WorkSafe updates asbestos guidance 

WorkSafe New Zealand has updated its asbestos guidance, with changes aimed at making the material easier to follow and more tailored to different parts of the industry, including surveyors, removalists and assessors 

WorkSafe’s revised guidance was developed in three stages. The first stage was published in August 2024, while the second and third stages were released on 16 April 2026. 

According to WorkSafe, changes include: 

• Updated surface testing requirements for asbestos clearance inspections.
• Removal of swabs during asbestos surveys.
• Updated exposure monitoring requirements.
• Clearer definitions for asbestos-containing dust and minor contamination.

   

A full list of changes is available on the WorkSafe website. 

“Asbestos remains the number one cause of work-related death in New Zealand, with approximately 220 people dying from asbestos-related disease each year. It’s critical that everyone working with or around asbestos has access to clear, current guidance on how to do so safely,” said WorkSafe’s chief executive, Sharon Thompson. 

“We’ve worked alongside industry experts to create guidance that is easier to follow, more detailed, and tailored to different roles in the sector. This means a surveyor, a removalist, an assessor, or a tradesperson can go straight to the information that matters most to their work.” 

The existing 2016 Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for the Management and Removal of Asbestos remains in place. It’s anticipated that three of the new good practice guidelines, covering asbestos surveys, asbestos removal, and asbestos assessments, will be developed into updated ACOPs following the progression of the health and safety reforms. 

“Publishing the updated guidance now means the industry doesn’t have to wait for legislative changes to access better information. It balances the need for timely, practical resources with the process for updating the ACOPs,” said Thompson. 

A risk encountered throughout NZ 

Asbestos is a heat-resistant, fire-resistant, and insulating mineral that was commonly used in building materials in New Zealand until the year 2000, and the import of asbestos products was only banned in 2016. 

It is made up of tiny fibres and, when it is disturbed or breaks down, they can be released into the air. All forms of asbestos are harmful to humans as the fibres, which are too small to be seen by the naked eye, can get stuck in lungs and cause inflammation, scarring and the growth of cancer cells. 

Asbestos has been identified in around 3,800 building products used in New Zealand. It is commonly found in textured ceiling, carpet underlay, vinyl floor tiles and in cement used in the construction of fences, carports, garages, outhouses and garden sheds. 

Further changes planned 

WorkSafe says the current Good Practice Guidelines for asbestos surveys, removal and assessments will eventually be converted into Codes of Practice (COP). 

Before that process begins, the regulator says it will seek further industry feedback. 

“(This is) so we can make any further improvements, refinements or corrections (based on user experience). This will likely happen in late 2026 or early 2027,” WorkSafe said. 

“To meet the requirements of Section 222(2) of HSWA, WorkSafe will again consult with industry on revoking the 2016 ACOP in favour of the newly created COPs before seeking the Minister’s approval to turn these into ACOPs.” 

WorkSafe said delaying the process until after the reforms would allow the new ACOPs to benefit from planned “safe harbour” provisions. Safe harbour provisions means compliance with an ACOP will be deemed as meeting legal health and safety duties. 

The regulator is also seeking expressions of interest from licensed asbestos removalists and assessors to take part in an asbestos sector focus group aimed at improving application forms, guidance and website content. 

Those interested can email asbestos@worksafe.govt.nz with “Focus group expression of interest” in the subject line.