Step-by-Step Safe Work Procedure for Asbestos Soffit Removal in Auckland

Step-by-Step Safe Work Procedure for Asbestos Soffit Removal in Auckland

If your Auckland home was built before the late 1980s, those flat panels under your roofline — called soffits or eaves — might look harmless, but many of them were made with asbestos cement sheets. They’re solid when left alone, but once drilled, broken, or removed, they can release dangerous asbestos fibres into the air.

Breathing in those fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma years down the track. That’s why asbestos soffit removal is not a DIY project — it’s regulated under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 and must be handled by licensed asbestos professionals.

Here’s how the job should be done, step by step.

Step 1: Inspection and Testing

• A licensed asbestos assessor inspects the soffits and takes samples for lab testing.

• If asbestos is confirmed, a Removal Control Plan (RCP) is created detailing the risks and control measures.

• For any area over 10m², WorkSafe NZ must be notified at least 5 days before removal begins.

Step 2: Site Setup and Preparation

• The work area is isolated with barricades and asbestos warning signs.

• Plastic sheeting or drop cloths are placed underneath to catch any falling debris.

• Neighbours may be notified if the soffit removal could affect them.

Step 3: PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

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

• PPE is not worn off-site — it’s removed and disposed of after the job.

• All workers are trained and licensed for asbestos removal work.

Step 4: Safe Removal Process

• Soffit sheets are kept damp using a low-pressure water spray to reduce dust.

• Sheets are carefully unscrewed or unbolted using hand tools — never broken or snapped off.

• Power tools that generate dust (like saws or grinders) are strictly prohibited.

• Each panel is lowered to the ground gently — never dropped or thrown.

Step 5: Waste Handling and Disposal

• Removed soffits are immediately sealed in 200-micron plastic wrap or double-bagged.

• Each package is clearly labelled “Asbestos Waste – Do Not Open”.

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

Step 6: Decontamination

• Workers clean tools using HEPA vacuums and wet wipes.

• PPE is bagged and disposed of as asbestos waste.

• Workers wash hands and face before leaving the site.

Step 7: Clearance Inspection

• An independent licensed asbestos assessor inspects the area.

• A clearance certificate is issued to confirm it’s safe to reoccupy or paint.

• All waste documentation is stored for compliance records.

Why You Need a Professional in Auckland

• Legal Requirement: Any asbestos soffit removal over 10m² must be done by a licensed Class B removalist.

• Health Protection: Professionals know how to control airborne dust and prevent contamination.

• Proper Disposal: Licensed removalists use approved transport and disposal methods.

• WorkSafe Compliance: You’ll receive all the right paperwork — notifications, waste dockets, and clearance certificates.

• Peace of Mind: You’ll know it’s done right, safely, and legally.

Final Word

Asbestos soffit removal in Auckland might look like a quick renovation job, but it’s one of those jobs where what you can’t see can hurt you. Asbestos fibres are microscopic and deadly — once disturbed, they can linger in the air and spread through your property.

Always hire a licensed asbestos professional to remove soffits. They’ll follow the proper Safe Work Procedure, protect your family and neighbours, and make sure everything complies with WorkSafe NZ regulations.

When it comes to asbestos — there’s no safe shortcut. Do it once, do it right.