Broken asbestos cement (such as old corrugated roofing, flat sheeting, or eaves lining) must be treated with great care — even small fragments can release harmful fibres if disturbed. The good news is that with the right approach, you can safely contain the material at home while you arrange for a licensed asbestos removal specialist to collect it.
Understand What You're Dealing With
Asbestos cement (sometimes called fibro or AC sheet) was widely used in New Zealand homes built before the mid-1980s. When intact and unpainted, it poses a relatively low risk. However, broken or damaged pieces are far more hazardous because the fibres can become airborne. If you're unsure whether your material contains asbestos, stop work immediately and arrange for a sample to be tested by an accredited laboratory before proceeding. BRANZ has useful guidance on identifying asbestos-containing materials in older NZ homes.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) First
Before touching any broken pieces, put on the correct PPE:
- A P2-rated disposable respirator (not a standard dust mask — it must be rated P2 or higher)
- Disposable coveralls (Tyvek-style)
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses or goggles
Never eat, drink, or smoke while handling asbestos material. When you're done, carefully remove and bag your disposable PPE — don't shake it out.
Step-by-Step: How to Store Broken Asbestos Cement Safely
1. Wet the Material Down
Before handling any broken pieces, lightly dampen them with water using a garden sprayer or spray bottle. This is one of the most important steps — keeping the material wet suppresses loose fibres and significantly reduces airborne risk. Do not use a high-pressure hose, as this can spread fibres.
2. Handle Gently and Minimise Breakage
Carry pieces carefully to avoid further cracking or crumbling. Do not snap, cut, sand, grind, or drill the material. Place pieces flat rather than stacking them at angles that could cause more breakage.
3. Double-Bag in Heavy-Duty Plastic
Place the damp pieces into heavy-duty 200-micron polythene bags (or purpose-made asbestos waste bags if available). Seal the first bag, then place it inside a second bag and seal that too. This double-bagging method is standard practice and helps prevent punctures and fibre release.
- For larger flat sheets, wrap them in 200-micron polythene sheeting and tape securely with duct tape rather than trying to fold them into bags.
- Keep bags small enough to be manageable — overfilling risks tearing.
4. Label the Bags Clearly
Each sealed bag or wrapped bundle must be clearly labelled. Write "CAUTION – ASBESTOS WASTE" on the outside in large, legible text. You can also use pre-printed asbestos warning labels, which are available from safety suppliers.
5. Store in a Safe, Secure Location
Place the sealed, labelled bags in a location that is:
- Outside the living areas of your home (e.g., a garage corner, shed, or covered area)
- Away from children and pets
- Protected from wind and rain that could damage the bags
- Not accessible to others — consider placing a barrier or sign if needed
Do not place asbestos waste in your general rubbish bin or kerbside recycling. It cannot go to a standard landfill without prior approval.
6. Arrange Licensed Collection Promptly
Contact a licensed asbestos removal specialist as soon as possible to arrange collection and lawful disposal. In New Zealand, asbestos waste must be disposed of at an approved facility. Your specialist will handle the transport documentation and disposal in line with WorkSafe NZ requirements.
What to Do After Handling
- Shower and change clothes immediately after handling asbestos material
- Bag and dispose of your disposable PPE with the asbestos waste
- Wash reusable items (such as boots) carefully with water — do not dry-brush them
- If you think you may have inhaled fibres, seek medical advice
NZ Regulatory Context
Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, there are strict rules around asbestos removal and disposal in New Zealand. Removal of more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos (such as asbestos cement sheeting) must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist. Even for smaller amounts, safe handling and disposal obligations still apply. Check MBIE Building Performance for guidance on whether your situation requires a building consent.
When to Call a Professional
You should call a licensed asbestos removal specialist immediately if:
- The broken material is friable (crumbles easily into powder by hand)
- There is a large quantity of broken material
- The material is in a confined or poorly ventilated space
- Anyone in your household has a respiratory condition
- You are unsure of the material type or extent of damage
A qualified local asbestos removal specialist can assess the situation, carry out safe removal, and arrange compliant disposal. You can find licensed professionals in your area at tradedirectory.co.nz.
Site Safe
Registered Master Builder
SiteWise
Tōtika Prequalified
ISO 45001
