FAQs
- What is asbestos and what are the two different classes of it?
The story of asbestos has become infamous over the years. Originally touted as a fire retardant building material, it was eventually discovered that inhaling even the smallest asbestos fibres could lead to serious health issues. Unfortunately, by the time this became known, asbestos had been fairly widely used as a building material from the 1930s until the 1980s for insulation, wall and roof cladding, and asbestos cement.
Asbestos in New Zealand commonly comes in two types:
- Class A - also known as friable asbestos, is asbestos that can turn into dust particles, either because it was originally applied as a spray, or because it is a Class B asbestos product that has deteriorated to the point where it becomes brittle and creates powder.
- Class B - also known as non-friable asbestos. This type of asbestos was mixed in with other products, such as vinyl, concrete, resin, and bitumen, often to create sheets, tiles, or pipes. Left undisturbed, it doesn’t pose any immediate health risk, but if it is damaged or is handled incorrectly, it can create Class A particles.
Action Asbestos is licenced to handle Class B asbestos, which is the type more commonly found in building materials used in residential homes, sheds, garages and sleepouts from the 1930s to the 1980s.
- Can you do house demolition?
No. We do not have the capability & machinery to demolish a full house with asbestos. We can however demolish sheds, garages, sleepouts, fences, and any small structure that contains asbestos.
- Can you do commercial asbestos removal?
Yes. We are happy to take care of class B asbestos in your commercial building, keeping in mind we don't have the capability to do any large-scale demolition work. If you aren't sure whether a material contains asbestos we can also arrange for a sample of it to get tested
- I've had asbestos removed but can't dispose of it legally, can you collect this from the property?
Yes. We can come to your property and dispose of your asbestos legally for you. There are strict regulations for disposing of asbestos so you will need a qualified person to collect and dispose of the asbestos on your property.
- Can a tradesman work around asbestos without having to completely remove it?
Yes, but only if that asbestos is not disturbed during the course of work. If you need access to a point in the house which requires cutting a hole through asbestos you will need a certified asbestos removal company like us.
