Asbestos-related illness is the number one cause of death in New Zealand workplaces. For that reason alone, the government will require, from April 2018,
for all properties undergoing major renovation to be checked for asbestos. This will have significant impact on property investors who are likely to
become PCBUs during renovation projects.
for all properties undergoing major renovation to be checked for asbestos. This will have significant impact on property investors who are likely to
become PCBUs during renovation projects.
Related article: Health & safety post-April 2016 – FAQ for landlords
As a PCBU (Person Conducting Business or Undertaking),
it is your legal obligation to control and manage potential exposure to hazardous substances – asbestos is on top of that list. The current Approved Code Of Practice For Management And Removal Of Asbestos set out by Worksafe states that “If a PCBU carrying out demolition, refurbishment or removal, or intending to carry out this work in a home identifies asbestos, the PCBU must tell the homeowner, landlord (if applicable) and occupant about the asbestos so they can keep themselves and others safe.“
it is your legal obligation to control and manage potential exposure to hazardous substances – asbestos is on top of that list. The current Approved Code Of Practice For Management And Removal Of Asbestos set out by Worksafe states that “If a PCBU carrying out demolition, refurbishment or removal, or intending to carry out this work in a home identifies asbestos, the PCBU must tell the homeowner, landlord (if applicable) and occupant about the asbestos so they can keep themselves and others safe.“
What does that mean in practice?
Firstly, all sites undergoing major renovation will need to be assessed by a licensed professional. It is near impossible to detect asbestos with the naked
eye, the general rule of thumb in the industry is to assume that there could be asbestos in your property if your house was built before 1990. Though
it is not an absolute and houses built after 2000 also carry of risk of having asbestos present.
eye, the general rule of thumb in the industry is to assume that there could be asbestos in your property if your house was built before 1990. Though
it is not an absolute and houses built after 2000 also carry of risk of having asbestos present.
Secondly, full disclosure to all workers and property occupants is the safest bet. There could be downstream issues such as temporary relocation of tenants
and even rent refund while the matter is being dealt with. In the age of Parry v Inglis,
and even rent refund while the matter is being dealt with. In the age of Parry v Inglis,
