How to Safely Remove Class B Asbestos Garage Cladding in New Zealand (Without Risking Your Health or Wallet)
🏠 So, You’ve Got Asbestos on the Garage? Here’s What You Do.
If your garage was built before the mid-1980s in New Zealand, there’s a good chance its cladding contains Class B asbestos — the non-friable kind commonly found in cement sheeting. It won’t crumble like fairy dust, but if you drill, break, or rip it the wrong way, it can still pose serious health risks.
Let’s break it down — in everyday language — on how to safely remove Class B asbestos cladding from your garage without turning your backyard into a hazmat scene.
✅ Step-by-Step Safe Asbestos Cladding Removal
1. Stop. Don’t Touch It Yet.
First things first: get the cladding tested. Just because it looks like asbestos doesn’t mean it is. Hire a certified asbestos assessor to take a sample. You can’t legally or safely remove it until you're 100% sure.
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2. Know the Rules (Before You Break Them)
Under NZ law, Class B asbestos removal under 10 square metres can be done by a non-licensed person — but that doesn’t mean it’s a DIY dream. You still need to follow WorkSafe NZ asbestos regulations.
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3. Get the Gear
Here’s your basic asbestos survival kit:
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P2 disposable respirator
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Disposable coveralls
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Safety goggles
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Nitrile gloves
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Spray bottle (water with a little detergent)
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200-micron plastic sheeting
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Duct tape
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Warning signage
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4. Set Up a Containment Zone
Wrap the work area like it’s going into a plastic cocoon. Lay down plastic sheeting to stop fibres settling in the soil. Tape off access and put up warning signs.
5. Keep It Wet – No Exceptions
Spray the cladding lightly with your detergent-water mix. This keeps dust and fibres from going airborne. Never use power tools or break the sheets. If it’s nailed in, remove whole sheets carefully.
6. Bag It Like You Mean It
Once removed, double-wrap the sheets in plastic sheeting and seal with tape. Clearly label it "Asbestos Waste".
DO NOT: Throw it in your wheelie bin or on the bonfire. That’s illegal and dangerous.
7. Dispose of It Properly
Take it to an approved asbestos disposal site. Call your local council for advice or check the WorkSafe NZ website. You’ll need to pay a fee, but it’s way cheaper than a fine (or a funeral).
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8. Clean Up Like a Pro
Use damp cloths to wipe down the area. DO NOT vacuum (unless you’ve got a certified asbestos vacuum — and if you did, why are you still reading this?).
All disposable gear goes into a sealed asbestos waste bag too.
9. Log It
Even if you did it legally as a homeowner, keep records — before-and-after photos, test results, council info. If you sell your house, you’ll want proof the work was done right.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should
Look, if you’re confident, careful, and working under the 10 sqm limit — you can legally remove Class B asbestos garage cladding. But if you’re not 100% sure or the job’s bigger, hire a licensed asbestos remover. It’s your health, your family, your call.
🔗 Want Help or Professional Advice?
Contact Property Help Ltd or any licensed Class B asbestos removalist near you. Better safe than sorry — especially with asbestos.
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