Working with asbestos

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.

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.

Where asbestos can be found

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

Locations of asbestos in a residential dwelling

Asbestos can be located in a variety of places in a residential dwelling. As it’s a fire-resistant and hard-wearing material, it is commonly found in places that may get hot or wet.

Locations of asbestos in commercial buildings

Asbestos can be located in commercial buildings and this fact sheet provides information on where it is commonly found.

What you should know about working with asbestos

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

Key duties for surveyors and assessors

This information sheet shows the three different parties involved in the asbestos removal process. It outlines the differences between the different duties for asbestos surveyors and asbestos assessors.

Asbestos approved methods

Approved methods provide for work involving asbestos to be carried out that would otherwise be prohibited by Regulations

Conducting asbestos surveys

How to survey premises for asbestos and asbestos-containing material, the methodology to use when carrying out surveys, and how to report and present the results

Laboratory accreditation process

A laboratory can request approval from WorkSafe to analyse samples for the presence of asbestos or asbestos-containing material (ACM) for up to 12 months while undergoing accreditation by International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ).

Frequently asked questions about asbestos

Frequently asked questions about working with asbestos.

Asbestos tools and resources

Information to help you understand more about asbestos including where to asbestos can be found, what asbestos is and why it's dangerous to your health, and how to use respirators correctly.

Asbestos – Safe Work Instrument

This safe work instrument prescribes the relevant courses for supervision of asbestos removal work, Class A asbestos removal work, and Class B asbestos removal work

Removing asbestos-containing flooring

This fact sheet describes good practices to follow if you need to lift a small amount of flooring that contains asbestos.