Asbestos: play by the rules!

If you or your staff are likely to encounter asbestos at work, it’s important you understand the new rules that come into effect on 4 April

Asbestos regulations are being updated to bring New Zealand in line with other countries. With more than 170 New Zealand workers dying each year from asbestos-related diseases, our work practices need to improve.

Under the new regulations, effective 4 April 2016, a licence is required to remove more than 10m2 of non-friable (bonded) asbestos or asbestos-containing material (ACM) in one job, or any amount of friable (in a powder form when dry, or able to be crumbled or reduced to a powder using your hands) asbestos.

The licences will be issued by government health and safety agency, WorkSafe New Zealand.

You can register now with WorkSafe New Zealand to get up-to-date information on the new licensing process, including when and how you can apply. Note that registering does not count as a licence application.

New nationwide licensing system for asbestos removal

The new licensing system for asbestos removal is aimed at ensuring people removing asbestos have the necessary skills and experience to keep themselves, and others, safe.

Licence or no licence?

Here are some common examples of building, plumbing or electrical work, with a guide to whether you’ll need an asbestos removal licence.

Example 1:

Work which may involve the removal of non-friable asbestos:

• Soffit removal.
• Removing cement roofing sheets.
• Removing external wall cladding
  or textured ceilings.
• Replacing lino flooring.

This work will require a Class B licence from 4 April 2016, if you’re removing over 10m2 of non-friable asbestos containing material.

Example 2:

Maintenance and servicing work which may involve ACM:

• Repairing or replacing sheets of cement roofing that are damaged or deteriorated.
• Replacing damaged or deteriorated cement water pipes.
• Drilling or cutting into soffits or wall linings.

Building maintenance or servicing is allowed without a licence under the new regulations. However, if it involves removing more than 10m2 of non-friable asbestos, or any amount of friable asbestos, then a licence is required.

Example 3:

Removal of friable asbestos:

• Removal of insulation materials, including lagging.
• Any removal task where the asbestos is in a powder form when dry, or able to be crumbled or reduced to a powder using your hands.
• This work will require a Class A licence, because the asbestos fibres are friable. This means you could be exposed to larger quantities of airborne fibres.

Note: All removal work needs to be performed safely. Suitable controls need to be in place to ensure that the risks of asbestos have been minimised. These include correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE), safe methods of work, decontamination facilities and the disposal of all asbestos waste in an approved landfill.

What do I need to do?

If your business is likely to require an asbestos removal licence, it’s a good idea to register your interest with WorkSafe.

You can register online, and find more information on changes to work involving asbestos, at http://business.govt.nz/worksafe/asbestos

I have a Certificate of Competence for restricted asbestos work. What do I need to do?

If you have a current Certificate of Competence, you don’t need to do anything yet. Your certificate will allow you to work under the new asbestos regulations (under the categories listed on your current certificate), until your certificate expires.

At that point, you will need to apply for one of the new licences or to work under another business’ licence.