New Asbestos Legislation Deadline April 2018

In 2015 a new health and safety legislation came into effect, calling all PCBUs (Person Conducting Business or Undertaking) to understand and document all asbestos within their buildings. WorkSafe NZ identifies asbestos exposure as the leading cause of death from workplace related disease, and this legislation is in line with their plan to reduce workplace related health risks.

The legislation must be implemented by April 2018, meaning all PCBUs must have completed for each of their buildings a full assessment of their property(s) for the presence or absence of asbestos, and if asbestos is found to be present, determine whether the asbestos is friable. They must also state recommended actions for the ongoing management of any asbestos found.

Under this legislation, a PCBU is the person or entity that owns a commercial building, or a landlord of a commercial or residential building. The idea is that a home buyer looking to turn a piece of property into a rental, or a contractor doing building works, can ask to see this asbestos report from the current owner. The report must be made available to any tenants, and must be made known to any contractor that comes onto site, particularly if they are going to undertake any works that will cut into any building materials.

The easiest way for PCBUs to meet legislation requirements is to engage an asbestos assessor. Getting an expert to survey a building, prepare a comprehensive Asbestos Register, and communicate with a removalist company if necessary is the most efficient way to make sure any works undertaken are safe and meets the legal standards.

Thomas Consultants offer asbestos testing in NZ and other services such as construction surveying and soil testing in NZ. If you are a PCBU in need of an asbestos assessor, get in touch with this multidisciplinary consultancy to save time and money and get the job done right.