What Happens If Asbestos Is Found During a Professional Demolition Job?

If asbestos is found — or suspected — during a professional demolition job in New Zealand, work must stop immediately in the affected area. This isn't optional; it's a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. From that point, a clear process kicks in to protect workers, neighbours, and the public before demolition can safely continue.

Why Asbestos Is Such a Serious Issue

Asbestos was widely used in New Zealand building materials from the 1940s through to the late 1980s. It appears in products like fibrous cement sheeting (such as early Hardiflex), roof tiles, floor tiles, pipe lagging, textured ceiling coatings, and insulation. When disturbed, asbestos fibres become airborne and, if inhaled, can cause serious diseases including mesothelioma and asbestosis — often decades later. WorkSafe NZ treats asbestos as one of the leading causes of work-related deaths in New Zealand.

What Happens the Moment Asbestos Is Suspected

A professional demolition contractor will follow these steps:

1. Stop work in the affected area immediately.
2. Secure the site — restrict access, put up barriers, and prevent dust from spreading.
3. Notify the client and, depending on the situation, notify WorkSafe NZ.
4. Arrange an asbestos assessment by a licensed asbestos assessor.

Reputable demolition contractors carry out an asbestos survey (sometimes called a demolition survey) before work begins, as required by law. If asbestos is found at this pre-demolition stage, a management or removal plan is put in place before any work starts. Unexpected discoveries mid-job are less common when this process is followed properly.

The Role of a Licensed Asbestos Assessor

Only a licensed asbestos assessor can take samples, test materials, and produce a formal asbestos report. They will identify:

• Whether the material contains asbestos
• The type of asbestos (friable or non-friable)
• The condition and extent of the material
• The risk level and recommended removal class

This report determines what class of licensed removalist is required.

Classes of Asbestos Removal Work

NZ law sets out two classes of licensed asbestos removal work:

Homeowners cannot legally remove asbestos themselves if the amount exceeds 10 square metres of non-friable material, or any amount of friable asbestos. Even small amounts should be handled with extreme caution. Always check with a licensed assessor before touching anything you suspect may contain asbestos.

The Removal and Clearance Process

Once the assessor's report is complete, the licensed removalist will:

• Set up a containment zone with plastic sheeting and negative air pressure (for friable work)
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) including P2 respirators and disposable coveralls
• Wet-down materials to suppress dust during removal
• Seal and double-bag all asbestos waste in clearly labelled, approved bags
• Dispose of waste at a licensed landfill — not in general rubbish
• Have the area air-monitored and cleared by the licensed assessor before demolition resumes

The clearance certificate from the assessor is the legal sign-off that the area is safe to re-enter and work can continue.

Impact on Your Demolition Timeline and Cost

Finding asbestos mid-job will add time and cost to your project. As a rough guide, asbestos removal is priced per square metre and varies significantly depending on the class of removal, accessibility, and quantity involved. Friable asbestos removal is considerably more expensive than bonded sheet removal. Your demolition contractor should be transparent about these costs and can usually recommend licensed removalists they work with regularly.

It's worth noting that your local council may require an updated building consent or notification if the scope of work changes significantly. Always check with your council — requirements vary by region.

What Your Demolition Contractor Should Be Doing Before Work Starts

A professional demolition contractor in New Zealand should, as standard practice:

• Commission a pre-demolition asbestos survey before any work begins
• Provide you with a copy of the survey report
• Have a documented asbestos management plan on site
• Use only licensed removalists for any asbestos work
• Notify WorkSafe if removing more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos, or any friable asbestos

If a contractor skips these steps, that's a serious red flag. Check that your contractor understands their obligations under the WorkSafe NZ asbestos regulations and the MBIE Building Performance framework.

When to Call a Professional

If you suspect asbestos anywhere on your property — whether you're planning a full demolition, a renovation, or just removing an old shed — do not disturb the material. Call a licensed asbestos assessor first. You can find qualified demolition contractors and asbestos professionals on tradedirectory.co.nz. Look for contractors who clearly outline their asbestos management process upfront and can provide evidence of their licensing.

Safety note: Never cut, sand, drill, or break materials you suspect contain asbestos. Even a small amount of airborne asbestos fibre carries long-term health risks. When in doubt, treat it as asbestos until proven otherwise.

Sources & Further Reading

• WorkSafe NZ – Asbestos
• MBIE Building Performance – Building Code
• BRANZ – Building Research
• Standards NZ
• Licensed Building Practitioners