Have Your Say: WorkSafe New Zealand Seeks Feedback on Asbestos Surveyor Guidance
WorkSafe New Zealand is currently seeking feedback on new draft guidance for asbestos surveyors, a crucial document aimed at ensuring the safe and effective management of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in workplaces and buildings across the country. This guidance is designed to assist persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) in complying with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) and the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016.
The consultation period is open until 5 pm on Monday, 7 April 2025, providing an opportunity for industry professionals and stakeholders to contribute to shaping the final version of this important guidance.
Why This Consultation Matters
Asbestos remains a significant health risk in New Zealand, particularly in older buildings where ACMs may still be present. Ensuring that asbestos is identified, assessed, and managed correctly is essential for protecting workers and the public from exposure.
This draft guidance outlines best practice procedures for conducting asbestos surveys, ensuring that PCBUs, asbestos surveyors, licenced removalists, and other professionals have clear and consistent methods for identifying, sampling, and reporting on ACMs.
WorkSafe is particularly interested in feedback from:
Asbestos surveyors
Licenced asbestos removalists
Asbestos assessors
PCBUs that engage asbestos surveyors
Tradespeople who encounter asbestos in their work
Stages of Guidance Development
The development of this asbestos survey guidance follows a structured process to ensure accuracy, practicality, and compliance with national regulations. The key stages include:
Research and Analysis: WorkSafe reviews existing regulations, international best practices, and industry needs.
Stakeholder Engagement: Initial discussions are held with industry experts, PCBUs, and asbestos professionals to identify key areas for improvement.
Drafting the Guidance: A draft document is developed, outlining recommended practices for asbestos surveys.
Public Consultation: The draft guidance is released for public feedback, allowing stakeholders to contribute their insights.
Review and Finalisation: Feedback is reviewed, and necessary amendments are made before the final version is published.
Key Aspects of the Draft Guidance
The draft guidance for asbestos surveyors provides detailed instructions on conducting asbestos surveys in a way that ensures safety and compliance. It covers the following key areas:
1. Competence of Asbestos Surveyors
Surveyors must have formal training, field experience, and knowledge of asbestos regulations.
Continuous professional development (CPD) is encouraged to keep surveyors up to date with new materials, techniques, and legal changes.
2. Types of Asbestos Surveys
The guidance identifies three main types of asbestos surveys:
Management Surveys – Used for the ongoing management of ACMs in a building. Typically non-intrusive and focused on routine maintenance and minor work.
Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys – More intrusive surveys conducted before significant renovation or demolition work, identifying all ACMs that could be disturbed.
Reinspection Surveys – Follow-up assessments of previously identified ACMs to ensure they remain intact and properly managed.
3. Survey Planning and Execution
Surveys must be well-planned to minimise risks and ensure accuracy.
Key steps include:
Reviewing existing asbestos information (e.g., previous surveys).
Conducting a risk assessment before starting the survey.
Implementing safety measures, such as using protective equipment and following proper decontamination procedures.
4. Identifying and Sampling Asbestos-Containing Materials
Surveyors must use appropriate sampling techniques to collect material for analysis.
Samples must be sent to accredited laboratories for identification.
Clear record-keeping and labelling are essential for accurate reporting.
5. Reporting and Documentation
A comprehensive survey report should include:
The location, type, and condition of ACMs found.
A risk assessment of potential fibre release.
Recommendations for ACM management (e.g., monitoring, encapsulation, or removal).
Supporting evidence such as photographs and floor plans.
6. Responsibilities of PCBUs
PCBUs must ensure that asbestos surveys are carried out by qualified professionals.
They are responsible for:
Developing an asbestos management plan based on survey findings.
Communicating asbestos risks to workers, contractors, and visitors.
Ensuring compliance with the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016.
How to Provide Feedback
Stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft guidance and submit feedback before the deadline of 5 pm on Monday, 7 April 2025.
Submission Form: Click here to access the feedback form
Email your completed form to: guidanceandeducationdevelopment@worksafe.govt.nz
Final Thoughts
This consultation provides a valuable opportunity for industry professionals to contribute to the development of clear and practical asbestos survey guidelines. By ensuring that the final guidance reflects best practices and industry needs, WorkSafe aims to improve asbestos management across New Zealand, reducing health risks and ensuring compliance with national regulations.
Don’t miss the chance to have your say—submit your feedback before 7 April 2025.
