Step-by-Step Safe Work Procedure for Asbestos Vinyl Tile Removal in Auckland

Step-by-Step Safe Work Procedure for Asbestos Vinyl Tile Removal in Auckland

If your Auckland home or business was built before the late 1980s, chances are the flooring hides a secret — asbestos vinyl tiles. These tiles were tough, cheap, and popular. But once you start scraping, sanding, or pulling them up, those old materials can release asbestos fibres into the air — invisible dust that can cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma decades later.

That’s why asbestos vinyl tile removal is not a DIY project. It’s a regulated, licensed task under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, and it must follow a strict Safe Work Procedure to protect everyone on site.

Here’s how a professional asbestos removalist in Auckland safely removes asbestos vinyl tiles — step by step.

Step 1: Site Inspection and Confirmation

• A licensed asbestos assessor inspects the flooring and takes samples for lab testing.

• Once confirmed as asbestos, a removal control plan is prepared outlining how the work will be done safely.

• For jobs over 10m², WorkSafe NZ must be notified at least 5 days before removal.

Step 2: Setting Up the Work Area

• The room or site is sealed off with plastic sheeting to stop fibres escaping.

• Warning signs and barriers are installed at all entry points.

• Air monitoring equipment may be set up depending on the size of the job.

Step 3: PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

• Workers wear P2 respirators, disposable coveralls, gloves, and boots.

• PPE is not worn home — it’s removed and disposed of on site as asbestos waste.

Step 4: Wet Removal Method

• The vinyl tiles and adhesive are kept wet throughout the removal to reduce dust.

• Tiles are gently lifted with hand tools, not power tools or scrapers.

• The adhesive (which can also contain asbestos) is removed using damp rags or a chemical softener.

• No sanding, no heat guns, no grinding — ever.

Step 5: Waste Handling and Disposal

• All removed tiles, adhesive waste, and disposable PPE are sealed in 200-micron plastic bags or wrapped in heavy-duty plastic.

• Each package is clearly labelled “Asbestos Waste”.

• Waste is taken to a licensed asbestos disposal facility in Auckland, not the local tip.

Step 6: Decontamination

• Workers use HEPA vacuums and wet wipes to clean tools and equipment.

• A decontamination area is set up for removing PPE safely.

• Used PPE and cleaning materials are bagged and disposed of as asbestos waste.

Step 7: Clearance Inspection

• An independent licensed asbestos assessor conducts a full inspection after removal.

• Air monitoring is done if needed.

• A clearance certificate is issued before the area can be re-occupied or new flooring laid.

Why You Should Hire a Professional in Auckland

• Legal requirement: Only licensed asbestos removalists can carry out Class B asbestos removal (which includes vinyl tiles).

• Health protection: Professionals know how to contain dust, use proper PPE, and safely dispose of waste.

• Compliance: You get the required documentation — WorkSafe notifications, removal control plan, waste transport certificates, and clearance report.

• Peace of mind: You’ll know the job’s done once, done right, and safe for everyone.

Final Word

Asbestos vinyl tile removal in Auckland might look like an easy job — just pull up the tiles, right? Wrong. Once fibres are released, they stay airborne for hours and can contaminate your entire home or workspace.

Always get a licensed asbestos professional to handle it. They follow strict Safe Work Procedures, protect your health, and make sure the job meets WorkSafe NZ standards.

When it comes to asbestos, cheap and quick can end up being expensive and dangerous. Do it right the first time — safely and legally.