Found Asbestos During a Renovation? Here's What to Do
You're mid-renovation and something doesn't look right. The material crumbles differently to what you expected. A tradie flags it. Or your builder stops work and says 'we need to talk'. Discovering asbestos during a renovation is stressful — but how you respond in the next few hours matters enormously. Here's exactly what to do.
Step 1: Stop All Work Immediately
The moment you suspect asbestos, stop. Put down the tools. No exceptions. Continuing to work in a potentially contaminated area — or around a disturbed asbestos-containing material — dramatically increases fibre exposure. Even a few minutes of cutting or grinding into asbestos cement can release millions of fibres into the air. Send everyone home from the immediate area and cordon off the space if you can.
Step 2: Don't Disturb It Further
Leave the material exactly as it is. Don't try to clean it up, bag it, or sweep it. If the material has already been disturbed and there's visible dust or debris, leave it and keep others out of the area until it's been assessed by a professional. Do not use a regular vacuum — this will spread fibres through the exhaust. If you're concerned about immediate exposure, ventilate the area by opening windows to the outside and keep people out.
Step 3: Get It Tested
Before you can proceed with the renovation or the removal, you need to know what you're dealing with. An accredited asbestos assessor or a licensed removalist like TCB Contractors can arrange laboratory testing. A small sample is taken under controlled conditions — this itself needs to be done properly to avoid contamination — and sent to an accredited lab. In most cases, results come back within 2–5 working days. Don't attempt to take a sample yourself unless you know exactly what you're doing.
Step 4: Understand Your Legal Obligations
If asbestos is confirmed, NZ law (Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016) sets clear rules about how it must be removed. Friable asbestos — the dangerous crumbly kind — must be removed by a licensed Class A removalist. Non-friable (bonded) asbestos above certain quantities also requires a licensed Class B removalist. If you're managing the project and have workers on site, you have duties as a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Getting this wrong isn't just a health risk — it carries legal liability.
Step 5: Restart Your Renovation the Right Way
Once the asbestos has been professionally removed and a clearance certificate has been issued, you can resume work with confidence. The clearance certificate is your proof that the area is safe — you'll also need it if you're selling the property or need to satisfy a building consent. At TCB Contractors, we manage the whole process from testing through to clearance so you can get your renovation back on track as quickly as possible. Call us on 027 833 8944.
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