Property owners all over the country are dealing with potential asbestos-containing materials without knowing it, which is why asbestos testing is so vital. This dangerous material is heavily regulated by the New Zealand government to keep occupants safe.

This can leave many PCBUs wondering: when is asbestos testing required? At Consultex Environmental, we sample and test asbestos all day, every day. To help you understand your obligations as a property owner, we’ve broken down when testing is required and some important information about New Zealand’s asbestos regulations.

Asbestos Regulations and Guidelines in New Zealand

Asbestos has an incredible range of properties, which means it has been used as a versatile construction material for a long time. Fireproofing, soundproofing, insulation – prior to the 1990s, asbestos was everywhere. Unfortunately, it was later discovered that asbestos is a carcinogen (meaning it is linked to cancer) when fibres end up in the lungs.

New Zealand introduced a new set of regulations in 2016 surrounding asbestos called the Health and Safety (Asbestos) Regulations. These made it a requirement for asbestos testing and removal companies to be thoroughly trained. On top of that, businesses are required to develop an asbestos management plan when and where asbestos is identified on their property.

Most importantly, business owners, homeowners, and landlords are responsible for testing their properties for possible asbestos-containing materials before any majorly disruptive works are required.

There are some other instances in which asbestos testing is required or recommended, so let’s explore those now.

Friable vs. non-friable asbestos

One of the defining features of these regulations is the distinction between friable and non-friable asbestos.

Friable asbestos – asbestos-containing materials that can be easily crushed to release their fibres. These tend to contain more fibres and are more likely to release fibres into the air when disturbed. Must be removed by a qualified team of professional asbestos removalists.

 Non–friable asbestos – materials with a small proportion of asbestos that isn’t likely to be released into the air when disturbed because of how well-bonded the material is. Can generally be removed (very carefully) without the help of an accredited removalist.

Asbestos testing lets you know whether a given material is friable or non-friable, which can majorly influence your next steps.

When is Asbestos Testing Required or Recommended?

Asbestos testing is a relatively simple process for property owners. While it can be invasive, trained teams are careful to sample materials in a way that doesn’t affect the integrity of the building or impact the building’s appearance (where possible).

First, a team of trained samplers will arrive at your property and take small samples of materials that potentially contain asbestos. From there, the samples will be carefully transported to an accredited lab and tested for asbestos presence, type, and amount.

Once done, the lab will deliver a detailed report of these details and make a recommendation for removal. Depending on your provider, they might also work with you to create an asbestos management plan for the safest possible removal.

Prior to disruptive works

‘Disruptive’ works could include anything from renovations to full demolitions of a property. Anything that could turn a friable asbestos-containing material into dust and release the fibres is considered disruptive, and should therefore be preceded by a test.

Properties build before 2000

Asbestos was commonly used as part of a variety of different construction materials prior to 1990. To be safe, it’s recommended that properties built before 2000 are tested for asbestos, as some materials may have been used past the lawfully-enforced cut-off.

Post-disaster situation

Natural disasters, flooding, earthquakes, or any other damage to a property can release asbestos fibres. Once everything has settled, it’s important to conduct an asbestos test before clearing debris to ensure removalists and occupants are safe while working to clear the site.

Occupational health and safety

Businesses and business owners must ensure a safe working environment, which includes carefully managing any present asbestos. If you own a business and you don’t have sufficient knowledge about the presence or absence of asbestos, it’s required that you test the materials on your premises.

For example, asbestos soil testing is very important. Asbestos materials might sink into the soil and contaminate it, and this is just as dangerous. Before breaking ground on a new site where and older property was, it’s important to test the soil.

Outside of these required or recommended tests, it’s best to contract a team of professionals to test for asbestos if you are ever concerned about your property’s status.

Health issues associated with asbestos have an extremely long latency, appearing ten to fifteen years after exposure. In other words, when you’re able, it’s better to test and remove than not to test and be too late.

Enjoy New Zealand’s fastest turnaround time on an asbestos test!

At Consultex Environmental, we offer air and bulk sampling of potential asbestos-containing materials. All sampling and testing is performed by IANZ-accredited teams to ensure utmost safety at all times.

Get your results in 24 hours for urgent turnarounds. Ready to test? Get in touch with our team today.