SQN Asbestos Consulting, GeoSciences and Training

SQN Asbestos Consulting, GeoSciences and Training Asbestos, contaminated land, training & AEC Labs - Auckland | Wellington | Christchurch | Whangārei | Nelson | Dunedin

DSI’s are a deep dive into specific sites. The main goal? Gathering the crucial data needed to make informed decisions a...
07/01/2026

DSI’s are a deep dive into specific sites. The main goal? Gathering the crucial data needed to make informed decisions about site use, development, and potential cleanup.

As environmental scientists we deep dive into potential contamination on the property and in on soil details, to ensure any development you undertake is compliant with New Zealands human health and environmental standards, keeping both you and the planet safe. The information we will provide you will be clear, concise and the bedrock of decision-making in various contexts, from shaping building designs to guiding land development, cleanup efforts, and risk management. It’s like having a detective’s toolkit for informed choices in site and project planning. 👷🏗️🌍

What is unlicensed asbestos removal? This is the removal of 10m2 or less of non-friable asbestos containing materials wi...
21/12/2025

What is unlicensed asbestos removal?

This is the removal of 10m2 or less of non-friable asbestos containing materials without a licence, without notifying Worksafe and without needing a clearance inspection.

Top things to consider if you want to carry out this type of removal work:
- you cannot remove more and 10m2 of non-friable materials during the project
- you still have to use safe removal techniques and control measures
- you need to be trained for this type of work
- you must use PPE and RPE
- you need to dispose of all waste and PPE double wrapped and sealed in polythene and in accordance with the Disposal Resource Management Act 1991
- you need to assess other risks
- you need health monitoring

For more information, head over to the Worksafe website where you will find all the information you need.

Dutyholder

An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is like a comprehensive strategy to ensure a project or activity has a minimal im...
02/12/2025

An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is like a comprehensive strategy to ensure a project or activity has a minimal impact on the environment. It's a bit like setting ground rules for a game, but in the context of environmental responsibility.
An EMP typically intertwines how a site operates along with realistic and attainable steps to reduce pollution, manage resources efficiently, and minimise any harm to ecosystems. It's like a well-thought-out game plan to ensure that the environment is not just a bystander but an integral part of the project's success. It's the playbook for responsible and sustainable actions. 🌍🌿📜

01/12/2025

Our Department Manager, Kyrsten Walker shares what a typical day looks like both in the field and behind the scenes. Her expertise helps clients make informed, safe decisions every step of the way.

Whether she’s on-site or in the office guiding businesses through environmental compliance, Kyrsten’s work is all about turning geoscience into action. Protecting people, land and communities across Aotearoa.

Every day is an opportunity to understand the environment more deeply and use that knowledge to create safer, healthier spaces for future generations.

What is an asbestos removal supervisor?This is someone who is both suitably experienced and qualified to supervise asbes...
30/11/2025

What is an asbestos removal supervisor?

This is someone who is both suitably experienced and qualified to supervise asbestos removal operatives. They must hold the NZQA unit standard (or Australian equivalent) plus the unit standard and minimum number of days experience for the class of licensed removal they will be supervising. They must also be over the age of 18.

Class A supervisor:
- NZQA unit standards 29767 & 29766
- A minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience
- At least 600 recorded days of removing friable asbestos containing materials
- They must be on site at all times when friable asbestos is being removed.

Class B supervisor:
- NZQA unit standards 29767 & 29765
- A minimum of 1 year relevant industry experience
- At least 200 recorded days of removing non-friable asbestos containing materials
- They must be nearby and available for the duration of the removal project.

A licensed asbestos removal company must have at least one nominated supervisor on their licence for all classes of work they are licensed for. Some companies have more than one.

Removing asbestos is serious business so there is a lot more regulation for this part of the industry.

Come and join Alannah for her popular asbestos Supervisor training sessions. Message this page to find out more.

A Remediation Action Plan (RAP) is like the blueprint for restoring a site that has been impacted by contamination or po...
25/11/2025

A Remediation Action Plan (RAP) is like the blueprint for restoring a site that has been impacted by contamination or pollution.

The main goal of a RAP is to detail the specific actions needed to clean up and rehabilitate a site, making it safe for site workers, end land users and environmentally healthy again. It's like having a step-by-step guide for a restoration project.

The plan typically outlines strategies for managing contaminants, waste, and ensuring that the site is returned to a safe condition. It's the comprehensive strategy to turn things around and to get your site ready for any planned development ahead. 🏗️🌱🌊

What is Class B asbestos removal?This is for the removal of more than 10m2 non-friable asbestos containing materials.The...
23/11/2025

What is Class B asbestos removal?

This is for the removal of more than 10m2 non-friable asbestos containing materials.

The work must be carried out by an asbestos removal contractor with
- a Worksafe Class B removals licence
- a Class B supervisor on site or nearby who holds qualifications (NZQA 29765 & 29767 or Australian equivalent) plus at least one year of relevant industry experience & a minimum of 200 days of removing friable asbestos
- all operatives carrying out the removal work holding Class B removal training (NZQA 29765 or Australian equivalent).

While removal of these materials does not require an enclosure with negative pressure, there still needs to be controls put in place to ensure the risk of fibre release is as low as reasonably practicable.

The work is signed off by an independent competent person following a visual clearance inspection and a clearance certificate is issued.

Did you know we offer Class B training through Besafe Training Ltd?

Alannah, our training manager, delivers NZQA unit standard training, plus brings her enthusiasm and passion for developing industry professionals to every class.

Message our page to find out more!

18/11/2025

Asbestos Awareness Week 2025

Asbestos isn’t a hazard of the past — it’s still in buildings, infrastructure, and products across Aotearoa, quietly putting workers, families, and communities at risk.

This Asbestos Awareness Week, our National Training Manager, Alannah Elliott, reminds us that awareness is only the first step. Knowing where asbestos might be, understanding the risks, and taking action through proper training and safe practices are critical to preventing exposure and protecting lives.

Don’t wait — start with awareness, follow through with action, and help make workplaces and communities safer.

A Soil Quality Investigation (SQI) is like a thorough health check-up for the ground beneath our feet. It's a bit like g...
18/11/2025

A Soil Quality Investigation (SQI) is like a thorough health check-up for the ground beneath our feet. It's a bit like going to the doctor for a physical, but in the world of soil and land management.

The primary goal of an SQI is to examine the soil's health and quality, much like a doctor checks vital signs and overall well-being. It helps us understand the composition and potential contamination of the soil.

The investigation typically involves analyzing the potential presence of pollutants. It's like getting a blood test to assess your health. An SQI helps us make informed decisions about future land use, developments, and environmental management. 🌱🌍🔬

16/11/2025

Asbestos Awareness Week 2025

Asbestos remains New Zealand’s biggest workplace killer, with exposure still affecting thousands of workers and families each year. As we approach Asbestos Awareness Week, our General Manager, Andre Halkyard, shares why awareness, education, and action are critical to protecting people and communities.

This week is a timely reminder that awareness is the first step toward safe practices — and ultimately, reducing exposure.

Address

Wellington

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+64800333287

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