healthy Homes standards may also be relevant if you are a landlord.
A qualified asbestos removal specialist will have the correct PPE, negative-pressure containment equipment, and disposal procedures to do the job safely and legally. You can find licensed asbestos removal specialists in your area right here on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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