Removing an asbestos cement flue pipe from a fireplace is not a straightforward DIY job — and in most situations in New Zealand, it is work that must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist. Asbestos cement (often called "fibro" or AC sheet) was widely used in NZ homes built before the late 1980s, including for flue pipes on wood burners, open fires, and older heating appliances. Before you touch anything, read this guide carefully.
Why Asbestos Flue Pipes Are Dangerous
Asbestos cement flue pipes contain chrysotile (white asbestos) or, in some cases, other asbestos fibre types bonded into a cement matrix. When the material is in good condition and left undisturbed, the risk is relatively low. However, flue pipes are subject to heat cycling, vibration, and age-related deterioration — meaning they are often friable or close to it by the time a homeowner wants to remove them.
Friable asbestos (material that can be crumbled by hand pressure) releases fine fibres into the air. Inhaling these fibres can cause serious diseases including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer — often decades after exposure. There is no safe level of asbestos fibre inhalation.
WorkSafe NZ sets out the legal requirements for working with asbestos in New Zealand under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016.
NZ Legal Requirements: What You Can and Cannot Do
Under NZ law, asbestos removal work is divided into two classes:
| Class | Type of Work | Who Can Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Friable asbestos, or any asbestos in a confined space or on a fixed plant | Licensed Class A removalist only |
| Class B | Non-friable asbestos (bonded), area less than 10 m² | Licensed Class B removalist (or homeowner — see below) |
Can a homeowner remove it themselves?
Technically, a homeowner working on their own home (not a rental or commercial property) may remove non-friable asbestos cement in areas under 10 m² without a licence — but this comes with serious caveats:
- You must be confident the material is genuinely non-friable (intact, not crumbling, not cracked).
- Flue pipes are often degraded from heat and age, making them more likely to be friable.
- You must still follow all WorkSafe NZ guidelines for safe work practices, PPE, and disposal.
- Rental properties are subject to the Healthy Homes Standards and additional obligations apply.
In practice, most asbestos cement flue pipes should be assessed and removed by a licensed professional. If there is any doubt about the condition of the material, do not attempt DIY removal.
Getting the Material Tested First
Before any removal work begins, have the material tested by an accredited laboratory. A licensed asbestos assessor or removalist can take a sample safely. Do not attempt to sample the material yourself without proper training and PPE — even sampling can release fibres.
BRANZ provides useful guidance on identifying asbestos-containing materials in older NZ homes.
If a Licensed Professional Confirms Safe DIY Removal Is Appropriate
If a professional has assessed the pipe as non-friable, intact, and within the allowable area threshold, and you choose to proceed yourself, the following precautions are the minimum required:
- PPE: Wear a properly fitted P2 (or P3) half-face respirator — not a dust mask. Disposable coveralls, gloves, and safety glasses are also required.
- Wet methods: Keep the pipe damp throughout to suppress fibre release. Use a garden sprayer with water.
- No power tools: Never cut, grind, drill, or use power tools on asbestos cement. Remove fixings carefully by hand.
- Containment: Seal off the work area with plastic sheeting. Turn off any ventilation or air conditioning.
- Double-bag waste: Place all material and contaminated PPE into two heavy-duty plastic bags, clearly labelled "ASBESTOS WASTE."
- Disposal: Asbestos waste must go to an approved landfill — contact your local council for the correct facility. You cannot put it in general rubbish.
- Decontamination: Shower and change clothes before leaving the work area.
Refer to WorkSafe NZ for the full guidance document on working with asbestos safely.
Building Consent Considerations
Removing a flue pipe connected to a fireplace or wood burner may also trigger building consent requirements, depending on what else is being altered. Removing or modifying a solid fuel heater flue can affect compliance with NZ Building Code fire safety and ventilation provisions and fire safety provisions. Always check with your local council before starting work. Some minor removals may qualify as exempt work under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, but confirm this with your council — do not assume.
For more on building consent and the NZ Building Code, visit MBIE Building Performance.
When to Call a Professional
You should always engage a licensed asbestos removalist if:
- The flue pipe is cracked, crumbling, or shows signs of deterioration.
- You are unsure whether the material is friable.
- The area involved is greater than 10 m².
- The property is a rental or commercial building.
- You have any health conditions affecting your respiratory system.
- You are not confident in your ability to follow all safety procedures correctly.
A licensed Class A or Class B asbestos removalist has the training, equipment, and legal authority to do this work safely and dispose of the waste correctly. You can find qualified asbestos removal specialists in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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