Before any asbestos removal work begins in New Zealand, a qualified asbestos surveyor must assess the property to identify where asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are located, what condition they're in, and what risk they pose. This survey is not just best practice — in many situations it is a legal requirement under NZ health and safety law. Understanding what the process involves helps you prepare and ensures the work is done safely.
Why an Asbestos Survey Is Required
Asbestos was widely used in NZ building materials from the 1940s through to the late 1980s, and some products continued to be imported into the early 1990s. If your home was built or renovated during this period, there is a real chance ACMs are present. Disturbing asbestos without proper identification and controls can release dangerous fibres that cause serious lung diseases, including mesothelioma.
Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, anyone carrying out asbestos removal work — particularly Class A removal (friable or high-risk asbestos) — must have a current WorkSafe licence. Before licensed removal can proceed, the presence and condition of asbestos must be established through a formal survey.
Types of Asbestos Surveys
There are two main types of surveys a qualified assessor may carry out:
- Management survey — A standard inspection to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupation or minor maintenance. Suitable for ongoing management of asbestos in a building that will remain in use.
- Refurbishment and demolition survey — A more intrusive inspection required before any significant renovation, refurbishment, or demolition work. The surveyor will access all areas, including wall cavities, ceiling spaces, and under floors, to ensure nothing is missed before work begins.
For most homeowners planning renovation or removal work, a refurbishment and demolition survey is what's needed.
What the Surveyor Does On-Site
A qualified asbestos surveyor will carry out a thorough, methodical inspection of your property. Here's what to expect:
Visual Inspection
The surveyor walks through the entire property, looking for materials commonly known to contain asbestos. These include (but are not limited to):
- Fibrous cement (fibre cement) cladding, soffits, and eaves
- Vinyl floor tiles and their adhesive backing
- Textured ceiling coatings (such as "popcorn" or stipple finishes)
- Roof sheeting (corrugated or flat)
- Pipe lagging and insulation
- Backing boards in wet areas
Sampling
Where a material is suspected to contain asbestos, the surveyor takes a small bulk sample using controlled techniques to minimise fibre release. Samples are sealed, labelled, and sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis using polarised light microscopy (PLM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Condition Assessment
Each suspected or confirmed ACM is assessed for its condition and friability — that is, how easily it can be crumbled or broken, which determines how readily fibres can be released. Materials are typically rated as:
| Condition | Description | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Good | Intact, undamaged, sealed | Lower |
| Fair | Minor damage, surface wear | Moderate |
| Poor | Crumbling, broken, exposed | Higher |
Location Mapping
The surveyor records the exact location, quantity, and condition of each ACM, often using photographs and floor plan markings. This creates a clear picture for the removal contractor.
The Asbestos Survey Report
Once laboratory results are returned, the surveyor compiles a formal asbestos survey report. This document typically includes:
- A full list of identified ACMs with locations and quantities
- Laboratory analysis results confirming asbestos type (e.g., chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite)
- Condition ratings and a risk priority score for each material
- Recommendations for management, encapsulation, or removal
- Photographs and site plans
This report is handed to the licensed asbestos removal contractor, who uses it to plan the removal work safely and in compliance with WorkSafe NZ requirements. Keep a copy — you may need it for future renovation work or when selling the property.
Who Can Carry Out an Asbestos Survey in NZ?
Asbestos surveying and assessment should be carried out by a competent person with recognised training and experience in asbestos identification. Look for surveyors who hold qualifications such as the BOHS P402 (or equivalent) and who work for a company with a track record in asbestos management. The surveyor should be independent from the removal contractor to avoid any conflict of interest.
For guidance on what competency looks like, BRANZ and WorkSafe NZ both publish useful technical resources on asbestos in buildings.
What Happens After the Survey?
Once the report is complete, the licensed removal contractor uses it to:
- Notify WorkSafe NZ at least five working days before Class A removal begins (a legal requirement)
- Prepare an asbestos removal control plan
- Set up appropriate containment, PPE, and air monitoring
- Arrange for clearance inspection and air testing after removal is complete
For more on the building consent side of things — for example, if removal is part of a larger renovation — check with your local council and refer to MBIE Building Performance for guidance on what work requires consent.
When to Call a Professional
Asbestos identification, sampling, and removal is not DIY territory. Even disturbing a small amount of friable asbestos without proper controls can create a serious health hazard for you, your family, and your neighbours. Always engage a qualified asbestos surveyor before any renovation or demolition work on a pre-1990s property, and use a licensed asbestos removalist for the physical work.
You can find qualified asbestos removal specialists and surveyors in your area through tradedirectory.co.nz.
Sources & Further Reading
- WorkSafe NZ – Asbestos — regulations, licensing, and guidance for asbestos work in NZ
- BRANZ — technical resources on asbestos in NZ buildings
- MBIE Building Performance — building consent requirements and the NZ Building Code
- Standards NZ — relevant NZ standards for asbestos management and removal
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