In New Zealand, asbestos removal is strictly regulated, and the type of licence a removalist holds determines what work they can legally carry out. Understanding the difference between a Class A and Class B asbestos licence helps you hire the right professional for your job — and keeps your family safe.
Why Asbestos Licences Exist
Asbestos fibres are a serious health hazard. When disturbed, they become airborne and can cause diseases including mesothelioma and asbestosis — conditions that may not appear until decades after exposure. To protect workers and the public, WorkSafe NZ regulates asbestos removal under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. These regulations set out who can legally remove asbestos and under what conditions.
Any business carrying out asbestos removal work above certain thresholds must hold either a Class A or Class B licence issued by WorkSafe NZ.
What Is a Class B Asbestos Licence?
A Class B licence authorises a removalist to remove non-friable asbestos-containing material (ACM) only. Non-friable asbestos is material that, when dry, cannot be crumbled, pulverised, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. Common examples include:
- Asbestos cement (fibro) sheeting on walls, soffits, and roofs
- Vinyl floor tiles containing asbestos
- Asbestos-containing textured coatings in a bonded, intact condition
- Asbestos rope or gaskets that are still firmly bound
Class B work is generally considered lower risk because the asbestos fibres are locked into a solid matrix. However, cutting, drilling, or breaking these materials can still release fibres, so proper controls — including wetting, correct PPE, and safe disposal — are always required.
Class B licence holders cannot legally remove friable asbestos.
What Is a Class A Asbestos Licence?
A Class A licence is the higher-tier licence and covers all asbestos removal work, including both non-friable and friable asbestos. Friable asbestos is material that can be crumbled or reduced to powder by hand — making it far more likely to release dangerous airborne fibres.
Friable asbestos is commonly found in:
- Sprayed-on fire insulation or acoustic coatings
- Pipe lagging and boiler insulation
- Loose-fill asbestos insulation (sometimes called Mr Fluffy, though this was more prevalent in the ACT in Australia)
- Deteriorated or damaged asbestos-containing materials
Class A removalists must follow significantly more stringent controls, including the use of negative-pressure enclosures, full-face respirators, decontamination units, and air monitoring. This work is complex, hazardous, and requires highly trained personnel.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Class B Licence | Class A Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Non-friable ACM removal | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Friable ACM removal | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Risk level | Lower | Higher |
| Controls required | Standard | Stringent (enclosures, air monitoring) |
| Typical work | Fibro sheeting, vinyl tiles | Pipe lagging, sprayed coatings |
When Is a Licence Required?
Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, a licensed removalist must be used when:
- Removing 10 m² or more of non-friable ACM (Class B or A required)
- Removing any amount of friable asbestos (Class A required)
- The work involves asbestos-contaminated dust or debris from friable material
For removal of less than 10 m² of non-friable ACM, a licence is not legally required — but the work must still be done safely, following WorkSafe guidelines. Even for small jobs, hiring a licensed professional is strongly recommended. You can find qualified asbestos removal specialists in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.
What About Homeowners — Can You Remove Asbestos Yourself?
Technically, a homeowner working on their own home may remove small amounts (under 10 m²) of non-friable ACM without a licence, provided they follow all WorkSafe NZ safe work requirements. However, this is genuinely hazardous work. You must:
- Correctly identify the material as non-friable (have it tested if unsure)
- Use appropriate PPE including a P2 respirator
- Wet the material before and during removal
- Double-bag and label waste correctly
- Dispose of it at an approved facility
Homeowners must never attempt to remove friable asbestos. This is dangerous and must only be done by a Class A licensed removalist. If you suspect friable asbestos, stop work immediately and contact a professional.
How to Check a Removalist's Licence
Before hiring anyone for asbestos removal, always ask to see their WorkSafe NZ licence and confirm whether it is Class A or Class B. You can verify licences through WorkSafe NZ. Make sure the licence class matches the type of asbestos being removed.
Also check that the removalist has a current asbestos management plan and will provide you with a clearance certificate on completion — this is important documentation for your property records and any future sale.
When to Call a Professional
Always engage a licensed asbestos removal specialist if:
- You are unsure whether a material contains asbestos (have it tested first)
- The area to be removed is 10 m² or larger
- The material is damaged, deteriorating, or crumbling
- You suspect the asbestos may be friable
- The work involves a roof, ceiling cavity, or enclosed space
- You are renovating a home built before the mid-1990s
Asbestos was widely used in NZ building materials until it was phased out in the 1980s–90s. Homes built before 2000 should be assessed before any renovation work begins. A qualified professional can carry out an asbestos survey before you start.
Sources & Further Reading
- WorkSafe NZ – Asbestos — regulations, guidance, and licence information
- MBIE Building Performance — NZ Building Code and renovation guidance
- BRANZ — research and guidance on building materials including asbestos
- Standards NZ — relevant NZ standards for asbestos management
- Consumer NZ — independent advice for homeowners
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