Asbestos

Overview

Asbestos is New Zealand’s number one killer in the workplace. Around 220 people die each year from asbestos-related diseases. IN this guide we have put together some quick tips on what you need to know.

To learn more about basic asbestos risks, take our Passport Plus - Worker Health course or our Passport Plus – Flexi (Online + Classroom) course.

Why is asbestos dangerous?

Breathing in airborne asbestos fibres is a serious health risk. Once the fibres are inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs and may cause diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

If asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed, tiny fibres are released. These fibres are hazardous if breathed in, and if you don’t take the right precautions to protect yourself, you could be risking your life and your livelihood.

Where asbestos is found

Until the *mid-1980s, asbestos was often used as a fire retardant and insulation. It can often be found in places such as: sprayed-on fireproofing, soundproofing, thermal insulation, decorative coatings, floor coverings (such as vinyl), cement products, roofing sheets and lagging around pipes.

*The importation of blue and brown asbestos in its raw friable state has been banned since 1984 and white asbestos since 1999. A ban on the import of all products containing asbestos (except with a special permit) came into force on 1 October, 2016.

What to do if you suspect asbestos is present

If you have any suspicions that asbestos is present, ask an asbestos surveyor to conduct a survey. For more information on asbestos surveys, refer to the Good Practice Guidelines for Conducting Asbestos Surveys. If asbestos is found, you should bring in a licensed professional.

If you do uncover or damage materials that may contain asbestos:

• Stop the work immediately.
• Keep people away.
• Minimise the spread of contamination to other areas.
• Get advice on what to do next from a professional.

Asbestos licensing

In 2018 a licensing system for the removal of asbestos was introduced by WorkSafe.

There are two types of licences: Class A and B. These determine the type and amount of asbestos that you can remove.

Class A holders can remove:

• Friable asbestos or ACM (asbestos-containing material).
• Asbestos-contaminated dust or debris (ACD).
• Non-friable asbestos or ACM.

Class B can remove: 

• Non-friable asbestos or ACM.
• ACD associated with removing non-friable asbestos or ACM.

However, a competent person without a licence can remove:

• 10m² or less of non-friable asbestos or ACM (cumulatively over whole project) and the associated ACD.
• Minor amounts of ACD, not associated with the removal of friable or non-friable asbestos.

Licence holders can nominate supervisors on their WorkSafe licence to supervise workers. A licence must have at least one nominated supervisor. There is no limit to the number of supervisors as long as they meet the criteria.

Supervisors must be:

• Aged 18 or over, have a level of experience relevant to the Class of licence.
• Be present at the removal area when Class A work is carried out, and in the vicinity and readily available whenever Class B work is being carried out.
• Be suitably qualified as per WorkSafe requirements.

Assessors are required to provide air quality monitoring and clearance certificates for Class A removals.

To learn more about the monitoring requirements, refer to the Approved Code of Practice for the Management and Removal of Asbestos.

Notifications of licensed asbestos removal should be made to WorkSafe five days before work starts.

Further information

• Conducting asbestos surveys [WorkSafe]
• Asbestos licensing [WorkSafe]
• Approved Code of Practice for the Management and Removal of Asbestos [WorkSafe]