Direct Hazmat Consultants

03/06/2026

📚 Back to Basics: Where can asbestos actually be found?

When most people think about asbestos, they picture old fibre cement cladding or roofing.

But asbestos was used in a huge range of products across homes, schools, factories, commercial buildings, and even everyday household items.

As a general rule, WorkSafe advises any building built before 2000 could contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Even some buildings constructed after 2000 may still contain ACMs, as New Zealand’s asbestos import ban didn’t fully come into effect until 2016.

Some of the more common asbestos-containing products we still come across include:

• Fibre cement cladding, soffits and roofing
• Render cladding
• Vinyl floor tiles and paper-backed flooring
• Textured and decorative coatings on ceilings
• Pipe lagging and gaskets
• Thermal insulation on plant
• Sealants, adhesives and mastics
• Insulation in fire doors
• Bitumen roofing products

But asbestos has also turned up in some unexpected places over the years 👀

• Crayons sold in New Zealand
• Bunsen burner gauze mats used in schools
• Hair dryers from the 1970s and 1980s
• Vintage toaster insulation
• Talc-based cosmetic products
• Even old cigarette filters

Many asbestos-containing materials still look completely ordinary today, which is why professional assessment remains an important part of managing risk safely.

02/06/2026

WorkSafe’s updated asbestos Good Practice Guidelines (GPGs) reflect a number of changes in accepted industry practice, including clarification of previous definitions and updates to areas of the 2016 ACOP that were considered unclear or outdated.

One of the more significant changes relates to Class A asbestos clearance inspections and the move away from mandatory surface swab testing.

Under the 2016 Approved Code of Practice (ACOP), surface swab testing was required as part of the clearance process.

The updated guidance now recommends surface testing by controlled disturbance instead. Given the work area should already be free of visible dust and debris, this involves using a broom or brush to deliberately disturb surfaces and simulate a “worst case” scenario.

Air monitoring is then undertaken immediately afterwards to assess whether any asbestos fibres become airborne during the disturbance.

The intent behind this change is to provide a more practical indication of whether residual asbestos contamination could still be released once an area is returned to normal use.

As with all asbestos clearance inspections, the overall goal remains the same, confirming the area is safe for normal reoccupation following asbestos removal works.

26/05/2026

A recent recall has been issued after asbestos was identified in some Planet Fun brand Funkee Animals and Secret Menu Stretchee Foodz toys sold in New Zealand.

The toys were sold through The Warehouse and Farmers between January 2025 and April 2026, and through Toyworld and Paper Plus between February 2025 and April 2026.

Planet Fun has advised customers to stop using the products immediately, place them in a double ziplock bag, and return them to the store of purchase for a refund rather than disposing of them in general waste.

If you’re a parent or caregiver, it’s worth checking the article and recall list for further details.

Product Safety NZ said the asbestos had been detected in the interior of the product and exposure "would only occur if the product is torn".

25/05/2026

Ever wondered what happens to an asbestos sample after it’s taken?

The only way to confirm whether a material contains asbestos is by having it analysed by an IANZ accredited laboratory.

Once we collect a sample on site, it’s carefully sealed, labelled, and sent away for testing. From there, the laboratory prepares the sample and examines it under specialised microscopes designed to identify asbestos fibres within the material.

The analyst looks at the appearance and optical properties of the fibres to determine whether asbestos is present, and what type it is.

Specialised dyes and lighting techniques are also used during the process to help highlight the fibres and assist with identification under the microscope 🔬

Once the analysis is complete, the laboratory provides a certificate confirming the result. This identifies what type of asbestos is present, as well as the type of material it has been identified in. From there, we can provide the client with recommendations on the appropriate next steps.

20/05/2026

Every business starts somewhere - for us, it started with a simple goal.

Direct Hazmat started back in 2018 with the idea of building a company that focused on quality work, clear communication, and looking after clients properly.

At the time, we felt there was room in the industry for a more premium, personal approach. One where clients could pick up the phone, get practical advice, and work with a team that cared about doing the job well.

What started as a small, family-run business in Feilding has continued to grow over the years, along with the services we provide and the team behind them.

Today, we work across commercial, residential, public, and private projects throughout the lower and central North Island, helping clients manage asbestos and hazardous material risks with confidence.

A lot has changed since 2018, but the core of the business really hasn’t. We still care about quality work, good advice, and service that clients can rely on.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and excited for what’s ahead.

19/05/2026

WorkSafe released the new asbestos good practice guidelines (GPG) because they wanted to modernise and improve the guidance to better reflect current industry practice, clarify expectations, and address areas where the old guidance was either unclear or outdated.

One update we’re pleased to see is clearer guidance around unlicensed removal, including how non-flat surfaces should be measured and practical examples of different scenarios.

In simple terms, unlicensed removal only applies when:
• The material is non-friable (bonded asbestos, like fibre cement)
• The total removal area is 10m² or less across the entire job

That 10m² limit applies to the full site. A larger job can’t be split into smaller sections to avoid licensing requirements.

The updated guidance also reinforces that:
• Any friable asbestos requires a Class A licensed removalist
• Areas should be properly measured before work starts
• Even when a licence isn’t required, the work still needs to be handled safely

We still regularly see confusion around this, particularly where people assume anything under 10m² can be removed without a licence, even if the material is friable.

The licence requirements are important - incorrect handling can lead to contamination, delays, additional costs, and unnecessary exposure risks.

14/05/2026

Asbestos isn’t always inside a building; it can also end up in soil.

We often come across asbestos in soil where asbestos materials have been disturbed or have broken down over time, contaminating the surrounding area. It can come from a range of sources, including:

- Historical construction activities that caused contamination during the build
- Old building materials that have been dumped or buried
- Contaminated fill brought in from elsewhere

In some cases, you might see visible fragments of asbestos containing material. But often, there’s nothing obvious, the soil can look completely normal, while asbestos fines and fibres remain present.

If there’s any reason to suspect contamination, for example, known asbestos materials on site, it’s something that should be taken seriously.

We recommend undertaking a soil assessment before any work begins, so you understand what you’re dealing with and can manage or remove it safely, without putting anyone at risk.

12/05/2026

Myth Busters ❌: “If we’re using PPE, we’re covered.”

This comes up a lot, especially when people are relying on coveralls. The reality is, they’re not a one size fits all solution.

Coveralls only do their job if they’re the right type for the task, fitted properly, and in good condition. Not all coveralls are designed to protect against fine fibres like asbestos.

For asbestos work, you need Category 3, Type 5/6 coveralls that are specifically designed for hazardous dusts. Other types are used depending on what you’re working with, whether that’s chemicals, solvents, or general dust.

In practice, that means making sure the coveralls are suitable for the task, and ensuring they fit properly at the wrists and ankles, and haven’t been damaged during use. It also means taking care when putting them on and removing them, as this is where contamination can easily occur.

PPE is there to control risk, but only when it’s selected and used properly. If you’re relying on it, it’s worth checking it’s doing the job you expect.

05/05/2026

A respirator only works if it fits properly and is looked after.

This quick video from WorkSafe NZ is a good reminder of a few basics:
• Check for dirt, dust, or damage (including holes)
• Check the seal every time you put it on
• Keep it clean and store it properly

It’s also important to make sure you’re using the right respirator for the job, and that nothing is affecting the fit, like facial hair.

We can help with respirator fit testing, so you know your team is properly protected.

33 likes, 4 comments. "How to properly use a half face or half mask respirator"