Planning a renovation, roof replacement, alteration or demolition? If your property was built before 1 January 2000, asbestos needs to be considered before work begins. Asbestos was widely used throughout New Zealand for decades because it was durable, fire-resistant and relatively inexpensive. It can be found in many parts of older homes, commercial buildings and other structures, including roofing, wall cladding, soffits, ceilings, flooring, linings, pipes and other building products. The problem is that asbestos can become a serious health hazard when asbestos-containing materials are damaged, cut, drilled, sanded, broken or otherwise disturbed. If you are planning building work, identifying and managing asbestos before renovation or demolition is not something that should be left until the work has started. At Reform Environmental Limited, we provide professional asbestos removal services throughout Auckland, helping property owners, builders, developers and contractors manage asbestos safely and responsibly.
The greatest risk from asbestos occurs when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed and release microscopic fibres into the air. These fibres can be inhaled and can become lodged in the lungs. Exposure to asbestos is associated with serious diseases, including asbestos-related lung disease and cancers. Importantly, asbestos-containing materials can sometimes look like ordinary building products, making it difficult to identify asbestos simply by looking at it. WorkSafe notes that buildings constructed before 1 January 2000 are particularly likely to contain asbestos-containing materials. (WorkSafe New Zealand)The risk becomes significantly greater when renovation or demolition work begins. Drilling into an asbestos wall, cutting asbestos cement sheets, removing old flooring, sanding textured coatings or demolishing an asbestos-containing structure can potentially release fibres and contaminate the surrounding area. This is why asbestos should be addressed before renovation, refurbishment or demolition begins.
Trying to save money by ignoring asbestos or removing it incorrectly can potentially create much greater costs and risks later.
Poorly controlled asbestos work can expose workers, contractors, occupants, neighbours and other people to airborne asbestos fibres. Once asbestos dust has spread through a property, cleaning and decontamination can become significantly more complicated and expensive.
Incorrect removal can spread asbestos dust and debris into areas that were not originally contaminated. This can result in additional cleaning, testing, remediation and delays before the property can safely be occupied or work can continue.
Discovering asbestos halfway through a renovation or demolition can bring a project to a halt. Builders may need to stop work while the asbestos is assessed, removed and the affected area cleared. Planning asbestos removal before the project begins can help prevent unnecessary delays.
New Zealand has specific requirements for managing asbestos. The Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 include requirements relating to identifying asbestos before demolition and refurbishment, managing asbestos risks, using licensed asbestos removalists where required, preparing removal control plans, notifying WorkSafe where required, controlling access to removal areas and obtaining clearance before an area is reoccupied. (New Zealand Legislation)Depending on the circumstances, failing to comply with these requirements can expose businesses, property owners and other duty holders to enforcement action and significant penalties. For example, the regulations contain offences and fines relating to activities such as carrying out asbestos removal without the required licence and using an unlicensed person for work that requires a licence. (New Zealand Legislation)There can also be serious contractual and financial consequences if asbestos contamination causes a construction project to stop, damages property or exposes workers or members of the public. The cheapest option at the beginning of a project can become the most expensive option if asbestos is ignored.
One of the most important steps is identifying asbestos before work begins. New Zealand’s asbestos regulations specifically address the requirement to identify and remove asbestos before demolition and refurbishment work in applicable circumstances. (New Zealand Legislation)This means asbestos shouldn’t be treated as something to deal with after the builder has already started pulling walls, removing roofs or demolishing the property. Before starting your project, consider:
If you are unsure, stop and get professional advice before disturbing the material.
While every property is different, a professional asbestos removal project generally follows a structured process.
The first step is determining whether asbestos-containing materials may be present. This may involve reviewing existing asbestos information, examining the building and, where necessary, arranging appropriate sampling and analysis. Never assume that an old building product is asbestos-free simply because it looks harmless. If there is uncertainty about whether a material contains asbestos, the safest approach is to treat it appropriately and obtain professional advice.
Once asbestos-containing material has been identified, the next step is determining what condition it is in and whether it will be disturbed by the proposed work. Asbestos does not necessarily have to be removed simply because it exists. Depending on its condition and location, asbestos may sometimes be managed in place. However, if renovation, refurbishment or demolition will disturb the material, removal may be necessary before the work can safely proceed.
For properties where asbestos remains in place, appropriate management may include recording:
For workplaces, asbestos management requirements can include an asbestos management plan. WorkSafe’s regulations specifically address the identification and management of asbestos risks. (New Zealand Legislation)
If asbestos needs to be removed, the removal method depends on the type, condition and quantity of asbestos involved. New Zealand’s licensing system includes Class A and Class B asbestos removal licences. A Class A licence covers the removal of any type or quantity of asbestos, including friable asbestos. A Class B licence covers non-friable asbestos and associated asbestos-contaminated dust and debris within the scope of the licence. There is also a limited exception for certain small-scale removal of up to and including 10m² of non-friable asbestos over the course of a removal project, but the work must still be carried out safely and appropriate controls must be used. (WorkSafe New Zealand)This is one reason it is important to have the work assessed properly rather than assuming that asbestos can simply be removed because the area is small.
Where licensed asbestos removal is required, the work must be carried out by an appropriately licensed asbestos removalist. A professional asbestos removal contractor will establish the required controls for the project, which may include:
WorkSafe’s licensing system distinguishes between Class A and Class B removal work, and licensed removalists are listed on WorkSafe’s public register. (WorkSafe New Zealand)
The asbestos removal process must be carefully controlled to minimise the release and spread of asbestos fibres. The material should be removed using appropriate methods rather than simply broken, cut or demolished. Asbestos waste and contaminated PPE must also be handled and disposed of appropriately. WorkSafe requires asbestos waste to be managed safely, including disposal at an appropriate licensed landfill. (WorkSafe New Zealand)This is an important distinction between professional asbestos removal and simply having someone “take the asbestos away”. The goal isn’t just to remove the visible material. The goal is to safely remove the asbestos while preventing contamination of the surrounding property.
Once the asbestos-containing material has been removed, the removal area must be thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Depending on the type of removal, this can involve specialist cleaning methods, HEPA-filtered equipment and detailed visual inspection. The area should not simply be handed back to the builder because the asbestos material has disappeared. The removal area must be assessed to determine whether it is safe for reoccupation.
A critical final step is the clearance process. After licensed asbestos removal work has been completed, the asbestos removal area must undergo the appropriate clearance inspection before it can be reoccupied. For Class A asbestos removal, the clearance inspection must be conducted by an independent licensed asbestos assessor. For Class B and certain other asbestos removal work, clearance can be conducted by an independent competent person who meets the applicable requirements. An independent licensed asbestos assessor can also undertake the clearance. (WorkSafe New Zealand)The purpose of the clearance inspection is to confirm that the area is safe to reoccupy. The assessor or competent person considers whether the removal area and surrounding area are free from visible asbestos contamination and, where applicable, whether air monitoring results meet the required standard. (New Zealand Legislation)
Once the area has successfully passed the required clearance process, a written clearance certificate is issued. This documentation provides an important record that the asbestos removal area has been inspected and cleared in accordance with the applicable requirements. The area should not be reoccupied or returned to normal work activities before the required clearance has been completed. WorkSafe specifically states that a clearance certificate is required before the asbestos removal area can be reoccupied for demolition, other work activities or normal use. (WorkSafe New Zealand)For builders and property owners, this final documentation can be an important part of the project’s health and safety records.
Asbestos removal isn’t simply about removing an old roof, wall or piece of cladding. It is about controlling a hazardous substance from the moment it is identified through to removal, cleaning, disposal and final clearance. Choosing an experienced asbestos removal contractor can help you: Reduce health risks
Protect workers, occupants, neighbours and other people who could potentially be exposed. Reduce project delays
Deal with asbestos before renovation or demolition begins rather than discovering it halfway through the project. Meet regulatory requirements
Use the appropriate controls, procedures and licensing requirements for the work. Prevent unnecessary contamination
Professional removal techniques are designed to minimise the spread of asbestos fibres and debris. Have proper documentation
Maintain appropriate removal and clearance records for your project. Get peace of mind
Know that your asbestos removal is being handled by professionals who understand the risks involved.
If you’re planning a renovation, demolition, roof replacement, extension or other building work on an older property, don’t wait until the project has started to think about asbestos. Identify it. Manage it. Remove it safely. Clear it properly. Taking care of asbestos before construction work begins can help protect people, prevent contamination, reduce delays and keep your project moving.
Reform Environmental Limited provides professional asbestos removal services throughout Auckland. Our asbestos removal services include non-friable asbestos (Class B) removal, including asbestos-containing cladding, soffits, baseboards, roofing and other building materials. We also provide demolition and deconstruction services, allowing asbestos considerations to be incorporated into projects where removal and demolition work are closely connected. (Reform Environmental Limited)Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, property manager, developer or contractor, we can help you determine the appropriate next steps for your asbestos removal project.
Phone: 021 027 94766
Email: info@reformenvironmental.co.nz
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Hours: 7:00am – 5:00pm
Contact Reform Environmental Limited today to discuss your project and arrange a professional asbestos removal solution. Don’t risk disturbing asbestos yourself. Get the professionals involved before work begins.