How to Get an Asbestos Removal License in NSW

Class A, Class B & Assessor Requirements

Under NSW Work Health and Safety laws, anyone conducting asbestos removal work above the exempt limits must hold a valid asbestos removal licence issued by SafeWork NSW. This page outlines the official guidance and requirements for Class A, Class B and Asbestos Assessor licences, including eligibility, experience, supervisor requirements and the application process.

There are two licenses for asbestos removal, as well as a license to be an asbestos assessor.

When Don’t You Need a License to Remove Asbestos?

No license is required when:

• Intended works will remove less than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos.
• ACD is associated with the removal of less than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos.
• Works involve a minor asbestos contamination not associated with the removal of friable or non-friable asbestos.

ⓘ  All asbestos removal work must be carried out safely in accordance with the Work Health and Safety legislation. 

Asbestos Removal Requirements and Eligibility

To be eligible to hold a license, you must be 18 years old or over and have at least one approved supervisor.

Asbestos Type	Asbestos Removal Requirements	Evidence Checklist of Experience with Asbestos
Class A Asbestos	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 ➤	Asbestos removal control plans Notes from toolbox 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 Asbestos	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 ➤	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 NSW Asbestos Removal Application Process

How to Apply for Asbestos Licences

ⓘ  You can save your application and return later.

1. Go to the NSW My Business Asbestos Removal Application page
2. Select the ‘Apply online’ button.
3. Log in or create your MyServiceNSW Account.
4. Complete the online form.
5. Gather and upload your supporting documents, including the supervisor nomination form(s) (if applicable).
6. Make your payment – visit SafeWork fees to see costs in advance.
7. Submit your application – this must be done within 60 days of starting your application.
8. Book an appointment at a Service NSW Centre.
9. Attend your appointment with your photo ID within 30 days of submitting your application.

 

Asbestos Notification

• You must notify SafeWork NSW five days before licensed asbestos removal work commences.
• 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.

Asbestos Health Monitoring

• You must have your workers’ health monitored before they begin asbestos removal work and at least once every two years thereafter.
• The code of practice on how to safely remove asbestos has more information.

Adding an Asbestos Supervisor

• You can add multiple supervisors to your license by completing this Asbestos Removal Nomination Form.
• A valid asbestos removal licence ensures you meet your WHS obligations and safely manage asbestos work in NSW.

Understanding the requirements for Class A, Class B, and Assessor licences helps your business operate legally and with confidence. If you have any further questions about how to get an asbestos removal licence in NSW, don’t hesitate to contact our fully accredited, qualified personnel.

FAQs

Do I Need a Licence to Remove Asbestos in NSW?

Yes, if you are in NSW and removing more than 10m2 of non-friable asbestos or any amount of friable asbestos, you will require a licence. Although removing smaller amounts of non-friable asbestos does not require a licence, we strongly recommend you obtain one for your own personal safety.

What Is the Difference Between Class A and Class B?

A Class A removal licence deals with friable asbestos, which is loose and easily crushed in the hand, releasing hazardous fibres into the air. A Class B removal licence deals with non-friable asbestos, which is tightly bound and found in materials such as cement or resin, and is therefore less likely to release harmful fibres (unless damaged or agitated).

How Long Does Asbestos Removal Licensing Take in Sydney?

A thorough Class B removal license requires two days of training with Sydney Safety Training. A Class A removal license requires you to first complete Class B, and then undertake a further two days of training (bringing the total to four days).

What Experience Do I Need for a Class A Licence in Sydney?

To be eligible for a Class A friable asbestos removal license, you must first complete a Class B non-friable asbestos training course.

Can I Remove Asbestos in NSW Without Training?

Training is not required if you are removing less than 10m2 of non-friable asbestos in NSW. However, we strongly recommend you undertake a course for your own safety and well-being. Training is legally enforceable should you plan to remove any amount of friable asbestos or volumes greater than 10m2 of non-friable asbestos.

What Documents Do I Need for a NSW Asbestos Removal Licence Application?

Supporting documents needed include:

Core Documentation

• OHS certificate and proof of OHS review (Class A only).
• Fit-for-work documentation for each asbestos removalist and site supervisor.
• Evidence of any current/previous asbestos removal licences.
• Evidence of any past findings of guilt under OHS or environmental legislation.
• For companies/partnerships/trusts: ASIC extract or partnership deed or trust deed (showing all officeholders).

Work Practices & Equipment

• Details of PPE to be supplied.
• Specifications for any hazardous dust Class H vacuum.
• Proposed laundering arrangements for non-disposable clothing (including laundry name and address).

Site Supervisors

• Nomination of site supervisors.
• For each supervisor:
  • Six asbestos removal jobs from the past 24 months (addresses, dates, contacts, quantities).
  • Minimum 2 years’ asbestos removal experience.
  • For a non-specific licence: evidence of removing varied ACM types/quantities.
• Required training evidence meeting OHS Reg 269, including course codes where applicable:
  • • Remove friable asbestos.
    • Remove non-friable asbestos.
    • Supervise asbestos removal.
    • Relevant refresher training (friable <12 months; non-friable <24 months).

Asbestos Removalists

• Proof of completing at least one required course:
  • • Remove friable asbestos or
    • Remove non-friable asbestos or
    • Relevant refresher training.

Additional Requirements for Class A Licence

• For each supervisor: six asbestos removal jobs, including two friable jobs inside an enclosure with negative air (past 24 months).
• Current JAS-ANZ-accredited health and safety management system certificate or
  • A JAS-ANZ auditor statement (dated within 6 months) confirming satisfactory review of the proposed system and procedures.
• Details of the person responsible for keeping the certificate current.