Hiring a registered asbestos removal company isn't just good practice in New Zealand — it's a legal requirement for most asbestos-related work. Fortunately, verifying a company's registration is straightforward once you know where to look and what to ask.
Why Registration Matters
Asbestos is a serious health hazard. Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis — diseases that can take decades to develop but are life-altering when they do. Because of this, New Zealand law under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 requires that companies carrying out certain types of asbestos removal hold a current licence issued by WorkSafe NZ.
Using an unlicensed operator puts your health, your family's health, and potentially your neighbours' health at risk. It can also expose you to legal liability as a homeowner if you knowingly allow unlicensed work to proceed.
The Two Classes of Asbestos Removal Licence
WorkSafe NZ issues two classes of asbestos removal licence:
| Licence Class | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Class A | Friable asbestos (crumbly, easily disturbed) and all non-friable asbestos removal |
| Class B | Non-friable asbestos only (e.g. bonded asbestos cement sheets, floor tiles) |
Friable asbestos is the most dangerous type — it can release fibres into the air very easily. Only a Class A licensed removalist can legally handle it. For most residential jobs involving things like old fibro weatherboards, roofing sheets, or floor tiles, a Class B licence is the minimum required — but always confirm with the company what type of asbestos is present before work begins.
How to Verify a Company's Registration
Here's a step-by-step process to confirm a company is legitimately registered:
1. Ask the Company Directly
A reputable asbestos removal company will readily provide their WorkSafe NZ licence number and licence class. If they hesitate or can't produce this information, treat that as a red flag.
2. Check the WorkSafe NZ Register
WorkSafe NZ maintains a public register of licensed asbestos removalists. Visit the WorkSafe NZ website and search for the company by name or licence number. This register is updated regularly, so you can confirm the licence is current and hasn't expired.
3. Confirm the Licence Class Matches the Work
Make sure the licence class (A or B) is appropriate for the type of asbestos being removed at your property. If you're unsure what type of asbestos you have, a licensed asbestos assessor can carry out sampling and testing before removal begins.
4. Check for a Licensed Asbestos Assessor
For larger or more complex jobs, an independent licensed asbestos assessor (separate from the removalist) may be required to prepare an asbestos removal control plan and issue a clearance certificate once work is complete. This is a legal requirement for Class A removal work and for Class B removal of 10 square metres or more. Ask whether an assessor is involved in the project.
5. Request Proof of Insurance
Always ask for a copy of the company's public liability insurance and confirm it covers asbestos removal work specifically. This protects you if something goes wrong.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- No licence number provided or licence can't be verified on the WorkSafe register
- Unusually low quotes (cutting corners on safety is common with unlicensed operators)
- No mention of an asbestos management or removal control plan
- No clearance certificate offered at the end of the job
- Workers arriving without proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as P2/P3 respirators and disposable coveralls
What Homeowners Can and Cannot Do
As a homeowner, you are not permitted to remove more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos yourself, and you must never attempt to remove friable asbestos under any circumstances — this is restricted work under NZ law. Even for small DIY removals under the 10 m² threshold, WorkSafe NZ strongly recommends using a licensed professional and following safe work practices. Always check WorkSafe NZ for the latest guidance before attempting any asbestos-related work yourself.
Building Consent and Asbestos
If your asbestos removal is part of a larger renovation or demolition project, you may need a building consent from your local council. Some demolition work is exempt under Schedule 1 of the Building Act, but this depends on the scope of work — always confirm with your council before starting. MBIE Building Performance has useful guidance on consent requirements.
When to Call a Professional
You should always engage a licensed asbestos removal company if:
- You suspect any friable asbestos in your home
- The area of non-friable asbestos exceeds 10 square metres
- You are undertaking a renovation or demolition of a home built before the mid-1990s (when asbestos use was common in NZ)
- You are unsure whether a material contains asbestos — have it tested first
Qualified asbestos removal specialists can be found right here on tradedirectory.co.nz. Always verify their WorkSafe NZ registration before signing any contract.
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