How to Safely Remove an Old Shed with Asbestos in New Zealand (Even If You’ve Never Touched Asbestos Before)

Step-by-Step Safe Work Procedure for Shed Asbestos Removal

⚠️ Legal Warning: If the shed contains Class A asbestos (friable) or if the job is too big (more than 10 sqm of bonded asbestos), you must use a licensed asbestos removalist. You can’t DIY that. The rules are tight in NZ — and for good reason.

Step 1: Identify the Asbestos Material

Don’t guess. Get an asbestos survey done by a professional. They’ll take a sample, test it, and tell you exactly what you’re dealing with: Class A or Class B, friable or non-friable.

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Step 2: Gear Up Like You’re Going to the Moon

If it’s non-friable asbestos and under 10 sqm, DIY is allowed — but don’t even think about touching it without proper gear.

• P2 disposable respirator (AS/NZS 1716-compliant)

• Disposable overalls (cover from neck to ankle, hood up!)

• Gloves (nitrile or rubber)

• Boot covers or gumboots you can clean

Buy them. Use them. Bin them when you’re done. Don’t re-wear your asbestos clothes to the shops. That’s how exposure happens.

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Step 3: Set Up the Work Area

You’re not just ripping out an old shed — you’re setting up a controlled work zone.

• Fence it off.

• Put up “Asbestos Removal in Progress” signs (you can print them).

• Lay down plastic sheeting (200 microns thick) around the shed.

• Tape seams to catch all dust and debris.

You want to trap and contain, not spread and breathe.

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Step 4: Wet It, Then Wet It Again

Dry asbestos is deadly asbestos.
Use a low-pressure garden sprayer with a mix of water and a bit of detergent. Wet the panels down — don’t blast them with a hose.

Keep it wet while removing. Re-wet every time you move a piece. This keeps the fibres from becoming airborne.

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Step 5: Unscrew and Remove Gently

Don’t snap, smash, or angle-grind.
Unscrew gently. Keep sheets whole if you can. Lower them to the ground softly — don’t drop them.

Break a sheet? Stop. Wet it again. Bag the pieces separately.

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Step 6: Bag It Like It’s Biohazard Waste

Use 6-mil thick plastic asbestos bags or double wrap with heavy-duty plastic sheeting. Label them clearly: "CAUTION – ASBESTOS".

Seal with duct tape. No leaks. No shortcuts. It’s a legal requirement under Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016.

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Step 7: Decontaminate Like a Pro

Before you go inside:

• Wipe down your boots.

• Bag your disposable gear.

• Shower immediately.

• Wash up like you’ve been to a toxic rave.

Never let asbestos dust into your home.

Step 8: Dispose at a Licensed Landfill

You can’t dump this at the local tip. Call your local council or licensed transfer station (e.g., Redvale, Pikes Point, or Hampton Downs) and book an asbestos drop-off.

They’ll tell you when, where, and how. Fees apply — but it’s worth every dollar.

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Bonus: Consider Hiring a Pro

If you're unsure, nervous, or your shed’s bigger than a dog kennel, hire an asbestos removalist. They’ve got the gear, the licence, and the experience.

It’s faster. Safer. And often, cheaper when you factor in gear, risk, and fines.

Final Word

You can take down that tired asbestos shed yourself — but only if you do it right.
New Zealand’s asbestos laws are there for your protection, not just red tape.
If you follow this guide, you’ll save your lungs, your wallet, and probably your marriage.

Stay safe, keep it wet, and don’t mess around with asbestos.