Asbestos rope seals were commonly used in woodburners and solid-fuel heaters installed before the 1990s, and removing one yourself is not as straightforward as it might seem. In New Zealand, working with asbestos — even in small quantities — is tightly regulated under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. Whether you can legally do this yourself depends on the type of work involved, and getting it wrong can put your health and your family's health at serious risk.
Why Asbestos Rope Seals Are Dangerous
Asbestos rope (sometimes called asbestos wicking or ceramic rope) was used to seal the door and ash pan on many older woodburners because it withstands extreme heat. The danger comes when the fibres become friable — meaning they can be crumbled or disturbed and release microscopic fibres into the air. Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause serious diseases including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, often decades after exposure. There is no safe level of asbestos fibre inhalation.
How to Tell If Your Rope Seal Contains Asbestos
If your woodburner was manufactured or installed before approximately 1990, there is a reasonable chance the rope seal contains asbestos. You cannot tell by looking at it. The only reliable way to confirm is to have a sample tested by an accredited laboratory. Do not pull the rope out to get a sample — disturbing it is exactly what you want to avoid. A licensed asbestos assessor can take a sample safely. Check WorkSafe NZ for guidance on identifying asbestos-containing materials.
What NZ Law Says About Asbestos Removal
Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, asbestos removal work is divided into two classes:
| Class | Description | Who Can Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Friable asbestos or asbestos-contaminated dust | Licensed Class A removalist only |
| Class B | Non-friable (bonded) asbestos, up to 10 m² | Licensed Class B removalist (or homeowner in limited circumstances — see below) |
Asbestos rope seal is generally considered friable because it can be easily crumbled and releases fibres when disturbed. This means it almost certainly falls under Class A removal, which must be carried out by a licensed Class A asbestos removalist. Homeowners are not permitted to carry out Class A removal work.
Even for Class B (non-friable) work, there are strict requirements around notification, PPE, disposal, and air monitoring. WorkSafe NZ is the authority on these regulations and publishes detailed guidance for both workers and homeowners.
Can a Homeowner Ever Do This Work?
In very limited circumstances, a homeowner may carry out minor Class B asbestos removal on their own home — but rope seal from a woodburner does not typically qualify, as it is friable. Even if you believe the material is non-friable, you should have it assessed first. Attempting to remove asbestos rope without proper training, respiratory protection (a P2 or P3 half-face respirator at minimum), and correct disposal procedures puts you and anyone nearby at risk.
The short answer: do not attempt to remove asbestos rope seal yourself. The risk to your health is not worth it.
What the Removal Process Looks Like
A licensed asbestos removalist will typically:
- Assess and confirm the presence of asbestos before starting work
- Contain the work area to prevent fibre spread
- Wet the material to suppress fibres during removal
- Use appropriate PPE including respirators and disposable coveralls
- Bag and label the waste according to NZ regulations
- Dispose of it at an approved facility — asbestos waste cannot go in your kerbside bin
- Issue a clearance certificate once the area is safe
Replacing the Rope Seal After Removal
Once the asbestos rope has been safely removed by a professional, you can replace it with a modern ceramic fibre rope seal, which is asbestos-free and widely available from fireplace specialists and hardware stores such as Bunnings or Mitre 10. Replacement rope seals come in various diameters — check your woodburner's manual or measure the channel width before purchasing. This replacement step is generally something a confident DIYer can handle once the asbestos has been professionally cleared.
Safety Note
⚠️ Never use a vacuum cleaner, angle grinder, or compressed air near suspected asbestos materials. Standard vacuum cleaners spread fibres rather than capturing them. If you accidentally disturb a rope seal and create dust, leave the area immediately, close doors to contain it, and contact a licensed asbestos assessor.
When to Call a Professional
You should call a licensed asbestos removalist if:
- Your woodburner was installed before 1990 and has an original rope seal
- The rope seal is crumbling, damaged, or has been partially disturbed
- You are unsure whether the material contains asbestos
- You are renovating or replacing the woodburner entirely
A licensed asbestos assessor can confirm whether asbestos is present, and a Class A removalist can carry out the work legally and safely. You can find qualified local asbestos removal specialists on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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