In short: no, you should not remove asbestos cement internal ceiling tiles yourself. In New Zealand, this type of work is tightly regulated under health and safety law, and in most cases it must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist. Even careful DIY removal can release dangerous fibres that cause serious, life-threatening illness.
Why Asbestos Cement Ceiling Tiles Are So Dangerous
Asbestos cement (sometimes called "fibro" or "AC sheet") was widely used in New Zealand homes built before the mid-1980s — in ceilings, wall linings, eaves, and more. While the cement matrix binds the asbestos fibres, the material becomes hazardous the moment it is drilled, cut, broken, or disturbed. Ceiling tiles are particularly risky because:
- They are often brittle and crack easily during removal
- Working overhead increases the chance of fibre release directly into your breathing zone
- Fibres are invisible to the naked eye and can remain airborne for hours
- Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer — diseases that may not appear for 20–40 years after exposure
WorkSafe NZ is the authority on asbestos safety in New Zealand and provides detailed guidance on the risks.
What NZ Law Actually Says
Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, asbestos removal work is split into two classes:
| Class | Type of Work | Who Can Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Friable asbestos OR bonded asbestos in a roof or ceiling | Licensed Class A removalist only |
| Class B | Other bonded (non-friable) asbestos, e.g. flat wall sheets | Licensed Class B or Class A removalist |
Internal ceiling tiles may fall under Class A removal if they are friable or have become friable, or under Class B if they remain bonded and intact — but in either case the work must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist. A licensed asbestos assessor can advise on the correct classification for your specific situation. This means the work must be done by a WorkSafe-licensed Class A asbestos removalist — it is not legal for a homeowner to do this themselves, regardless of how careful they intend to be.
You can verify a removalist's licence through WorkSafe NZ.
What About the NZ Building Code and Consents?
Removing ceiling tiles may also affect your home's structure or fire rating, depending on the ceiling system. Check with your local council whether a building consent is required before any removal work begins. MBIE Building Performance has guidance on what work requires consent and what falls under Schedule 1 exemptions — but always confirm with your council, as exemptions depend on the specific scope of work.
What Homeowners Can Legally Do
While you cannot carry out the removal yourself, there are steps you can take as a homeowner:
- Do not disturb the tiles — avoid drilling, scrubbing, or damaging them in any way
- Arrange an asbestos survey — a licensed asbestos assessor can sample and test suspect materials to confirm whether asbestos is present before any work begins
- Get a clearance certificate — after removal, an independent licensed asbestos assessor (not the removalist) must issue a clearance certificate confirming the area is safe
- Keep others out of the area until it has been cleared
BRANZ offers useful research and guidance on identifying asbestos-containing materials in older NZ homes.
The Removal Process a Licensed Specialist Will Follow
A reputable Class A removalist will typically:
- Prepare a written asbestos removal control plan
- Seal off the work area with plastic sheeting and set up negative pressure ventilation
- Wear appropriate PPE including P2/P3 respirators and disposable coveralls
- Wet the tiles carefully to suppress fibre release before removal
- Double-bag and label all waste as hazardous asbestos waste for disposal at an approved facility
- Decontaminate the area thoroughly before the independent clearance inspection
How Much Does Professional Removal Cost?
As a general guide, licensed asbestos removal in NZ is not cheap — costs vary significantly depending on the area of ceiling, accessibility, and your location. Get at least two or three quotes from licensed removalists. The cost of professional removal is far less than the long-term health consequences of DIY exposure.
When to Call a Professional
You should contact a licensed Class A asbestos removalist before doing anything else if you suspect your ceiling tiles contain asbestos. If your home was built before 1990, assume asbestos may be present until testing proves otherwise. You can find qualified, local asbestos removal specialists on tradedirectory.co.nz — always check that any removalist you hire holds a current WorkSafe licence for Class A removal.
If you are a landlord, note that the Healthy Homes Standards and your obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act may also be relevant. Tenancy Services can advise on your duties to keep rental properties safe.
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