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Asbestos in pre-2000 buildings

If a building was built or renovated before 2000, assume it contains asbestos until proven otherwise — the danger is disturbing it.

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Asbestos is the hidden killer in older Kiwi homes. If a building was built or renovated before 2000, treat it as containing asbestos until proven otherwise. Left alone and intact it’s usually low-risk — the danger is disturbing it, which is exactly what renovation and demolition do.

Why it matters on a reno or demo

Cutting, drilling, sanding, demolition and water-blasting all release fibres that cause fatal lung disease decades later. Renovation and demolition are exactly when builders disturb it, so the risk lands on your crew.

Common asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in NZ homes

Identify BEFORE you disturb — it’s the law

For refurbishment or demolition of a pre-2000 building you need to know where the asbestos is. Get a refurb/demolition asbestos survey — sampling by a competent person or lab.

Removal under the Asbestos Regulations 2016

Two licence classes cover who can remove what:

The thresholds and notification steps to follow:

  1. Removing more than 10 m² of non-friable ACM requires a licensed removalist.
  2. Licensed removal must be notified to WorkSafe — generally 5 days before.
  3. Small amounts (≤10 m² non-friable) can be done unlicensed only with the right controls, training and disposal.

When in doubt, use a licensed removalist.

Plain-English guide, not advice. This page helps you understand and navigate the rules — it is general information, not design, engineering or consent advice, and it does not reproduce the copyrighted tables of NZS 3604 or any Standard. Always check the current Standard or Acceptable Solution and your BCA, and use a suitably qualified LBP, engineer or QS where it matters.

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Common questions

When should I assume a building contains asbestos?

If a building was built or renovated before 2000, assume it contains asbestos until proven otherwise. Left alone and intact it's usually low-risk — the danger is disturbing it by cutting, drilling, sanding, demolition or water-blasting, which releases fibres that cause fatal lung disease decades later.

Do I need an asbestos survey before a renovation or demolition?

Yes. For refurbishment or demolition of a pre-2000 building you need to know where the asbestos is, so get a refurb/demolition asbestos survey with sampling by a competent person or lab. Don't guess, don't sand or water-blast suspect material, and don't dump it with general waste — it's controlled waste.

What's the difference between a Class A and Class B asbestos licence?

A Class A licence is required to remove friable asbestos and can remove any type. A Class B licence covers non-friable (bonded) asbestos only.

When do I need a licensed removalist and to notify WorkSafe?

Removing more than 10 m² of non-friable ACM requires a licensed removalist, and licensed removal must be notified to WorkSafe (generally 5 days before). Small amounts (10 m² or less of non-friable) can be done unlicensed only with the right controls, training and disposal — when in doubt, use a licensed removalist.

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