New Asbestos Guidance

Working with or near asbestos – good practice guidelines for tradespeople who do asbestos-related work – now out for public constulation

WorkSafe is consulting on new guidance for tradespeople on how to keep safe when working with or near asbestos.

They are working with industry to redevelop and update our asbestos-related guidance in three stages. Stage one was published in August 2024. Stages two and three will be published in November 2025

You can find out more about this work here: We are updating our asbestos guidance | WorkSafe

This guide, Working with or near asbestos – good practice guidelines for tradespeople who do asbestos-related work is being produced as part of stage three of updating WorkSafe’s asbestos guidance.

You can view the draft guidance on the consultations section of the WorkSafe website.  

Who can provide feedback?

Anyone is welcome to provide feedback. We are particularly interested in receiving feedback from:

• Those who work in trades that encounter asbestos as part of their work. For example:
  • Builders
  • Painters
  • Electricians
  • Plumbers
  • Flooring installers
  • Roofers
  • HVAC installers
  • Plasterers/decorators
• PCBUs who hire or otherwise engage the services of a tradesperson
• Asbestos removalists
• Asbestos surveyors

How to provide feedback

Review the draft guidance and send your feedback using the consultation feedback form. You can find the consultation feedback form on the consultations section of the WorkSafe website.   

Email your completed feedback form(s) to guidanceandeducationdevelopment@worksafe.govt.nz with the subject line ‘Feedback: working with or near asbestos – good practice guidelines for tradespeople who do asbestos related work.

Submissions close on Friday 12 September 2025.

Please note

• This draft does not necessarily present WorkSafe’s final position on the information contained within it.
• The current Approved Code of Practice: Management and removal of asbestos and other published guidance should still be referred to as WorkSafe’s primary guidance for managing asbestos until otherwise announced. See the asbestos section of our website.