The information below has been provided to clarify responsibilities and actions when asbestos is potentially present in buildings being altered. It clarifies the

  • appropriate building code clause, and
  • requirements for processing and inspection.

What to consider for asbestos in building consent applications

Asbestos is a naturally occurring crystalline substance that was often used as a stable binder and fire retardant additive in manufactured products for approximately 60 years between 1940 and 1990. It is a known harmful contaminant when its fibres become airborne and inhaled.

When to consider asbestos

  • New building materials can be expected to be free of asbestos, therefore asbestos does not need to be considered in relation to new work.
  • Many buildings constructed before the 1990s (and even up until 2000) include materials that may contain asbestos.
  • The risks associated with asbestos will be in relation to demolition and removal work in existing buildings where asbestos was used in the past.

Useful resources:

F2 – Hazardous building materials

Although new materials used in construction do not contain asbestos, it is possible that altering buildings:

  • will expose asbestos, or
  • include work affecting existing materials containing asbestos.

This would cause non-compliance with the Performance Standards of clause F2:

    F2.S.1 The quantities of….  solid particles emitted by materials…. shall not give rise to harmful concentrations at the surface of the material where the material is exposed, or in the atmosphere of any space.

Responsibility for managing asbestos risks on site

  • The WorkSafe regulations refer to the obligations of a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) in relation to asbestos.
  • Managing the removal of existing asbestos when altering a building sits with the main contractor (builder) carrying out the work.

If the homeowner is coordinating the work, they share in this responsibility. They are the PCBU.

  • Council has a responsibility as a PCBU to manage the likelihood of its inspecting employees being exposed to levels of asbestos contaminant above levels identified as harmful.
  • Removing asbestos is strictly controlled by the Approved Code of Practice for Management and Removal of Asbestos – therefore materials that may contain asbestos:
    • must be identified by testing or reasonable assumption, and
    • are to be removed before the main demolition takes place.

Building consents where asbestos may be present

When processing building consent applications for alterations to buildings Council will consider the likelihood of presence of asbestos.

  • You may be required to provide an asbestos survey report as part of your application, depending on the risk profile of your building and the work you intend doing.
  • From information in this report we may set requirements in your building consent for you to:
    • have an Asbestos Removal Control Plan,  and
    • provide an Asbestos Clearance Certificate before Council employees enter the work site for inspections.