WorkSafe New Zealand warns contractors against using high-pressure water blasting on asbestos

WorkSafe New Zealand is warning contractors against using high-pressure water blasting to clean asbestos-containing roofing material.

New Zealand's workplace health and safety regulator says painting contractors are using high-pressure water blasting to clean asbestos-containing roofing material in preparation for painting.

Many buildings in New Zealand have roofing materials that contain asbestos.

WorkSafe New Zealand said,” high-pressure water blasting (pressure greater than 350kPA or 50PSI) must not be used to clean asbestos-containing material.”

“Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, an individual or business can be infringed up to $9000 or upon conviction in court can be fined up to $30,000 for using high-pressure water spray or compressed air on asbestos-containing materials.”

Read the full safety alert here.