Stop & secure
Stop digging or moving soil. Keep people, vehicles and wind disturbance away from the affected area.
Call 027 549 5969New Zealand guidance
Asbestos in soil
Fragments, fibres and asbestos-contaminated dust can remain in land long after demolition, dumping, fire, weathering or poor historic disposal. Disturbing contaminated soil can put workers, neighbours and future land users at risk.
Why it matters
It may not be obvious—and it must not be treated as ordinary soil.
Asbestos in soil may appear as visible pieces of cement sheet, pipe or other ACM, but smaller fragments, fibrous material and asbestos fines may also be present. Appearance alone cannot establish the extent or risk.
WorkSafe’s April 2026 guidance points users to the New Zealand Guidelines for Assessing and Managing Asbestos in Soil for detailed practice. Health and safety, contaminated-land planning and waste requirements may all apply to the same site.
Safe response
From unexpected find to controlled outcome.
Build the site history
Review demolition, fill, dumping, fire and previous land-use information. Record the location and circumstances of the find.
Engage the right expertise
Use competent asbestos and contaminated-land professionals to define the investigation, sampling and risk assessment.
Plan the controls
Decide whether material will remain safely managed in place, be covered or contained, or be removed under a controlled plan.
Verify & record
Document validation, disposal evidence, residual contamination, land-use controls and information required for future work.
Assessment
Risk depends on more than a laboratory result.
A competent assessment considers the type and condition of asbestos, visible fragments and fines, depth and distribution, soil disturbance, dust generation, site use, exposure pathways and who may be affected.
Material type & conditionExtent & distributionCurrent and future land useExcavation and dust potentialWorkers and nearby receptorsManagement and disposal options
Before work begins
Coordinate the duties.
PCBUs must manage exposure risks under HSWA and the Asbestos Regulations. Removal licensing, supervision, PPE/RPE, decontamination and health monitoring may be relevant.
The NES for assessing and managing contaminants in soil may apply to subdivision, land-use change, soil disturbance, sampling or removal. Check the site history and contact the local council early.
Contaminated soil and ACM must be contained, transported and accepted at an authorised facility under the applicable waste and local requirements. Confirm acceptance before excavation.
Retain investigation, management, validation and disposal records. Clearly record any asbestos left in place and the controls future owners or contractors must follow.
Authoritative sources
Check the current New Zealand guidance.
Before you disturb the ground
Talk to NZAAG.
Tell us what has been found, where it is, what work is planned and whether soil has already been moved.