Asbestos Removal

Anyone who handles, tests and removes asbestos from your home is required to be licensed. This applies to every state and territory in Australia. Heavy fines and penalties apply for anyone carrying this type of work without the appropriate licence. Asbestos is a highly carcinogenic material that you will typically encounter when renovating older homes, specifically those built pre-1980’s. It has been banned since 2003 in Australia in any form and cannot be imported either.

A wide range of building materials used to be manufactured from asbestos, including:

• Insulation
• Cladding
• Fibro sheets
• Roofing
• Water pipes
• Guttering
• Fencing

Asbestos Facts

Asbestos is actually harmless when inert - it only poses a health risk when the fibres are dispersed. This occurs when for example you drill into it or saw through it. This does not diminish the potential dangers involved. When assessing asbestos containing materials, experts will typically class them in two categories:

1. Friable - this type of asbestos is the most dangerous as it is easily dispersed, say in powder form, so the fibres are released into the atmosphere. Sprayed asbestos insulation is an example.
2. Non-friable - this type of asbestos is less dangerous in that is.

Asbestos Licensing

There are two types of asbestos removal licences in Australia, with minor variations:

1. Unrestricted - individuals are allowed to remove all types of asbestos (friable and non-friable)
2. Restricted - individuals are only allowed to remove non-friable asbestos.

Your asbestos removalist needs to be licensed for the project they are undertaking for you..

Asbestos Inspection and Testing

If you are unsure if an element in your home has asbestos, you can have a sample tested by an accredited facility. A licensed asbestos removalist will be able to conduct this for you.

Asbestos Removal - New South Wales

Asbestos licensing in NSW is regulated by the WorkCover Authority of NSW.

There are two classes of asbestos removal licence in NSW:

1. Friable Class A asbestos removal licence
2. Non-friable Class B (bonded) asbestos removal licence

Friable asbestos work must also be supervised by an asbestos removal supervisor, while non-friable asbestos work must have a supervisor available. The work area is also required to be barricaded and appropriate signage posted. Neighbouring properties are also required to be notified of any asbestos removal work being undertaken. Asbestos can only be disposed of in designated sites. Operators who are involved in this work must also wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including respiratory protection.

Use the licence check facility on this site to check your asbestos removalists licence. It must be current and valid for the type of work you need to have done.

Asbestos Removal - Victoria

In Victoria all handling, removal and disposal of asbestos is regulated by WorkSafe Victoria. There are four distinct classes of asbestos removal licence in Victoria:

1. Class A - friable and non-friable - this licence holder can remove all types of asbestos
2. Class A (specific friable asbestos)
3. Class B (non-friable asbestos)
4. Class B (specific non-friable asbestos)

In addition licensed removalists must appoint one or more supervisors to oversee removal work. Licence holders are also required to notify WorkSafe prior to any asbestos removal work is undertaken. Operators who are involved in this work must also wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including respiratory protection.

Asbestos Removal - Queensland

Asbestos removal and handling in Queensland is regulated by Workplace Health & Safety Queensland.

There are two classes of asbestos removal licence in Queensland:

1. Class A (friable asbestos)

This licence is for businesses removing any amount of friable asbestos. In addition holders must ensure the removal of friable asbestos is directly supervised by a nominated supervisor.

2. Class B (non-friable asbestos)

This licence only covers work for the removal of more than ten square metres of non-friable asbestos or any asbestos contaminated dust or debris associated with the removal of more than ten square metres of non-friable asbestos.

Asbestos Removal - ACT

In the ACT the Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) governs licensing of asbestos removal, specifically the handling, removal and disposal of this toxic material.

There are two classes of asbestos removal licences in the ACT, which are required if more than 10m2 of asbestos is involved:

1. Class A - this licence holder can handle all types of asbestos
2. Class B - this licence holder can only handle bonded (non-friable) asbestos

Applicants are required to have prescribed qualifications, training and work experience to obtain this type of licence.

Asbestos Removal - SA

Removal of and disposal of friable and non-friable asbestos is regulated by SafeWork SA in South Australia.

There are three types of asbestos removal and monitoring licence in South Australia:

1. Class A (Unlimited) - removal of any type of asbestos.
2. Class B (Limited) - removal of asbestos cement products (fibro) and non-friable asbestos (floor tiles) only.
3. Asbestos assessor licence - monitoring and issuing certificates

Applicants are required to have prescribed qualifications, training and work experience to obtain this type of licence.

Asbestos Removal - Tasmania

Removal of and disposal of asbestos is regulated by WorkSafe Tasmania in this state.

There are three types of asbestos removal and monitoring licence in South Australia:

1. Class A (Unlimited) - removal of any type of asbestos.
2. Class B (Limited) - removal of asbestos cement products (fibro) and non-friable asbestos (floor tiles) only.
3. Asbestos assessor licence - monitoring and issuing certificates

Applicants are required to have prescribed qualifications, training and work experience to obtain this type of licence.

Asbestos Removal - WA

Removal of and disposal of asbestos is regulated by the Department of Commerce in Western Australia.

There are two types of asbestos removal and monitoring licence in this state:

1. Unrestricted - remove all types of asbestos (friable and non-friable).
2. Restricted - remove amounts greater than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos.

Applicants are required to have prescribed qualifications, training and work experience to obtain this type of licence.

Asbestos Removal - NT

Removal of and disposal of asbestos is regulated by NT WorkSafe in this territory.

There are four types of asbestos removal and monitoring licence in the NT:

1. Class A - remove all types of asbestos (friable and non-friable).
2. Class B - remove amounts greater than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos.
3. Supervisors - must be present at all times whilst asbestos removal work is being carried out for both above classes.
4. Asbestos assessor licence - monitoring and issuing certificates

Applicants are required to have prescribed qualifications, training and work experience to obtain this type of licence.