Asbestos

Find out more about managing and working with asbestos.

Management and removal of asbestos

This Approved Code of Practice sets out WorkSafe New Zealand’s (WorkSafe) expectations about how to comply with asbestos health and safety law, including the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016.

Where asbestos can be found

These A3 posters show where asbestos can be found in New Zealand industrial buildings and residential houses.

Working with asbestos

Access the latest guidance on working with asbestos. You can also find information on duties relating to work involving asbestos – licensed and unlicensed.

Asbestos quick guides for tradespeople

Asbestos poses a significant health risk for tradespeople, which is why we have launched four new guides designed to help plumbers, builders, electricians and painters quickly understand their responsibilities and manage the risks when working with or near asbestos.

How we approve methods for working with asbestos

This policy sets out how we use our authority to approve methods for managing the risk associated with asbestos at workplaces and how we treat these methods once approved.

Asbestos licensing

Find out whether you'll need a licence under the asbestos removal licence system and how to go about applying for one.

Certification of safety management systems

Any businesses applying for a Class A asbestos removal licence must have a certified safety management system in place by 4 April 2018.

Where to dispose of asbestos

Find out where and how to safely dispose of asbestos containing material.

Policy clarification: Meeting the duty to indicate the presence and location of asbestos at work

This policy clarification explains our view of the duty to indicate the presence and location of asbestos and asbestos-containing material (ACM) in the workplace. It includes situations in which asbestos and ACM are assumed to be present.

What you should know about working with asbestos

Anyone who works on the fabric of a building may be at risk of disturbing asbestos.

Asbestos safety after a natural event or emergency

When homes and other buildings containing asbestos are damaged during floods, the asbestos-containing materials can become eroded, disturbed, broken, or friable.

Consultation: Revoking the existing asbestos approved code of practice (ACOP)

Consultation: Asbestos-related guidance for tradespeople

Asbestos exposure register

Find out about the Asbestos Exposure Database.

Consultation: Good practice guidance for asbestos assessors

Asbestos removal: Good practice guidelines for licensed and unlicensed asbestos removalists

Conducting asbestos surveys – Good practice guidance for asbestos surveyors

Duty to notify licensed asbestos removal

Before you start any work to remove asbestos, you must inform WorkSafe at least five days before the work starts

Asbestos licence holder registers

Find a current licenced asbestos removalist or assessor using our asbestos licence holder registers.

Apply for an asbestos removal or assessor licence

Find out how to apply for an asbestos removal or assessor licence.

Frequently asked questions about asbestos

Frequently asked questions about working with asbestos.

Asbestos licensing FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about asbestos licences.

Information for existing asbestos licence holders

How to inform us of any changes to your information, apply for a replacement or to surrender your license

Existing asbestos licence holders

As an asbestos removal or asbestos assessor licence holder you’ll need to know how to get things done regarding your licence. You’ll also need to understand your licence holder obligations.

Training for asbestos workers

Training is an important part of the asbestos licensing system. In order to hold the right licence, workers in Class A and B, Supervisors and Assessors need to receive relevant training.