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How to Conduct an Asbestos Survey in Auckland (and Why You Need a Professional)

How to Conduct an Asbestos Survey in Auckland

If your Auckland home, commercial building, or rental was built before the mid-1980s, there’s a real chance it contains asbestos — in walls, ceilings, soffits, flooring, pipes, or roofing. Back then, asbestos was the miracle mineral: cheap, fire-resistant, and tough as nails.

Today, it’s one of the most tightly controlled materials under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 because asbestos fibres cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

That’s why any renovation, demolition, or maintenance work in an older building must start with an asbestos survey.

Here’s how it’s done — and why you should never DIY it.

Step 1: Identify the Need for a Survey

Ask yourself:

  • Is the property built before 2000?

  • Am I planning renovations or demolition?

  • Have materials been disturbed or damaged?

If you tick yes to any of those, you legally need an asbestos survey. In Auckland, WorkSafe NZ can issue fines for starting building work without one.

Step 2: Hire a Licensed Asbestos Assessor

You can’t just grab a sample yourself. The moment you scrape, drill, or break material, you risk releasing invisible fibres.

A licensed asbestos assessor uses the right gear — PPE, HEPA vacuums, and air-monitoring devices — and follows strict sampling procedures to keep you, your family, and workers safe.

Look for someone who:

  • Holds a WorkSafe NZ asbestos assessor licence.

  • Follows NZS ISO 17020:2012 standards for inspection bodies.

  • Provides a written survey report and laboratory results.

Step 3: The Site Inspection

The assessor walks through your property and looks for asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) — like textured ceilings, vinyl tiles, cement sheets, lagged pipes, or roofing panels.

They collect small, sealed samples from suspect materials and send them to an IANZ-accredited lab for analysis.

There are two main types of surveys:

  1. Management Survey – identifies asbestos still in good condition, often used for ongoing maintenance.

  2. Demolition or Refurbishment Survey – a deeper inspection before major building work, where asbestos may be disturbed.

Step 4: Lab Testing and Reporting

The lab confirms whether asbestos is present, and if so, what type (chrysotile, amosite, or crocidolite).

Your assessor then provides a detailed Asbestos Survey Report, which includes:

  • Locations and types of asbestos found.

  • Photographs and condition ratings.

  • Recommendations for management or removal.

  • A risk assessment matrix showing priority areas.

This report becomes your official asbestos register — something every PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) in NZ must keep.

Step 5: Follow-Up Actions

If asbestos is found, you have two options:

  1. Manage it in place – if it’s in good condition and not being disturbed.

  2. Arrange safe removal – by a licensed Class A or B asbestos removalist.

Either way, you’ll need to update your asbestos management plan and share it with anyone working on the property.

Why You Should Always Use a Professional

  • Health Risk: Asbestos fibres can stay airborne for days. One wrong move and you’ve contaminated your home or worksite.

  • Legal Requirement: Only licensed assessors can legally carry out asbestos surveys or clearance inspections.

  • Accurate Results: Professionals use accredited labs, giving you official proof for councils or insurers.

  • Peace of Mind: You’ll know exactly what you’re dealing with — no nasty surprises mid-renovation.

DIY testing kits might seem cheaper, but they don’t include air monitoring, risk assessment, or WorkSafe-compliant reporting. In short: they’re risky, unreliable, and often rejected by councils.

Final Word

If you’re planning any building or renovation work in Auckland, getting a professional asbestos survey isn’t optional — it’s essential. It protects your health, keeps you legal, and can save you thousands in cleanup or fines.

Don’t take chances with asbestos. Hire a licensed asbestos assessor who follows the proper Safe Work Procedure and provides a full report.

When it comes to asbestos — knowledge isn’t just power. It’s protection.

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