Broken asbestos cement roofing fragments must be treated with great caution — asbestos fibres released into the air are a proven cause of serious lung diseases, including mesothelioma. In New Zealand, many homes built before the mid-1980s have roofing made from asbestos cement (AC) sheet, sometimes called Super Six or corrugated fibro. If your roof has been damaged by a falling branch, hail, or general deterioration, here is what you need to know before you touch anything.
First: Identify Whether Your Roof Contains Asbestos
Not all cement sheet roofing contains asbestos, but if your home was built or re-roofed before 1984, there is a strong chance it does. You cannot tell by looking — the only way to confirm is to have a sample tested by an accredited laboratory. Many asbestos inspection companies offer this service, and some councils maintain lists of local testing providers. Do not attempt to collect a sample yourself unless you follow the precautions below; even a small fragment can release fibres if handled carelessly.
Understanding the Risk: Friable vs Non-Friable
Asbestos cement is generally classed as non-friable (bonded) asbestos — the fibres are locked into the cement matrix. However, when AC sheet is broken, cracked, weathered, or crumbling, it can become friable and release respirable fibres. This is why broken fragments are significantly more dangerous than intact sheeting.
WorkSafe NZ sets out the health and safety obligations for working with asbestos under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. These regulations apply to homeowners as well as tradespeople.
What NZ Homeowners Are Legally Allowed to Do
Under NZ regulations, homeowners (not employers or self-employed persons) may remove up to 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos cement from their own home without a licensed removalist — but only if the material is in a condition that will not release fibres during removal. Broken, crumbling, or heavily weathered fragments are likely to be friable, which means a Class A licensed asbestos removalist is legally required.
If you are confident the fragments are limited in area, are still relatively intact (not powdery or crumbling), and you are the homeowner (not a landlord or contractor), you may carefully collect them yourself following the steps below. When in doubt, stop and call a professional.
Safe Clean-Up Steps for Homeowners
1. Gather the Right PPE and Supplies
- A P2-rated disposable respirator (not a dust mask — it must be rated P2 or higher)
- Disposable coveralls (Tyvek-style)
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Heavy-duty plastic bags (at least 0.2 mm thick, double-bagged)
- A garden sprayer filled with water (to dampen fragments and suppress dust)
- Asbestos warning labels for the bags (available from safety suppliers)
2. Prepare the Area
- Keep children, pets, and bystanders well away.
- Work on a still, low-wind day to minimise fibre dispersal.
- Lay down heavy plastic sheeting beneath the work area if possible.
3. Wet, Don't Dry-Handle
- Gently mist the fragments with water before and during handling. Never sweep, brush, or use a leaf blower — these actions launch fibres into the air.
- Pick up fragments by hand (gloved) or with damp rags. Do not use power tools or break fragments further.
4. Bag and Label Correctly
- Place fragments carefully into the first plastic bag, seal it, then place that bag inside a second bag and seal again.
- Attach an asbestos warning label to the outer bag.
- Wipe down the outside of the bags with a damp cloth.
5. Dispose of Waste Legally
- Asbestos waste must go to an approved landfill — not your kerbside bin. Contact your local council to find the nearest facility that accepts asbestos waste. Most will require the bags to be labelled and may charge a disposal fee.
6. Clean Up Yourself and Your Gear
- Remove coveralls carefully, rolling them inward to trap any fibres, and bag them as asbestos waste.
- Wash your hands and face thoroughly.
- Do not take contaminated clothing inside your home.
Healthy Homes and Rental Properties
If you are a landlord, the rules are stricter. You cannot carry out asbestos removal work yourself on a rental property — this is considered a workplace under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. You must engage a licensed removalist. For more on landlord obligations, see Tenancy Services.
When to Call a Professional
Call a Class A licensed asbestos removalist immediately if:
- The fragments are crumbling, powdery, or heavily weathered
- The area affected is larger than 10 m²
- The roof has widespread damage or you need to walk on it
- You are a landlord, business owner, or contractor
- You have any doubt about the condition or extent of the material
- Anyone in your household has a respiratory condition
A licensed removalist will carry out an asbestos assessment, use proper containment and air monitoring, and arrange compliant disposal — giving you peace of mind and legal protection. You can find qualified asbestos removal specialists in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Safety note: Never use a standard vacuum cleaner on asbestos debris — it will spread fibres through the exhaust. Only a HEPA-filtered vacuum rated for asbestos use is appropriate, and these are typically only used by licensed professionals.
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