Licensed asbestos removalists in New Zealand are legally required to wear specific personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever they work with asbestos-containing materials (ACM). These requirements exist because inhaling asbestos fibres can cause serious and fatal diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Understanding what PPE is required helps homeowners know what to expect when a licensed removalist works on their property.
Why PPE Is So Critical for Asbestos Work
Asbestos fibres are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye. Once disturbed, they can remain airborne for hours and are easily inhaled. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, which is why WorkSafe NZ sets strict requirements for how licensed removalists must protect themselves — and by extension, everyone nearby.
All asbestos removal work in New Zealand is governed by the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, administered by WorkSafe NZ. These regulations specify minimum PPE standards that must be met on every job.
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
The most critical piece of PPE for any asbestos removalist is respiratory protective equipment (RPE). Standard dust masks or surgical masks offer absolutely no protection against asbestos fibres — only properly rated respirators will do.
For Class B removalists (non-friable asbestos, such as fibrous cement sheeting in good condition), a minimum of a P2-rated half-face respirator is typically required.
For Class A removalists (friable asbestos — loose, crumbly, or damaged material that releases fibres easily), a P3-rated full-face respirator or a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) is generally required. Full-face units also protect the eyes and face from fibre contact.
Key RPE requirements include:
- Respirators must be fit-tested to the individual worker's face — a poor seal renders the mask useless
- Respirators must be maintained, inspected, and replaced according to the manufacturer's schedule
- Workers must be trained in correct donning, doffing, and seal-checking procedures
Protective Clothing
Asbestos fibres cling to fabric and can be carried out of the work area on clothing, creating a contamination risk for families and the public. Licensed removalists must wear:
- Disposable coveralls (Type 5 or Type 5/6 rated) that fully cover the body, including a hood — these are worn once and disposed of as asbestos waste
- Disposable boot covers or dedicated work boots that stay within the work area
- Disposable gloves (typically nitrile) to prevent skin contact with ACM
All disposable PPE is treated as contaminated asbestos waste and must be double-bagged and disposed of at an approved facility — it cannot simply be thrown in a skip or household bin.
Eye and Face Protection
When using a half-face respirator (common in Class B work), removalists must also wear safety goggles to protect eyes from fibre contact. Full-face respirators used in Class A work provide integrated eye and face protection.
Summary PPE Table
| Work Type | Respirator | Coveralls | Gloves | Eye Protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class B (non-friable) | P2 half-face minimum | Disposable Type 5 | Disposable nitrile | Safety goggles |
| Class A (friable) | P3 full-face or PAPR | Disposable Type 5 | Disposable nitrile | Integrated (full-face) |
Decontamination Procedures
PPE alone is not enough — how it is removed matters just as much as wearing it. Licensed removalists follow a strict decontamination sequence when leaving the work area:
- Vacuum coveralls with a H-class (HEPA) vacuum before removing
- Remove coveralls carefully, rolling them inward to contain fibres
- Remove gloves and boot covers
- Remove respirator last, after leaving the contaminated zone
- Shower or wash thoroughly before putting on street clothes
This process prevents fibres from being carried into clean areas, vehicles, or homes.
Licensing and Legal Requirements
In New Zealand, any removal of 10 square metres or more of non-friable asbestos, or any amount of friable asbestos, must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist. Licensing is issued by WorkSafe NZ, and you can verify a removalist's licence through their website.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 place legal duties on both the removalist and the business engaging them to ensure correct PPE is used at all times. Failure to comply can result in significant fines and prosecution.
For guidance on identifying asbestos in your home and understanding your obligations, BRANZ is an excellent NZ-specific resource.
When to Call a Professional
If you suspect your home contains asbestos — particularly in pre-1990 buildings where fibrous cement (such as James Hardie products of that era), textured ceilings, vinyl floor tiles, or pipe lagging may be present — do not disturb the material yourself. Always engage a licensed asbestos assessor first to sample and test the material, then a licensed removalist to carry out any required removal.
Homeowners should never attempt to remove asbestos themselves. Even small disturbances can release dangerous quantities of fibres. You can find qualified, licensed asbestos removal specialists in your area right here on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Sources & Further Reading
- WorkSafe NZ – Asbestos — regulations, licensing, and worker guidance
- MBIE Building Performance — building consent and asbestos obligations
- BRANZ — NZ building research including asbestos identification
- Standards NZ — relevant NZ standards for asbestos management
- WorkSafe NZ – Health and Safety at Work Act — your legal duties as a homeowner or PCBU
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