Until the 1980s, asbestos was commonly used in the construction industry. It was a cheap, long-lasting and fire retardant material used in roofing sheets, cladding, ceilings, fireproofing, insulation, cement, and insulation pipes among others.

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Eventually, the health hazards from being exposed to asbestos fibres from friable and non-friable asbestos-containing materials were discovered, and today it remains the number one workplace killer in many countries. Over the years, the world has seen the growing need to safely dispose of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACM).

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New Zealand legislation requires businesses involved in the removal of both friable and non-friable asbestos to nominate a qualified supervisor for every job, so it is only important that those involved this type of work have supervisors that are compliant and knowledgeable both in theory and in practice.

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A supervisor is required for friable asbestos removal of any amount. Workers with Class A asbestos removal licence must ensure that they perform the removal under the supervision of a nominated asbestos supervisor. Supervisors must also have the certification and must have the relevant industry experience.

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Similarly, when Class B asbestos work is carried out by more than one person, a Class B supervisor must be readily available at the worksite. The supervisor must also have the correct certification and the relevant industry experience to carry out the removal.