Resources

The risks to health associated with asbestos have been known for some time.  However following the devastating Canterbury earthquakes, the true amount of materials containing asbestos used in the New Zealand construction industry came to light. New rules and regulations were implemented, to ensure the risk of asbestos contamination and related health issues were minimised as far as reasonably practicable.

Laws, Regulations,

and Guidelines

Due to the devastating health effects of asbestos, specific regulations related to work involving asbestos have been implemented in New Zealand. These regulations align with those adopted in other countries and are in place to ensure the public is safe from the harms of asbestos and that asbestos related and removal works are undertaken in a controlled manner which minimises the health risk to workers and the public. 

Helpful Links

The Health & Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 define the responsibilities of a PCBU (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) in implementing safety measures around the management and control of asbestos.  The links below provide useful documentation for homeowners, PCBU and anyone interested in safer practice around Asbestos Management. 
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Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016

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Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) - Management and Removal of Asbestos

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Good Practice Guidelines - Conducting Asbestos Surveys

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Assessing and Managing Asbestos in Soil (Guidelines)

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Asbestos in Soil - A Guide for Workplaces

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Additional WorkSafe Information

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Health and Safety Executive (UK)

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Mesothelioma Information (NZ)

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Mesothelioma Information (US)