Asbestos work in New Zealand: licensing and WorkSafe notification
New Zealand's asbestos rules, set out in the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, are strict because the risk is lethal and long-delayed. Most removal work must be done by a licensed asbestos removalist and notified to WorkSafe New Zealand before it begins.
Class A vs Class B
A Class B licence covers removal of non-friable (bonded) asbestos of more than 10 square metres. A Class A licence is required for friable asbestos — the crumbly, higher-risk form — and also covers non-friable work. Removing 10 square metres or less of non-friable asbestos can be done without a licence, but the control requirements still apply.
Notification and clearance
Licensed removal must be notified to WorkSafe, generally at least five days before starting. Friable removal requires independent air monitoring and a clearance certificate from a competent person before the area is reoccupied. An asbestos removal control plan must be prepared and kept.
Keep the trail
Licence, notification, removal control plan, air monitoring and clearance certificate — that's the record an asbestos job leaves behind, and it needs to be complete and kept against the job.
Questions, answered
Do I always need a licensed removalist?
Not for 10 square metres or less of non-friable asbestos, though the safe-work controls still apply. Above that, or for any friable asbestos, a licensed removalist (Class B or Class A) is required.
Who do I notify?
WorkSafe New Zealand, generally at least five days before licensed removal work starts. Check WorkSafe's current notification process and timeframes, including the provisions for emergency work.
Keep asbestos records straight
Complys stores your asbestos licences, notifications, air monitoring and clearance certificates against each job — free for 90 days.
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