Can I Remove Asbestos Cement Sheeting From a Detached Garage Without Notifying Anyone?

In short, no — you cannot simply pull off asbestos cement sheeting without following legal requirements first. New Zealand law sets out clear rules around asbestos removal, and even a small DIY job on a detached garage can trigger notification obligations and strict safety procedures. Getting this wrong can put you, your family, and your neighbours at serious risk, and may also land you in legal trouble.

Why Asbestos Cement Sheeting Is Still a Concern

Asbestos cement (sometimes called fibro or AC sheet) was widely used in NZ garages, sheds, and outbuildings built before the late 1980s. While it is considered bonded (non-friable) asbestos — meaning the fibres are locked into the cement matrix — it can still release dangerous fibres if it is drilled, cut, sanded, broken, or handled roughly. Inhaling asbestos fibres is a known cause of serious diseases including mesothelioma and asbestosis, with no safe level of exposure established.

What NZ Law Actually Requires

Asbestos removal in New Zealand is governed by the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, administered by WorkSafe NZ. Here is what you need to know:

Class A vs Class B Removal

• Class B removal covers bonded (non-friable) asbestos — this includes most asbestos cement sheeting. Removal of less than 10 m² of bonded asbestos material may be carried out by a competent person (which can include a homeowner on their own property), but safe work practices must still be followed.
• Class A removal covers friable (loose or damaged) asbestos and any removal of 10 m² or more of bonded asbestos. This work must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist.
• If your asbestos cement sheeting is cracked, crumbling, or deteriorated, it may be treated as friable regardless of size — meaning Class A rules apply.

Notification Requirements

• For Class A removals, the licensed removalist must notify WorkSafe NZ at least five working days before work begins.
• For Class B removals under 10 m², formal WorkSafe notification is not required, but you must still follow safe work procedures.
• Always check with your local council as well — some councils have additional requirements around disposal of hazardous materials.

Safe Work Practices for Small Class B Removals

If your job genuinely falls under 10 m² of intact bonded asbestos cement and you choose to do it yourself, WorkSafe NZ sets out minimum requirements:

• Do not dry-sand, grind, or use power tools that generate dust on asbestos cement.
• Wet the sheeting thoroughly before and during removal to suppress dust.
• Wear a properly fitted P2 respirator (not a dust mask), disposable coveralls, and gloves.
• Double-bag all waste in heavy-duty polythene bags labelled as asbestos waste.
• Never break sheets — keep them as whole as possible.
• Dispose of waste only at a licensed landfill that accepts asbestos. Contact your local council or waste facility to confirm where this is in your area.
• Clean up with a damp cloth or HEPA vacuum — never sweep dry debris.

Building Consent Considerations

Removing cladding from a garage structure may also trigger building consent requirements depending on what you plan to do next. Replacing asbestos cement sheeting with new cladding could be exempt under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, but this depends on the scope of work and your council's interpretation. Always check with your local council before starting, and visit MBIE Building Performance for general guidance on consent exemptions.

Disposal: You Cannot Just Put It in the Skip

Asbestos waste is classified as hazardous waste in New Zealand. It cannot go into a general skip bin, kerbside rubbish, or a standard transfer station. You must:

1. Contact your local council or regional council to find an approved disposal facility.
2. Transport it safely in sealed, labelled bags in a covered vehicle.
3. Keep a record of disposal where possible.

Illegal dumping of asbestos waste carries significant penalties under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and the Resource Management Act 1991.

When to Call a Professional

You should always engage a licensed asbestos removalist if:

• The total area of asbestos cement sheeting is 10 m² or more.
• The sheeting is cracked, crumbling, water-damaged, or otherwise deteriorated.
• You are unsure whether the material actually contains asbestos (get it tested first).
• You are not confident you can follow safe work procedures correctly.
• The removal involves working at height, in a confined space, or near other people.

A licensed professional will handle notification, safe removal, and disposal — giving you peace of mind and legal protection. You can find qualified asbestos removal specialists in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.

For guidance on what licensed removalists must do, see the WorkSafe NZ asbestos pages and the BRANZ website for technical building information.

Sources & Further Reading

• WorkSafe NZ – Asbestos
• MBIE Building Performance – Building Act & Consents
• BRANZ – Building Research
• Tenancy Services – Healthy Homes Standards
• Standards NZ