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Class B Asbestos Cladding Removal Before Demolition in Auckland – What Homeowners Must Do Before the House Comes Down

How Professionals Remove Asbestos Cladding Before Demolition

1️⃣ Asbestos Testing & Identification

Before anything happens, a licensed asbestos assessor samples the cladding and sends it to an accredited lab.

You cannot identify asbestos by sight alone.

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2️⃣ Asbestos Removal Control Plan (ARCP)

If asbestos is confirmed, the removalist prepares a Class B Asbestos Removal Control Plan, outlining:

  • Work methods

  • Containment controls

  • PPE requirements

  • Waste handling

  • Emergency procedures

This document is mandatory and may be requested by council or WorkSafe.

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3️⃣ Careful, Non-Destructive Removal

Before demolition, the cladding is removed intact, not smashed:

  • Sheets are lightly wetted to suppress dust

  • Fasteners are removed by hand

  • No cutting, grinding, or breaking

  • Sheets are lowered carefully

  • All material is double-wrapped in 200-micron plastic

This keeps fibres contained and prevents site contamination.

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4️⃣ Site Clean-Up & Inspection

Once cladding is removed:

  • The structure is HEPA-vacuumed

  • Loose debris is collected

  • Ground areas are checked

  • Any contaminated soil is addressed

Only then is the site safe for demolition to proceed.

5️⃣ Legal Transport & Disposal

All asbestos cladding is:

  • Transported in sealed vehicles

  • Logged under a waste manifest

  • Disposed of at an approved asbestos landfill

This ensures full compliance with HSNO and WorkSafe NZ regulations.

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Why Homeowners Must Use a Licensed Professional

Removing asbestos cladding before demolition is not DIY and not builder work.

Here’s why you need a licensed asbestos removalist:

❌ Demolition crews are not asbestos removalists

They are trained to knock buildings down — not handle hazardous materials.

❌ Breaking cladding turns Class B into a bigger hazard

Once smashed, fibres go airborne instantly.

❌ Illegal removal can stop your project

WorkSafe can shut the site down and issue fines.

❌ Insurance and council approvals depend on it

Most insurers and councils require proof asbestos was removed correctly.

❌ Site contamination is extremely expensive to fix

Clean-ups can run into tens of thousands of dollars.

Licensed asbestos professionals bring:

  • WorkSafe Class B licensing

  • Proper PPE and containment

  • Correct paperwork

  • Safe waste disposal

  • Clearance documentation

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Signs Your House Likely Has Asbestos Cladding

You should assume asbestos until proven otherwise if:

  • The house was built before 1990

  • Exterior walls are flat grey cement sheets

  • Edges look fibrous when damaged

  • Sheets are brittle or chalky

  • Old garages or sleepouts match the main house

If you’re planning demolition — test early. It saves time and money.

The Bottom Line for Auckland Homeowners

If you’re demolishing a house in Auckland, asbestos cladding must be removed first — safely, legally, and professionally.

Hiring a WorkSafe-licensed Class B asbestos removalist ensures:

✓ No site contamination
✓ No delays to demolition
✓ Compliance with council and WorkSafe
✓ Proper disposal
✓ Peace of mind

Trying to cut corners with asbestos before demolition almost always backfires.
Do it right the first time — then let the diggers roll in safely.

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