Key points

• Buildings built before 1 January 2000 are likely to contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). For buildings built after 1 January 2000, it is possible ACM is present, but it is less likely.
• Breathing in airborne asbestos fibres is a serious health risk. When breathed in, they can cause serious diseases, including cancer.
• Asbestos assessors play a key role in protecting people’s health and safety during and after asbestos removal.
• Businesses involved in the management or removal of asbestos must ensure the health and safety of their workers and any other people that could be put at risk by the work that they do.
• These guidelines do not cover the assessment of asbestos in soils. For more information, see New Zealand Guidelines for Assessing and Managing Asbestos in Soil(external link)