Discovering suspected asbestos in the middle of a renovation can be alarming — but staying calm and following the right steps will protect you, your family, and your tradespeople. Asbestos was widely used in New Zealand building materials until the late 1980s, so if your home was built or renovated before 1990, there's a real chance it contains asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Here's exactly what to do.
Stop Work Immediately
The single most important thing you can do is stop all work in the affected area straight away. Disturbing asbestos fibres — by drilling, cutting, sanding, or even vigorous brushing — releases microscopic fibres into the air that can cause serious lung diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis, often decades later. Don't try to clean up dust or debris yourself. Seal off the area if you can by closing doors and turning off any ventilation or air conditioning that could spread fibres to other parts of the house.
Don't Assume — Get It Tested
You cannot identify asbestos by sight alone. Materials that commonly contain asbestos in NZ homes include:
- Fibrous cement sheet (wall linings, eaves, soffits, fascias)
- Vinyl floor tiles and backing
- Textured ceiling coatings ("popcorn" or stipple ceilings)
- Pipe lagging and duct insulation
- Roofing materials (some corrugated sheets and ridge caps)
- Putties, mastics, and adhesives
The only way to confirm asbestos is through laboratory analysis. A qualified asbestos assessor can take samples safely and send them to an accredited laboratory. Do not attempt to take samples yourself — this is a task for a professional. WorkSafe NZ maintains guidance on identifying and managing asbestos, and is the key regulatory authority in this space.
Understand Your Legal Obligations
In New Zealand, asbestos management is governed by the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. These regulations apply not just to workplaces but also to any situation where work is being carried out — including home renovations where tradespeople are present.
Key points to know:
- Class A asbestos removal (friable or damaged asbestos) must be carried out by a licensed Class A removalist.
- Class B asbestos removal (non-friable, bonded asbestos in good condition, up to 10 m²) can be done by a licensed Class B removalist.
- Homeowners doing their own DIY work on their own home occupy a grey area, but the regulations still strongly encourage using licensed professionals, and some councils have additional requirements.
- An asbestos removal control plan is required for licensed removal work.
Always check with MBIE Building Performance and WorkSafe if you're unsure whether your project triggers formal obligations.
Hire a Licensed Asbestos Removalist
For anything beyond the smallest, clearly intact and undisturbed bonded asbestos (and even then, caution is warranted), you should engage a licensed asbestos removal contractor. A licensed professional will:
- Conduct or arrange a proper asbestos survey and risk assessment
- Prepare a removal control plan
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and containment
- Dispose of asbestos waste at an approved facility in sealed, labelled bags
- Provide a clearance certificate once work is complete
You can find qualified asbestos removal specialists in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.
What Homeowners Can and Cannot Do
| Task | Homeowner DIY? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visual inspection | Yes | Do not disturb materials |
| Sampling for testing | No | Use a qualified assessor |
| Sealing off the area | Yes | Basic precaution only |
| Removing friable (crumbly) asbestos | No | Class A licensed removalist required |
| Removing bonded ACMs (small area, good condition) | Caution | Strongly recommended to use licensed Class B removalist |
| Disposing of asbestos waste | No | Must go to an approved facility |
Asbestos Waste Disposal
Asbestos waste cannot go in your general rubbish or skip bin. It must be double-bagged in heavy-duty polythene bags, clearly labelled, and taken to a landfill that is licensed to accept asbestos waste. Your local council can advise on approved disposal sites. A licensed removalist will handle this as part of their service.
Protecting Others on Site
If tradespeople are working on your renovation, you have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to inform them of any known or suspected hazards — including asbestos. Do not allow workers back into the affected area until testing is complete and any necessary removal has been signed off with a clearance certificate.
When to Call a Professional
You should call a licensed asbestos assessor or removalist if:
- You've found or suspect any ACMs in your home
- Any asbestos-containing material has already been disturbed or damaged
- You're planning renovations in a pre-1990 home and haven't had an asbestos survey done
- Tradespeople on your site have flagged a concern
BRANZ is an excellent resource for understanding how building materials were used historically in NZ homes, which can help you assess risk before work begins. For licensed tradespeople and specialists, visit tradedirectory.co.nz to find a professional near you.