Asbestos
Information on asbestos safety at work and home, how to dispose of it safely and key facts on asbestos
If asbestos containing material is in good condition it poses little health risk. However, when asbestos containing products are disturbed by cutting, drilling, water blasting or similar activities, small fibres may be released into the air.
These fibres are harmful if inhaled and may lead to asbestos related diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma.
Around 4000 Australians die every year from asbestos related diseases, that’s double the road toll. Asbestos related diseases are preventable by following safe practices when working with asbestos.
You must always use a licensed asbestos professional to remove friable asbestos and when there is more than 10sqm of non-friable (bonded) asbestos. However due to the risks associated with disturbing asbestos, SafeWork NSW recommends you use a licensed asbestos professional to remove any amount of non-friable asbestos.
Who to contact
Contacts for various situations
Workers and workplaces
If you have a query relating to asbestos in the workplace or you are an asbestos worker.
Asbestos in the home
Contact your local council
Illegal dumping of asbestos
To report illegal dumping of asbestos contact the NSW Environment Protection Authority or 131555.
Asbestos disposal
For a list of approved facilities who accept asbestos waste contact the NSW Environment Protection Authority or 131 555.
Asbestos in a rented property
Contact your property manager to discuss the issue.
If you are unable to reach a resolution, contact your local council
Someone is removing asbestos near me
If the area where the asbestos is being removed has been secured to prevent unauthorised access, asbestos signage is in place and workers are wearing full personal protective equipment then the removal is unlikely to pose any risk to you. If you are still concerned:
Residential
If the removal is at a residential property, contact your local council
OR
Workplace
If the removal is at a workplace, contact SafeWork NSW
Asbestos in community facilities
Contact your local council
Find an asbestos professional
Click here for a list of licensed asbestos professionals
Asbestos professionals - who does what?
A non-friable asbestos removal licence is required to remove more than 10sqm of non-friable asbestos.
A friable asbestos removal licence is required to remove any amount of friable asbestos.
SafeWork NSW recommends that you contact a licensed asbestos professional to assess or remove any amount of asbestos.
Descriptions of various asbestos professionals
Competent person
A competent person is someone who has acquired through training or experience the knowledge and skills of relevant asbestos removal industry practice and holds the following:
- a certification in relation to the specified VET course for asbestos assessor work, or
- a tertiary qualification in occupational health and safety, occupational hygiene, science, building, construction or environmental health
Asbestos assessor
Asbestos assessor licenses are required to provide air monitoring and clearance certificates in relation to friable asbestos removal work.
Clearance certificates must be issued by independent asbestos assessors for all friable asbestos removal work before a site can be reoccupied.
For non-friable asbestos removal work, clearance certificates may be issued by either a competent person or an asbestos assessor.
Asbestos removal supervisor
For licensed asbestos removal work, there must be a nominated supervisor present whenever Class A (friable asbestos) removal work is carried out. A nominated supervisor must be present or readily available to attend the site when Class B (non-friable asbestos) removal work is being carried out.
What does it mean to be independent when issuing a clearance certificate?
A clearance inspection is required at the completion of all licensed asbestos removal work, prior to reoccupation.
They can only be undertaken by a person who is independent of the asbestos removal work and who has acquired the relevant training or experience to undertake the work.
Persons undertaking asbestos clearance inspections MUST ensure they are independent of the asbestos removal work which means:
- they did not undertake the work, and,
- they are not involved in the business or undertaking that carried out the work.
If there is potential for a perceived conflict of interest you should consider that they are not independent. For example if the person is a relative, friend or there is an ongoing working relationship then this would not be deemed independent.
What is asbestos and where to find it
Finding, identifying and recording asbestos
Types of asbestos
Friable asbestos
Friable asbestos is asbestos in a powder form or that can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry.
Non-friable asbestos
Non-friable asbestos is material containing asbestos fibres reinforced with a bonding compound. It is also known as bonded asbestos and can be found in products such as asbestos cement sheeting commonly used in building materials between 1940’s to the late 1980’s.
Common locations of asbestos
If you’re renovating or working on a home or building built before the late 1980s, it may contain asbestos.
Asbestos materials were commonly used in flooring, kitchens, bathrooms, as well as roofs, ceilings, walls and more. There is no known safe minimum level of exposure.
Use the asbestos finder to see what products might contain asbestos and where they are commonly located.
If you think it’s asbestos, treat it like it is and call a licensed asbestos professional to help you assess it and remove it.
Asbestos sampling and testing
The only way to be certain that something contains asbestos is to have a sample tested in a laboratory. Treat all suspected asbestos as asbestos until test results confirm otherwise.
All asbestos testing should be done by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited facility. NATA accreditation is formal recognition that the facility produces reliable technical results.
A list of NATA accredited facilities is available on the NATA website.
It is strongly recommended that you use a licensed professional to collect samples of suspected asbestos for testing.
Asbestos registers and asbestos management plans
Asbestos register
If your workplace was built before 31 December 2003 or if asbestos has been identified at the workplace, you must keep a register that outlines:
- when the asbestos was found
- where it is located
- what type of asbestos it is
- what condition it is in.
You must also:
- make the register available to anyone likely to be exposed to asbestos,
- keep it up to date
- pass it on to anyone who takes over management or control of the workplace.
Asbestos management plan
If asbestos has been identified at your workplace, you must prepare and maintain an asbestos management plan, regardless if the asbestos is naturally occurring or manufactured.
Your plan must include:
- reference (or a link) to the asbestos register, and signage and labelling
- safe work procedures and control measures
- incident and emergency procedures
- consultation arrangements, responsibilities and training details of workers undertaking asbestos removal or asbestos related work.
You must review the plan at least every five years or when:
- requested by a health and safety representative (HSR)
- asbestos is removed, disturbed, sealed or enclosed.
The plan must be available to anyone involved in work at the workplace.
Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA)
Asbestos in its natural form can be blue (crocidolite), brown (amosite), green (anthophyllite tremolite and actinolite) or white (chrysotile, tremolite and actinolite). Known as Naturally Occurring Asbestos or NOA, it’s found in some rocks, sediments and in soils in various regions of NSW and is not easily identified.
If covered and left undisturbed, NOA is not considered dangerous. However, if disturbed and microscopic fibres become airborne or settle on clothing or equipment and can be inhaled, NOA can cause incurable diseases including malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.
Less than one percent of land in NSW is believed to contain NOA within 10 metres of the ground’s surface. NOA veins are scattered around the state, mostly west of the Great Dividing Range.
Map of where NOA is located in NSW
Only testing by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory, of a sample collected by a competent person, can confirm the presence of asbestos in any workplace including in building materials or in its natural forms in the environment.
Any work or activities that could disturb affected earth, rocks, and soils creates a potential risk. This is because disturbing NOA can release asbestos fibres into the air, which could be inhaled or contaminate clothing and equipment.
A suite of guidance material has been developed to assist those in areas where NOA may be present – see links below
Legacy asbestos
James Hardie Legacy Sites
The Environment Protection Authority is working with the City of Parramatta Council and other state government authorities including SafeWork NSW, to re-assess the risk of contamination at properties around the Parramatta local government area where James Hardie may have disposed of asbestos waste materials.
For more information see James Hardie asbestos waste contamination on the NSW EPA website
Loose-fill asbestos
Loose-fill asbestos was sold as ceiling insulation In the 1960s and 1970s by a company trading as Mr Fluffy.
While most properties impacted were located in the ACT, some properties in NSW were identified as containing this type of insulation.
In December 2014, the NSW Government offered a package for affected home-owners in response to the issue of loose-fill asbestos insulation in NSW homes.
For more information see Loose Fill Asbestos Insulation on the Fair Trading website
Health
If you employ workers who are at risk of being exposed to asbestos, you are required by law to advise them about the health risks of exposure.
Diseases related to asbestos
Inhalation of asbestos fibres may lead to diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Employers must ensure their workers follow safe processes when working with asbestos to prevent exposure.
If asbestos is disturbed it can release dangerous fine particles of dust containing asbestos fibres which can cause illness when inhaled.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic chest disease caused by inhalation of high concentrations of asbestos fibres. The condition can develop 10 to 20 years after initial exposure. Asbestos fibres initially damage cell membranes in the lungs and, as a result, the lung tissue becomes hardened and scars.
Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath after exercise, persistent coughing, chest pain, phlegm, lung infections, pulmonary hypertension and heart failure.
Early abnormalities of asbestosis are difficult to detect in a lung X-ray, however, as the disease progresses the X-ray is characterised by a cloudy, ground glass appearance.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer of the bronchial tubes, lungs and alveoli can develop after exposure to asbestos. Those who have been exposed to asbestos and who have smoked run a much greater risk of getting lung cancer.
Symptoms of lung cancer include an irritative cough with increasing sputum, followed by blood-tinged sputum, coughing up blood, chest pains and chest infections.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung lining. It can result from low-level exposure to asbestos and can take 30 to 45 years to develop after initial exposure. It is an aggressive and painful cancer, and sufferers rarely live longer than 12 to 18 months.
A dull, aching chest pain and shortness of breath are the early symptoms, followed by abdominal pain, abdominal swelling and loss of weight.
Pleural disease
Inflammation and irritation of outer lining of the lung, the pleura. The pleura stiffens and thickens widely (diffused thickening) or in patches (plaques) and can fill with fluid. This thickening can restrict breathing.
Asbestos exposure
If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos do the following:
- Stop work immediately
- Immediately report the incident to your manager
- Minimise disturbance of the material and area
- Inform workers to prevent access until the hazard has been contained
- Set up an exclusion zone using barricades and warning signs restricting access to the contaminated area
- Consult a licensed asbestos assessor to provide immediate advice on making the area safe. Advice on decontamination and disposal of clothing (as asbestos waste) should also be obtained
- Contact SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 to report the incident.
- Contact a licensed asbestos professional to undertake removal works at contaminated area
- Health monitoring must be undertaken or supervised by a registered medical practitioner experienced in health monitoring as soon as practical after the exposure.
- Register your details on the National Asbestos Exposure Register.
Notification of an asbestosis or mesothelioma diagnosis
As of 1 January 2021 all workplace related diagnoses of asbestosis and mesothelioma must be notified by the medical practitioner to NSW Health who are required to disclose the information to SafeWork NSW. Further information can be found on the NSW Health website under Disease Notification.
Legislation
Legislation related to asbestos
Asbestos regulation
Employers of workers who may be exposed to asbestos on the job or those removing asbestos must adhere to the rules and regulations as stipulated in the:
Codes of Practice
The Codes of practice listed below have been developed by Safe Work Australia to assist PCBU’s to achieve compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act and the Work Health and Safety Regulation.
- Code of Practice – How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace
- Code of Practice – How to safely remove asbestos
Importing and exporting asbestos
Importing and exporting asbestos is prohibited under Australian law. The Asbestos Safety and Eradiation Agency (ASEA) is responsible for administering the import and export permission process for the Commonwealth Minister with responsibility for the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
For more information see Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency website
Disposal
Disposal of asbestos waste is governed under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 which falls under the responsibility of the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
Asbestos workers and removalists
There are specific laws about working with asbestos. Below we summarise those laws and give you some practical tips.
Asbestos awareness training
Less than 10sqm of asbestos removal
Asbestos awareness training must be provided to workers who are who are carrying out asbestos removal work of less than 10m2 and/or workers who are at risk of being exposed to asbestos while on the job i.e. electricians, plumbers, bathroom and kitchen renovators
The training must be relevant to the task and must cover:
- asbestos identification
- safe handling of asbestos
- suitable control measures
Greater than 10sqm of asbestos removal or friable asbestos removal
To remove more than 10sqm of non-friable asbestos or any amount of friable asbestos workers must complete the specified VET course before carrying out asbestos work.
If you're a worker who supervises asbestos removal, there is additional training you also need to do.
See Training below for more information.
Fit testing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The PPE you will need prior to commencing asbestos removal is listed below and should be worn in this order:
- Disposable asbestos coveralls rated type 5, category 3 (allow one or two sizes larger for ease of fit)
- Steel – capped rubber-soled work shoes or gumboots with no laces or
- Disposable overshoes that have an anti-slip sole for placement over work shoes
- Single use disposable nitrile or latex gloves (nitrile is preferred as they are stronger)
- Face Mask
- Non- Friable asbestos work - P2 class, negative pressure respirator
- Friable asbestos work – P3 class, full face respirator
- Protective eye-wear (if not wearing a full face mask)
You must get fit tested to ensure your mask fits correctly with proper seals to prevent exposure to asbestos.
When wearing respiratory protection, you need to be clean shaven to ensure a proper seal between your face and mask to protect you from breathing in asbestos fibres.
Asbestos workers with beards, stubble or facial hair, should use a continuous flow positive pressure respirator.
For more information on PPE see the SafeWork Australia video
Health monitoring
Employers are required by law to provide health monitoring to workers who are at risk of being exposed to asbestos while on the job, prior to commencing asbestos removal work or ongoing asbestos related work. This includes licensed asbestos removalists and assessors who are wearing full personal protective equipment.
Health monitoring should also be provided to workers at regular intervals (at least once every two years) after the worker commences asbestos-related work where there is a risk of exposure to asbestos.
Licensing
You must be licensed to remove asbestos, except if removing 10 square meters or less of non-friable asbestos. SafeWork NSW recommends using a licensed asbestos removalist to remove any amount of asbestos.
Mutual recognition of asbestos licenses
SafeWork NSW mutually recognises asbestos licence holders that have an equivalent licence granted under a corresponding WHS law, and that is being used in accordance with the terms and conditions under which it was granted.
Mutual recognition of demolition licenses
SafeWork NSW does not mutually recognise other jurisdictions demolition licenses. The entity may apply for a NSW Demolition Licence.
Type of licence | What asbestos can be removed |
---|---|
Class A | Can remove any amount or quantity of asbestos or asbestos containing material (ACM) including:
Note: Friable asbestos fire doors and safes – separate licence |
Class B | Can remove:
Note: A Class B licence is required for removal of more than 10sqm of non-friable asbestos or ACM
Note: A Class B licence is required for removal of ACD associated with the removal of more than 10sqm of non-friable asbestos or ACM |
No licence required | Can remove:
|
All asbestos removal work must be carried out safely in accordance with health and safety legislation.
Find more information here about applying for asbestos licences including links to applicant guide and application forms.
Find a licensed asbestos removalist or licensed asbestos assessor in your area
Safe removal and disposal of asbestos
Notify SafeWork NSW
You must notify SafeWork NSW at least five days before removing any amount of friable asbestos or more than 10sqm of non-friable asbestos.
Find more information here on notification of asbestos removal work including the link to the online notification system Develop ARCP
A licence holder must prepare a site-specific ARCP prior to any asbestos removal work commencing. This document should identify the specific control measures a licence holder will undertake to ensure workers and other persons are not at risk when asbestos removal work is being carried out. See SafeWork NSW approved ARCP template here.
Develop Safe Work Method Statement
A licence holder must prepare a site-specific SWMS prior to any asbestos removal work commencing. The SWMS must identify the work that is high risk construction work, specify hazards relating to the high risk construction work (for example falls from heights, electrical), and risks to health and safety associated with those hazards, and describe the measures to be implemented to control the risks, and describe how the control measures are to be implemented, monitored and reviewed. See Code of Practice: Construction Work
Inform others
Prior to any licensed asbestos removal work being carried out, the license holder must inform, so far as is reasonably practicable the following people about the asbestos removal work and when it will commence:
- the person who commissioned the asbestos removal work
- a person conducting a business or undertaking at the workplace
- the occupier of the domestic premises
- the owner of the domestic premises
- anyone occupying premises in the immediate vicinity of the workplace
Organise barriers/signage
Prior to work commencing asbestos removal work, the asbestos removal worker must ensure that asbestos warning signs are in place to alert people that asbestos is present and that asbestos removal work is taking place.
The asbestos removalist must also erect barricades around the asbestos removal area to prevent those not involved in the removal process from entering and being potentially exposed to asbestos.
Asbestos removal
Complete asbestos removal in line with Code of Practice – How to safely remove asbestos
Air monitoring
Who is responsible for air monitoring
If you commission asbestos removal work that requires a Class A licence, you must engage an independent licensed asbestos assessor to undertake air monitoring of the asbestos removal area.
For non-friable asbestos removal work, air monitoring may be conducted by an independent asbestos assessor or a *competent person.
Air monitoring results
If monitoring in the workplace shows asbestos between 0.01 and 0.02 fibres/ml, you must:
- investigate the cause
- implement controls to prevent exposure
- prevent further release of fibres.
If monitoring shows asbestos to be over 0.02 fibres/ml, you must:
- stop work
- notify us
- investigate the cause
- implement controls to prevent exposure
- prevent further release of fibres.
The results of the air monitoring must be provided to your workers, health and safety representatives and others at the workplace.
Once satisfied that the area is free of visible asbestos contamination and air monitoring shows asbestos below 0.01 fibres/ml (if required), the assessor (or competent person) will issue you a clearance certificate.
Air monitoring must use the membrane filter method and be carried out before, during and, if necessary, after your removal work.
Decontaminate
You must ensure there are facilities to decontaminate your work area, and any equipment or people involved in the work (or who accessed the area).
All contaminated material and equipment must be sealed, labelled properly, and disposed of at an authorised waste facility.
If you can’t dispose of contaminated clothing, keep it in a sealed container till it’s re-used for asbestos removal purposes. Or, better still, send it to a laundry that is equipped to clean asbestos-contaminated clothing.You must ensure there are facilities to decontaminate your work area, and any equipment or people involved in the work (or who accessed the area).
All contaminated material and equipment must be sealed, labelled properly, and disposed of at an authorised waste facility.
If you can’t dispose of contaminated clothing, keep it in a sealed container till it’s re-used for asbestos removal purposes. Or, better still, send it to a laundry that is equipped to clean asbestos-contaminated clothing.
You must ensure there are facilities to decontaminate your work area, and any equipment or people involved in the work (or who accessed the area).
All contaminated material and equipment must be sealed, labelled properly, and disposed of at an authorised waste facility.
If you can’t dispose of contaminated clothing, keep it in a sealed container till it’s re-used for asbestos removal purposes. Or, better still, send it to a laundry that is equipped to clean asbestos-contaminated clothing. Clearance inspections and certificates
As a licensed asbestos removalist, you must ensure that once the asbestos removal work has been completed that a clearance inspection is carried out, and a clearance certificate is issued in writing before the workplace or residential property can be re-occupied. Clearance inspections and clearance certificates must be carried out and issued by:
- an independent (link to definition) licensed asbestos assessor (link to definition), for work that must be carried out by a Class A licensed asbestos removalist
- an independent competent person (link to definition), for asbestos work that is not required to be carried out by a Class A licensed removalist (e.g. if removal work involved more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos).
Transport and disposal
A licence holder must ensure that asbestos waste is contained and labelled in accordance with the GHS before the waste is removed from an asbestos removal area and is disposed of as soon as practicable at a site authorised to accept asbestos waste.
Safely disposing of asbestos waste
Facilities that can accept asbestos waste are located on the EPA website
Trades
How to protect yourself
SafeWork NSW recommends that you should always engage a licensed asbestos professional if there is a chance that asbestos may be present. If you are working with asbestos, you need to do the following:
- have everything you need before you commence the job
- wear Personal protective equipment
- follow the asbestos removal process as outlined in the SafeWork Australia Code of Practice - How to safely remove asbestos
- if drilling into asbestos use an LEV or a Class H HEPA vacuum
- wrap and dispose of asbestos according to guidelines SafeWork Australia Code of Practice (how to safely remove asbestos)
- decontaminate the area and yourself
- dispose of asbestos at a waste disposal facility which is licensed to accept asbestos waste.
Find your nearest disposal site that is licensed to handle asbestos.
Prohibited equipment
The use of certain tools and equipment on asbestos or asbestos containing material is prohibited.
The following should never be used:
- high-pressure water spray, jets, power or similar tools and instruments
- compressed air.
See full video on the dangers of pressure cleaning asbestos roofs
See condensed video on the dangers of pressure cleaning asbestos roofs
Controlled use allowed
High speed power tools such as angle-grinders, sanders, saws and drills or any other tools or equipment, such as brooms, that can cause the release of asbestos fibres into the air can only be used if:
- the tool/equipment is enclosed during its use; or
- the tool/equipment is designed to capture or suppress airborne asbestos and is used in accordance with its design; or
- the tool/equipment is used in a way that is designed to capture or suppress airborne asbestos safely.
Decontamination
All tools and equipment used during the asbestos removal process must be decontaminated before being removed from the asbestos removal area. Tools and equipment that can't be decontaminated should be double bagged and sealed in asbestos waste bags before removal.
The bags containing the tools or equipment must remain sealed until decontamination.
More information can be found in the How to safely remove asbestos – Code of Practice.
Unlicensed removal (less than 10sqm non-friable asbestos)
Although unlicensed removal of asbestos is permitted in certain circumstances, we always recommend engaging a licensed asbestos removalist to remove any amount of asbestos.
When can I remove asbestos?
Under the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017, an employer or self-employed person can conduct a limited amount of asbestos removal work or asbestos related work without a licence involving:
- the removal of non-friable asbestos-containing material if the area of asbestos-containing material to be removed does not exceed 10 square metres in total.
Obligations
If you do decide to remove less than 10sqm of asbestos yourself then before you start work you must:
- Read and follow the Code of Practice – How to safely remove asbestos
- Be aware and advise any workers of the health risks associated with exposure to asbestos
- Undertake and provide any workers with asbestos awareness training
- Undertake and provide health monitoring to any workers if work with asbestos is likely to be ongoing
If you are not willing or able to commit to any of the above obligations then you should engage a licensed asbestos professional.
See our video section under Resources for important asbestos messages.
Property owners and home renovators
Information for property owners and home renovators can be found at www.asbestos.nsw.gov.au
Training
SafeWork approved RTOs delivering asbestos training
Only registered training organisations (RTOs) with SafeWork approval can deliver asbestos removal, assessor or supervisor training in NSW. Asbestos licence applications will only be considered if training has been undertaken with a SafeWork approved RTO.
RTO details | Approved for |
---|---|
Advance Consulting & Training Phone: 02 9635 4444 | Class B |
Alertforce 16/13-15 Wollongong Road Arncliffe NSW 2205 Phone: 1800 900 222 Email: service@alertforce.com.au Website: www.alertforce.com.au Note: Alertforce is approved to deliver Class B, non-friable asbestos removal training courses on client sites. | Class A, Class B, Supervisor, Assessor |
Coates Hire Operations Pty Ltd (delivered by Viable Training Pty Ltd.) 46 Williamson Rd Ingleburn NSW 2560
| Class A, Class B, Supervisor |
Combined Training and Consulting Pty Ltd Phone: (02) 9979 7888 | Class B, Supervisor |
Combined Training and Consulting Pty Ltd Phone: (02) 9979 7888 | Class B, Supervisor |
Elbon Consulting Phone: 1300 884 978 | Class B |
Health and Safety Advisory Service Pty Ltd Phone: 02 4739 9748 | Class A, Class B, Supervisor, Assessor |
Newcastle Rescue and Consultancy Pty Ltd Phone: 1300 356 686 | Class A, Class B, Supervisor |
Pinnacle Height Safety Pty Ltd Pinnacle Height Safety is approved to deliver Class B, non-friable asbestos removal training courses on client sites. | Class A, Class B, Supervisor |
Master Builders Association Phone: 02 8586 3588 | Class B, Supervisor |
Master Builders Association Phone: 02 8586 3588 | Class B, Supervisor |
Master Builders Association | Class B, Supervisor |
Master Builders Association Phone: 02 8586 3588 | Class B, Supervisor |
Master Builders Association Phone: 02 8586 3588 | Class B, Supervisor |
RTO Safety Training Pty Ltd Phone: 02 9892 3370 | Class A, Class B, Supervisor |
TAFE NSW – Dubbo Campus Dubbo TAFE Campus is approved to deliver Class B, non-friable asbestos removal training courses on client sites. | Class B, Supervisor |
TAFE NSW – Wagga Wagga Campus Phone: 13 16 01 | Class B, Supervisor |
Trayn Phone: 02 9618 0334 | Class B, Supervisor |
Employer training obligations
Businesses, employers and other PCBUs have a general duty to provide information, training and instructions to their workers. Asbestos removal work has specific training and licensing requirements.
If you are an employer or business (or other PCBU) who carries out removal work (or may have contact with asbestos), you must ensure that you and you workers complete asbestos awareness training.
If loose fill asbestos insulation or naturally occurring asbestos is likely to be found at a workplace, you must provide training in how to identify and manage the associated risks and hazards.
You must keep training records while the worker is carrying out the work and for five years after the worker finished. Training records must be readily accessible at the asbestos removal area.
Asbestos awareness training (less than 10sqm asbestos removal
Less than 10sqm of asbestos removal
Asbestos awareness training must be provided to workers who are who are carrying out asbestos removal work of less than 10m2 and/or workers who are at risk of being exposed to asbestos while on the job, for example, electricians, plumbers, bathroom and kitchen renovators.
The training must be relevant to the task and must cover:
- asbestos identification
- safe handling of asbestos
- suitable control measures.
Training requirements for asbestos licence holders
Workers must complete the relevant VET course/s before carrying out asbestos work.
If you're a worker who supervises asbestos removal, there is additional training you'll need to do.
If you're a licensed asbestos removalist, you must also provide information and training to asbestos removal workers to make sure the work is carried out in accordance with the asbestos removal control plan. Contact us if you need more advice on asbestos removal control plans.
Courses to be completed at SafeWork approved RTO | Class A – Friable Asbestos Removal | Class B – Non-Friable Asbestos Removal | Asbestos Assessor | Supervise Non-Friable Asbestos Removal | Supervise Friable Asbestos Removal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CPCCDE3014A Remove Non-friable Asbestos | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
CPCCDE3015A Remove Friable Asbestos | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
CPCCBC4051A Supervise Asbestos Removal | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
CPCCBC5014A Conduct Asbestos Assessment associated with removal | No | No | Yes* (see below) | No | No |
* Alternatively, a tertiary qualification in occupational health and safety or industrial hygiene or science of building construction or environmental health (diploma level and above)
Important to note for all licences
Pre-requisite for all above training is successful completion of Work health and Safety General Construction Induction course.
Completing the training above does not result in getting the relevant asbestos licence. Once training is complete, workers need to gain on-the-job experience before being eligible to apply for a licence.
Learn more about applying for an asbestos licence and the required experience.
Information for RTOs
Only RTOs registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and approved by SafeWork NSW can deliver asbestos removal or assessor training in NSW.
Become an RTO through ASQA.
Get approval to deliver asbestos training in NSW
For approval to deliver asbestos training in NSW you need to apply to us and then sign an agreement. Complete these steps:
- Add the unit/s of competency to your registration with ASQA. You will be applying for approval to deliver some or all of the following courses:
- Class A: CPCCDE3015A – Remove friable asbestos
- Class B: CPCCDE3014A – Remove non-friable asbestos
- Supervisor: CPCCBC4051A – Supervise asbestos removal
- Assessor: CPCCBC5014A – Conduct asbestos assessment associated with removal
- Complete the application form.
- Prepare for a venue inspection. We will assess whether your venue adequately simulates a workplace environment and associated activities.
- Refer to the RTO checklist to help you get ready for the inspection.
- Ensure you, your partners and contractors are able to comply with the conditions of the agreement to conduct asbestos removal and asbestos assessor training.
- Sign and submit the agreement to us. (If your application is successful, we will send you this agreement document.)
The application fee is shown in our list of fees and charges.
Change of details
RTOs must notify changes of detail within 14 days:
Notify training
RTOs must notify us every time they deliver training, at least seven calendar days before scheduled training.
Also notify us if there is a variation or cancellation to that training.
Further information
Training and assessment is conducted in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017.
Call us on 13 10 50 for further assistance.
Resources
A wide range of government agencies provide resources and information for the safe management and monitoring of asbestos. See below for links to guidance material, asbestos networks and videos.
Guidance material
Working with asbestos
Asbestos removal control plan for Class B (non-friable) removal work - template
Dust Strategy 2020-2022 released by the NSW Government to help reduce the impact of dust diseases on workers.
How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace: Code of practice
How to safely remove asbestos code of practice
Managing asbestos in or on soil guide
Management of asbestos in recycled construction and demolition waste guide
Naturally occurring asbestos fact sheet
Naturally occurring asbestos guidance material
Transporting structures containing asbestos
Safety alerts
Date of issue | Alert issued |
---|---|
24 Oct 2019 | Pool Hinge Gaskets |
20 Mar 2019 | Bee Smokers |
20 Dec 2019 | Bunsen Burner gauze mats |
SafeWork NSW position papers
Certified safety management system for Class A asbestos licence holders - SafeWork NSW position
Cladding over asbestos containing materials – SafeWork NSW position
Asbestos after fires
Property hazards after a bushfire
Health
Videos
Lindsay Wall was exposed to asbestos as a young tradie and lost his battle with mesothelioma, an asbestos-related disease in November 2019. Remember before you start on the job, asbestos lurks in more places than you think.
Cladding over asbestos sheeting can cause significant damage to asbestos containing material. Watch our safety alert for more advice
Never use high-pressure water or compressed air on asbestos products and be careful when working on asbestos roofs – they are brittle and you can easily fall through. Watch our safety alert for more advice.