Can you remove asbestos yourself NZ?;Can You Remove Asbestos Yourself in New Zealand? A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners
Can you remove asbestos yourself NZ?
Safety 1st Removals Ltd is an a Class A Removalist and has experience both here and Australia and we have over 20 years experience within our personnel.
The Frequent most asked question we get asked is Can you remove asbestos yourself NZ? Safety 1st Removals Ltd Director John Kerr always finds this question very hard to answer. The reason being with some much education and awareness promoted about the dangers of Asbestos it is hard to fathom why you would want to Remove Asbestos yourself.
Can you remove asbestos yourself NZ? 60 people die both in NZ and Australia every year from Asbestos Related causes. Asbestos causes scarring on the lungs which in turn leads to respiratory problems and eventually death. Symptoms can sometimes take 20 - 30 years to show signs of Asbestosis.
Can you remove asbestos yourself NZ? In NZ Worksafe NZ recommends that for Class B Asbestos Removal Work house owners can remove up to 10sqm on any given project. Safety 1st Removals Ltd Director explains "this relates to work like removal of Cladding, fence etc when the Asbestos Contaminated Material is being removed in whole sections.If the whole project of Asbestos Removal is more than 10 sqm you cannot remove 10sqm today and another 10 sqm tomorrow. If this occurs you must source the expertise of an approved Asbestos Removalist like Safety 1st Removals Ltd".
Can you remove asbestos yourself NZ? WorkSafe NZ states that for any Class A removal that a Class A approved Licensed Removalist is engaged to remove the Asbestos. Safety 1st Removals Ltd Director explains. "Class A Asbestos is defined as being in a Friable state and this very unstable. Friable State relates to the condition of the product and mostly this can be very crumbly and thus releasing fibres into environment which you would be breathing into your system.So if you have any doubts seek professional advice".
Can you remove asbestos yourself NZ? So in conclusion John Kerr Director of Safety 1st Removals Ltd Both a Class A and B approved Asbestos Removal Company recommends that for any Asbestos Removal that you seek the advice of a professional". Remember Asbestos Related illnesses is one of the biggest Workplace killers in Both NZ and Australia.
Can You Remove Asbestos Yourself in New Zealand?
Short answer: Removing asbestos yourself in New Zealand is not recommended and often not legal for anything beyond small quantities of non-friable asbestos. New Zealand law, under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, strictly regulates asbestos handling to protect you and others from the serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure. Let’s dive into the details and look at what homeowners should do if they suspect asbestos in their property.
Why DIY Asbestos Removal Isn’t a Good Idea
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure Asbestos is a proven carcinogen, and prolonged exposure can lead to asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. If asbestos materials are disturbed, microscopic fibers can become airborne and pose serious risks when inhaled.
Legal Restrictions in New Zealand According to New Zealand’s WorkSafe NZ guidelines, homeowners are legally allowed to remove up to 10 square meters of non-friable asbestos materials (e.g., asbestos-cement sheets) without a license. However, the task is highly regulated, and homeowners must follow strict safety protocols.
What Is Non-Friable Asbestos? Non-friable asbestos is bonded with other materials (like cement), making it less likely to release fibers unless broken. Examples include asbestos cement sheeting and vinyl floor tiles. In contrast, friable asbestos is loose and easily releases fibers, which makes it much more dangerous.
Key Tip: Even if removal is allowed, it’s not recommended to attempt it yourself due to the high risks and strict safety standards involved. For the health of yourself, your family, and neighbors, it’s best to get asbestos professionally tested and removed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Asbestos Tested by a Professional
Step 1: Identify Common Areas for Asbestos in Your Home
Where to Look Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were commonly used in construction until the 1990s. Look for asbestos in these areas:
- Ceilings: Textured “popcorn” ceilings.
- Walls: Cement sheets, especially in wet areas like bathrooms.
- Flooring: Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives.
- Roofing: Corrugated asbestos-cement sheets.
- Soffits and exterior cladding.
If your home was built or renovated before the late 1980s, there’s a higher likelihood that asbestos-containing materials were used.
Important Note: You cannot determine whether a material contains asbestos just by looking at it. Professional testing is essential.
Step 2: Do Not Disturb Suspected Materials
Why You Shouldn’t Disturb Suspected Asbestos Asbestos is most dangerous when disturbed, as this releases hazardous fibers into the air. Don’t attempt to cut, drill, sand, or even clean suspected materials until they are tested.
What Not to Do:
- Avoid breaking or cutting into suspected materials.
- Don’t vacuum or sweep up debris that could be from asbestos-containing materials.
- Do not try to take samples yourself.
Step 3: Hire a Licensed Asbestos Surveyor
Professional Help Is Essential To confirm the presence of asbestos in your home, you’ll need to hire a licensed asbestos surveyor. These professionals are equipped to safely collect samples and test them in a certified lab.
How to Find a Surveyor:
- Look up licensed asbestos surveyors in your area via WorkSafe NZ’s directory.
- Verify that the surveyor is qualified and certified under local regulations.
- Ask for reviews or recommendations to find reliable professionals.
Cost Estimate: In New Zealand, an asbestos survey typically costs between $400 and $800, depending on the size of your home and the number of samples.
Important Tip: Don’t try to collect samples yourself, as this could expose you to dangerous asbestos fibers.
Step 4: Schedule and Conduct the Asbestos Survey
What Happens During the Survey The licensed surveyor will:
- Perform a visual inspection of the areas likely to contain asbestos.
- Collect small samples from suspected materials for laboratory testing.
- Identify the types and conditions of asbestos-containing materials.
Key Tip: Choose a management survey if you need to assess general risk, or a refurbishment/demolition survey if you plan on renovating or demolishing.
Step 5: Review the Asbestos Survey Report
Understanding the Results After the testing, you’ll receive a report detailing:
- The presence and type of asbestos found.
- The condition of the materials (whether they’re damaged or intact).
- Recommendations for managing or removing the asbestos materials.
Safe Management Options:
- Encapsulation: Sealing the asbestos material to prevent fibers from becoming airborne.
- Removal: If the material is damaged or if you’re planning renovations, removal by licensed professionals is necessary.
Step 6: Plan for Safe Removal by Professionals
Why Professional Removal Is Essential In New Zealand, asbestos removal must be handled by licensed asbestos removalists following strict safety protocols outlined by WorkSafe NZ. Attempting DIY removal is illegal for larger amounts or more dangerous friable asbestos, and it could expose you and others to serious health risks.
Cost of Asbestos Removal: Asbestos removal in New Zealand can range from $1,500 to $10,000 or more, depending on the type and extent of the asbestos material being removed.
Conclusion
If you suspect asbestos in your home, it’s essential to take the right steps to confirm and handle it safely. New Zealand law allows only very limited DIY asbestos removal under strict conditions. Even if it’s legal, it’s usually not worth the risk. Your best bet is to hire a licensed asbestos surveyor to conduct professional testing and then follow their recommendations for safe management or removal. By doing so, you’ll protect your health and ensure compliance with WorkSafe NZ regulations.