No, it is not safe — and in New Zealand it is almost certainly illegal for a homeowner to cut asbestos cement fencing with a reciprocating saw. Power-cutting asbestos-containing materials (ACM) releases a cloud of fine asbestos fibres into the air, which can cause serious and potentially fatal lung diseases including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. There is no safe level of asbestos fibre exposure.
Why Asbestos Cement Fencing Is So Hazardous
Asbestos cement (sometimes called "fibrolite" or "Super Six" in New Zealand) was widely used in fencing, roofing, and cladding from the 1940s through to the late 1980s. It contains chrysotile (white) asbestos — and sometimes other asbestos types — bonded into a cement matrix. When the material is intact and undamaged, it is considered non-friable (the fibres are locked in). However, the moment you cut, grind, drill, or sand it with a power tool, it becomes friable: fibres are released and become airborne.
A reciprocating saw is one of the worst tools you could choose for this job. It vibrates aggressively, generates enormous amounts of fine dust, and offers no practical way to control or contain the fibres it releases. Even a few seconds of cutting can contaminate your clothing, your property, and neighbouring properties.
What NZ Law Says
In New Zealand, asbestos removal and disturbance is regulated under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, administered by WorkSafe NZ. Key points for homeowners:
- Class A asbestos removal (friable asbestos, or any removal over 10 m²) must be carried out by a WorkSafe-licensed Class A removalist.
- Class B asbestos removal (non-friable ACM) must be carried out by a WorkSafe-licensed Class B removalist (or Class A).
- Homeowners working on their own homes are not automatically exempt from these rules. If the work involves disturbing asbestos, a licensed removalist is required.
- Power-cutting asbestos cement — regardless of the area — immediately makes the material friable, which triggers Class A requirements.
The bottom line: cutting asbestos cement fencing with any power tool, including a reciprocating saw, is restricted work that must be done by a licensed professional.
The Health Risks Are Serious and Long-Lasting
Asbestos-related diseases typically take 20–40 years to develop after exposure, which means you may feel fine now but suffer serious consequences decades later. There is no cure for mesothelioma. WorkSafe NZ reports that asbestos-related disease remains one of the leading causes of work-related death in New Zealand. This is not a risk worth taking to save money on a fencing job.
What You Can Do as a Homeowner
While you must not cut or power-tool asbestos cement, there are some things you can do carefully while awaiting a professional:
- Do not disturb the fencing — avoid drilling, sanding, scrubbing, or pressure-washing it.
- Keep children and pets away from the area, especially if the material is already cracked or crumbling.
- Wet the surface lightly with a garden hose if it is visibly deteriorating and shedding dust — this helps suppress loose fibres temporarily.
- Identify and document the material. If you are unsure whether your fencing contains asbestos, have a sample tested by an accredited laboratory before doing anything else. Do not attempt to take a sample yourself without proper guidance.
- Check the MBIE Building Performance website for guidance on whether your removal project requires a building consent — some asbestos fence removal may fall under Schedule 1 exemptions, but always confirm with your local council.
How Licensed Removalists Work Safely
A licensed asbestos removalist will:
- Prepare an asbestos removal control plan
- Set up containment and exclusion zones
- Use H-class (P3) vacuum equipment and wet methods to suppress dust
- Wear appropriate PPE including full-face respirators with P3 filters
- Remove panels whole where possible, avoiding cutting entirely
- Dispose of waste at an approved facility in sealed, labelled bags
- Provide a clearance certificate on completion
When to Call a Professional
Call a licensed asbestos removalist before you touch anything. This is not a job to attempt yourself, and it is not a job for a general builder or fencer who is not licensed for asbestos work. A qualified removalist will assess the extent of the material, prepare the required documentation, and remove it safely and legally.
You can find licensed asbestos removal specialists in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz. Always ask to see their WorkSafe licence before work begins — it is your right to check.
A Note on Disposal
Asbestos waste cannot go into a standard skip bin or household rubbish. It must be double-bagged in heavy-duty polythene, clearly labelled as asbestos waste, and taken to a landfill licensed to accept asbestos. Your removalist will handle this, but if you are coordinating disposal separately, contact your local council for approved sites in your region.
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