Safe Asbestos Cladding Removal in Homes – Testing, Removal & Clearance Guide
Asbestos Cladding Removal from Your Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
Asbestos was once a popular building material, especially in cladding used on New Zealand homes. Today, we know the risks it poses. Breathing in asbestos fibres can lead to serious long-term health issues, which is why asbestos cladding removal must always be handled with care and in line with WorkSafe NZ regulations.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide that shows what happens during the removal of asbestos cladding, from testing right through to handing your property safely back.
Step 1: Asbestos Testing and Survey
Before any removal work begins, the cladding must be tested by a licensed asbestos assessor or surveyor. A small sample of the cladding is taken and sent to an accredited lab for analysis.
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Why it matters: Not all older cladding contains asbestos, so professional asbestos testing avoids unnecessary work.
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Step 2: Setting Up the Site
Once asbestos has been confirmed, the removalist sets up the site to make it safe:
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Fencing and warning signs are placed around the property.
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Plastic sheeting or polythene is used to contain fibres.
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Negative air units or wet methods may be used to stop fibres becoming airborne.
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A decontamination unit is installed for workers.
This ensures that asbestos cladding removal is carried out without risk to your family, neighbours, or the environment.
Step 3: Safe Removal of Asbestos Cladding
With controls in place, the licensed asbestos removalist carefully begins work:
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Cladding panels are removed intact where possible to minimise fibre release.
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Surfaces are kept damp to prevent dust.
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Workers wear approved PPE (respirators, coveralls, gloves, boots).
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Removed cladding is immediately sealed in double-layered asbestos disposal bags or lined skip bins.
The goal is to prevent asbestos fibres from entering the air during every stage of removal.
Step 4: Clearance Testing and Site Cleaning
When the asbestos cladding removal is finished, an independent licensed assessor conducts clearance testing:
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Air monitoring is carried out to check that fibre levels are safe.
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Visual inspections confirm all asbestos debris is removed.
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Only when the site passes clearance is the area declared safe for re-occupation.
Step 5: Packing Down the Site and Handover
Finally, the removal team dismantles the containment system and decontamination unit. The asbestos waste is securely transported to a licensed landfill facility.
The site owner is then handed:
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A clearance certificate
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Waste disposal documentation
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Recommendations for future safe building work
At this point, the property is safe for you and your family to return to normal use.
Key Takeaway for Homeowners
Asbestos cladding removal is not a DIY job. It requires professional testing, careful site setup, safe removal practices, and independent clearance before handover. By following the proper process, you protect your family, your neighbours, and the environment while staying compliant with NZ asbestos regulations.
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