Monitor

Duty relating to exposure to airborne asbestos and the airborne contamination standard

Code version as at 17 Apr 2026 From Management and removal of asbestos, no changes tracked yet
High severity
NZ
The obligation
A PCBU with management or control of a workplace must ensure the airborne contamination standard for asbestos is not exceeded at the workplace.
Where eliminating exposure to airborne asbestos is not reasonably practicable, exposure must be minimised so far as is reasonably practicable. The duty not to exceed the standard does not apply in an asbestos removal area that is enclosed and under negative pressure in accordance with the Regulations. Breach is an offence with a fine of up to $10,000 for an individual and up to $50,000 for any other person. …
What
A PCBU with management or control of a workplace must ensure the airborne contamination standard for asbestos is not exceeded at the workplace.
Source
legislation.govt.nz

Full analysis

Free account

What this means for you

Free account

Read the full analysis, tailored to your industry

  • Impact summary tailored to your industry
  • Full plain-English analysis of what changed
  • Email alerts & digests when this law changes
  • Compliance self-assessment tools
Official sources
Frequently asked questions

Which WHS law does this come from?

Duty relating to exposure to airborne asbestos and the airborne contamination standard is a WHS requirement set out in Management and removal of asbestos (NZ). It is made under Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (NZ).

What does this WHS obligation require?

Duty relating to exposure to airborne asbestos and the airborne contamination standard is a WHS obligation under Management and removal of asbestos (NZ). In short, A PCBU with management or control of a workplace must ensure the airborne contamination standard for asbestos is not exceeded at the workplace.

What changed recently?

Duty relating to exposure to airborne asbestos and the airborne contamination standard was last updated on 9 October 2026.

About this Topic

Updates trackedMonitoring
Monitoring detail
First seenOct 2026