Where is Asbestos Likely to be Found?
Like most developed countries, New Zealand has a legacy of Asbestos use primarily in the construction industry that spans many decades. Despite cessation of the production of Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) the hazard remains in many buildings and homes that were constructed during the periods of heavy Asbestos use.
Asbestos Locations in New Zealand
If you are doing residential work and you are unsure whether asbestos may be present or not, proceed as if it is present. The following pages provide background information and examples of where ACMs may be found. Use this to help inform your observations around the likelihood of ACM being present in buildings.
Friable and Non-Friable Asbestos:
Asbestos-containing materials fall into two broad categories: non-friable and friable. 'Friable' is used to refer to asbestos-containing materials that can be easily reduced to powder by hand, when dry. These materials are more likely to release measurable levels of asbestos into the airborne environment when disturbed, and generally pose a greater risk to health. Examples of friable asbestos containing materials include:
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Sprayed asbestos fire retardants
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Thermal lagging, such as pipe insulation
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Low density boards
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Sheet vinyl underlay or backing
'Non-friable', or bonded asbestos:
Is used to refer to asbestos-containing materials in which the asbestos is firmly bound in the matrix of the material. These materials are unlikely to release measurable levels of asbestos fibre into the airborne environment if they are left undisturbed. Therefore, they generally pose a lower risk to health. Examples of bonded asbestos-containing materials include:
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Asbestos cement products (flat and corrugated sheeting used in walls, ceilings and roofs, moulded items such as downpipes).
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Vinyl floor tiles (however removal of the glue can be classed as friable). Because of its strength and its ability to resist heat and chemicals, asbestos was used in a range of insulation materials.
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We are Licensed Asbestos Assessors in New Zealand
Where is Asbestos Likely to be Found?
Keep an eye on asbestos-containing materials and visually check for any ACM (Asbestos Containing Materials). If you suspect material contains asbestos, don't touch it. Look for signs of wear or damage such as tears, abrasions, or water damage. Damaged material may release asbestos fibers. Any building constructed, altered or refurbished before the late-1980s is likely to contain asbestos and/or asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Buildings constructed after 1990 are generally unlikely to contain ACMs but as materials containing asbestos are still permitted to be imported into New Zealand, some buildings built after 1990 may contain ACMS. As a general rule, if a building was constructed:
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BEFORE THE MID-1980S It is very likely to have materials containing asbestos.
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BETWEEN THE MID-1980S AND 1990 it is likely to have materials containing asbestos.
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AFTER 1990 it is unlikely to have material containing asbestos.
ACMs may be found in:
ROOFS:
Corrugated cement roofing, including lap cement dust Guttering, downpipes, rainwater head
EXTERNAL CLADDING AND EAVES:
• Sheet cladding (flat corrugated)
• Baseboards and kickboards
• Shingles
• Imitation brick/stone cladding
• Flues
• Fire cement in old chimneys
• Fences Asbestos locations
• Drainage pipes
• Algae, moss, lichen There is a significant possibility that roofing on property s built before 1980 to contain asbestos Algae and moss grows into the roofing material, effectively becoming part of it. When cleaning with a high-pressure water blaster or replacing, fibers will be created Weather also becomes a significant factor and where the surface has been degraded by moss or lichen, this it will play an important role in generating fibers It is very important to know if the roof contains asbestos as part of the personal safety and complying with the Regulations as a PCBU
INSULATION:
• Roof and wall insulation
• Pipe lagging
• Hot water cylinder insulation
INTERIORS WALLS AND FINISHES:
• Sprayed /textured wall finishes
• Sprayed textured ceilings
• Pinex ceiling
• Insulation boards
• Plaster board lining and jointing compound
• Vinyl sheet and tile flooring
• Seals on wood burners and fire doors
• Fuse boards (mill board)/Linings in fuse holders
• Night store heater