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Step-by-Step Safe Work Procedure for Asbestos Garage and Shed Cladding Removal in Auckland

Step-by-Step Safe Work Procedure for Asbestos Garage or Shed Cladding Removal in Auckland

If your Auckland property has an old garage or shed built before the 1990s, there’s a good chance the cladding contains asbestos. For decades, asbestos cement sheeting was used because it was tough, fire-resistant, and cheap. The problem? Once disturbed, those sheets can release asbestos fibres that are invisible to the eye and dangerous to breathe in.

Breathing in asbestos can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma later in life. That’s why under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, cladding removal must follow strict rules — and why it’s a job for licensed asbestos removalists, not DIY.

Here’s the step-by-step safe work procedure used by professionals in Auckland.

Step 1: Site Inspection and Notification

  • A licensed asbestos assessor inspects the garage or shed to confirm asbestos.

  • If the removal area is over 10m², WorkSafe NZ must be notified at least 5 days before the job starts.

Step 2: Setting Up the Work Area

  • Warning signs and barriers are placed around the shed or garage.

  • Neighbours may be notified if removal could affect them.

  • Plastic sheeting and drop cloths are laid to catch any debris.

Step 3: PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

  • Workers wear P2 respirators, disposable coveralls, gloves, and safety boots.

  • PPE is never reused — it’s disposed of as asbestos waste.

Step 4: Safe Removal of Asbestos Cladding

  • Sheets are kept damp to prevent dust.

  • Panels are removed whole using hand tools — no cutting, grinding, or breaking.

  • Sheets are carefully lowered (not dropped) to the ground.

Step 5: Waste Handling

  • Removed cladding is sealed in 200-micron plastic or double-bagged.

  • Packages are labelled clearly as “Asbestos Waste”.

  • Waste is transported to a licensed asbestos disposal facility in Auckland.

Step 6: Decontamination

  • Tools are cleaned with HEPA vacuums and wet wipes.

  • Workers decontaminate before leaving the site.

  • Used PPE is bagged and disposed of with the asbestos waste.

Step 7: Clearance Inspection

  • An independent licensed asbestos assessor inspects the shed or garage once removal is complete.

  • A clearance certificate is issued confirming the area is safe to use again.

Why You Need a Professional in Auckland

  • Legal requirement: Asbestos cladding removal over 10m² must be carried out by a licensed contractor.

  • Health protection: Professionals use safe removal methods, PPE, and air monitoring.

  • Proper disposal: Licensed removers know where and how to dispose of asbestos legally.

  • Peace of mind: You get the paperwork — notification records, waste dockets, clearance certificates — proving the job was done right.

Final Word

Asbestos garage and shed cladding removal in Auckland is not a DIY weekend project. It’s a dangerous job that can put your health, your family, and your neighbours at risk if handled incorrectly.

Follow the safe work procedure — and more importantly, hire a licensed asbestos professional. It’s the only way to make sure the job is safe, legal, and fully compliant.

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