top of page

WORKING WITH ASBESTOS

Before conducting any work, all tradespeople should conduct a proper assessment of the property they are working in, to determine whether asbestos may or not be present.

As per the asbestos regulations (Section 6.6 - Part B) - identification of asbestos should be done by a competent person. Competency is determined by knowledge and skills achieved through appropriate asbestos awareness training.

​

Here is a basic checklist and some questions to assist you:

​

  • Are you competent to do an asbestos inspection? 

  • What do you know about the property? How old is it? 

  • What is it made from (stucco, weatherboard, fibro etc)? 

  • Conduct a visual inspection internal and external to see if you can spot any asbestos materials in other areas that might give an indication of the use of asbestos throughout the property.

  • Ask the home owner if they are aware of any asbestos within the property or have had other work done that has uncovered asbestos?

  • In a commercial property always ask the business owner to see a copy of their asbestos management plan.

  • If asbestos is present, what is the condition? does it appear to be intact or does it look to be crumbling. Is it sealed or exposed to the elements? Remember! this is a visual inspection only. Don't tamper with it to test its condition.    

  • If in any doubt, and you have concerns that there could be asbestos present, treat it as if there is, and take all appropriate precautions.

​

If asbestos needs to be removed or is likely to be disturbed we recommend engaging a licensed professional to conduct the work.

Under the new regulations introduced  in April 2016, if more than

10sqm of non-friable asbestos has to be removed over the course and life of a project, it must be done by a licensed asbestos removalist.

Always work safely

It is really important that you always take adequate precautions to protect yourself and others against asbestos, even on small jobs that don't seem to create much dust - like drilling. 

​

Where possible, plan the job in advance to avoid disturbing any asbestos. If asbestos has to be disturbed, don't start work until you have doubled checked how to do it safely and that you have had asbestos awareness training.

​

These simple steps will help keep you and others safe:

​

  • Keep dust down

  • Use the correct protective equipment

  • Clean up properly

Disposing of asbestos

Asbestos is a hazardous waste and must be disposed of correctly. It must only be disposed of at an approved local authority refuse site. Incorrect disposal of asbestos waste is prohibited and can result in a fine or prosecution. For more information on correct asbestos disposal talk to your local council about approved hazardous waste sites in your area. 

​

For more information please refer to the WorkSafeNZ website or these handy hint information sheets.  

All friable asbestos, regardless of quantity, 

must be removed by a Class A licensed asbestos removalist.

bottom of page