You must be licensed to remove asbestos over 10m². General information about licensing applies to asbestos removalists. Asbestos removalists have professional responsibilities.

Types of licences

There are two classes of asbestos removalists:

• asbestos removalists Class A: licensees can handle (include disturbing) asbestos in buildings, and remove and dispose of asbestos from buildings; and
• asbestos removalists Class B: licensees can handle (include disturbing) only bonded asbestos in buildings, and remove and dispose of only bonded asbestos from buildings.

Bonded asbestos is asbestos in a form where the asbestos fibres are held within another material (for example, cement) but does not include friable asbestos.

Friable asbestos is asbestos, whether or not contained in other material, that is crumbly, dusty or powdery, or when dry can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure. Examples of friable asbestos are sprayed asbestos coating or insulation, asbestos lagging, loose asbestos and in its raw form.

Building work that involves handling asbestos is exempt building work if:

• the asbestos is bonded asbestos; and

• not more than 10m² of asbestos is handled during the building work; and

• each person who handles the asbestos

           (i) works in a prescribed occupation; and

           (ii) has a relevant asbestos qualification; and

• the asbestos is handled by each person who handles it in the course of the person’s occupation. 

Eligibility

The Mandatory Qualifications Schedule sets out the qualifications required for the different classes of licenses. These include accredited training courses and relevant work experience. The Construction Occupations Registrar must be satisfied that you have completed the accredited training course and relevant work experience necessary to provide, and understand the minimum health and safety requirements in relation to, the asbestos removal services for which the licence is sought.

Applications

You will need to provide evidence that you possess the mandatory qualifications and experience and will also need to complete the forms that apply to your situation.

For individuals:

• CL1 - Construction practitioner licence - individual; or 

If you are licensed elsewhere:

• CL2 - Construction practitioner licence - Mutual recognition 

For companies and partnerships, including changes and renewal:

• CL3 - Construction practitioner licence - Organisation 

Changes and replacements

Individuals need to complete:

• CL4 - Construction practitioner licence - Change of details and/or replace licence card
• CL7 - Construction practitioner licence - Update nominees 

Renewal and refusal

Licences are typically for three years, but can be shorter. You need to renew your licence before its expiry. The Construction Occupations Registrar can refuse and may impose or remove conditions on a licence at the time of licensing.