How to get an asbestos removal License in NSW
There are two licenses for asbestos removal, as well as a license to be an asbestos assessor.
They are:
- Class A- to remove friable asbestos
- Class B- to remove non friable asbestos
- asbestos assessor license- to carry out air monitoring, clearance inspections, issue clearance certificates
WorkCover safety inspectors can issue on the spot fines to any individual or business that appoints an unlicensed asbestos removalist, and to licensed asbestos removalists who fail to notify WorkCover of licensed asbestos removal work.
ASBESTOS REMOVAL LICENCES
Class A license
The class A license allows you to remove friable asbestos, non friable asbestos and any asbestos contaminated dust or debris (ACD).
Class B license
The class B license is more common and allows you to remove 10 square metres or more of non friable asbestos, like fibro sheets. Having a class B license only allows you to remove the asbestos contaminated dust or debris (ACD) that is directly associated with the removal of non friable asbestos.
Only a person who conducts (or proposes to conduct),a business or undertaking may apply for an asbestos removal license.
No license is required to:
- remove less than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos
- ACD that is associated with the removal of less than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos
- a minor asbestos contamination not associated with the removal of friable or non-friable asbestos.
NOTE: all asbestos removal work must be carried out safely in accordance with the work health and safety legislation. Visit our asbestos page for more information.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible to hold a license you must:
- be aged 18 years or over
- have at least one approved supervisor.
For Class A licenses, you’ll need to provide:
- a general construction induction card (or NSW statement of training number)
- copies of the qualifications CPCCDE3015A (remove friable asbestos) and CPCCBC4051A (supervise asbestos removal)
- evidence of experience (not more than 5 years old) working on at least 3 friable asbestos removal jobs over a 3-year period.
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For a Class B licence, you’ll need to provide:
- a general construction induction card (or NSW statement of training number)
- copies of the qualifications CPCCDE3014A (remove non-friable asbestos) and CPCCBC4051A (supervise asbestos removal)
- evidence of experience (not more than 5 years old) working on at least 3 non-friable asbestos removal jobs over a 12-month period
Evidence of experience includes:
- Class A licenses
- asbestos removal control plans
- notes from tool box talks
- air-monitoring reports
- smoke tests
- clearance certificates
- safe work method statements
- photos of your work
- a reference letter from an employer or organisation, dated and signed on a business letterhead document.
- Class B license
- invoices
- tip receipts
- contracts of work
- safe work method statements
- photos
- a reference letter from an employer or organisation, dated and signed on a business letterhead document.
SafeWork NSWs Application process
How to apply
Note: You can save your application and return later.
- Select the ‘Apply online’ button. https://mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/adl/asbestos-removal-new/ready-to-start
- Log in or create your MyServiceNSW Account.
- Complete the online form.
- Gather and upload your supporting documents, including the supervisor nomination form(s) (if applicable).
- Make your payment.
- Submit your application – this must be done within 60 days of starting your application.
- Book an appointment at a Service NSW Centre.
- Attend your appointment with your photo ID within 30 days of submitting your application.
More information about asbestos licenses is available in our guide for applicants.
SafeWork NSWs Special requirements
Notifications
You must notify SafeWork NSW five days before licensed asbestos removal work is commenced. Once licensed you log into your page on the SafeWork NSW website and complete the online notification. You must do this to gain approval before starting any asbestos removal work. Remember when advising which Supervisor you will be using, it is a good idea to put more than one name, as the primary person may not be available on the actual day of removal and you can then use the alternate.
Health monitoring
You must have your workers health monitored before they begin asbestos removal work and then at least once every two years. The code of practice on how to safely remove asbestos has more information.
Adding supervisors
You can add multiple supervisors to your license by completing this nomination form.
Disclaimer