Training requirements
Training for workers
Workers carrying out asbestos removal work for a class A or class B asbestos removal licence holder must hold a certificate for the unit of competency for the type of asbestos removal work being carried out.
The following units of competency are available through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO):
- CPCCDE3014 Remove non-friable asbestos
- CPCCDE3015 Remove friable asbestos
- CPCCDE4008 Supervise asbestos removal.
Workers carrying out asbestos-related work (non-removal) must be trained in identifying asbestos and safe handling and suitable control measures for working with asbestos.
Training for excavator operators for asbestos removal
Excavator operators are often subcontracted during asbestos removal work, particularly to undertake work activities relating to the removal of asbestos contaminated soil and the demolition of fire damaged buildings.
All workers involved in licensed asbestos removal works must be trained to undertake the asbestos removal work specific to the asbestos containing material (ACM) that is being removed.
Asbestos removal training is designed to provide workers with the knowledge to safely:
- identify and remove asbestos
- decontaminate people and any plant used in the removal
- clean the work environment after a removal
- transport asbestos waste safely.
Excavator operators undertaking excavations and loading of trucks and skip bins with any quantity of friable asbestos or more than 10m2 of non-friable asbestos or ACM must be trained in accordance with s460 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 as an asbestos removal worker.
It is important to note that asbestos awareness training does not provide the knowledge required for workers involved in licensed asbestos removal activities.
Excavator workers contracted to undertake work related to the removal of more than 10m2 of non-friable asbestos or ACM must have certification in CPCCDE3014 Remove non-friable asbestos.
Excavator workers contracted to undertake work related to the removal of any quantity of friable ACM must have certification in CPCCDE3015 Remove friable asbestos.
Excavator workers contracted to undertake the removal of less than 10m2 of non-friable asbestos or ACM must be trained in the identification and safe handling of, and suitable control measures for, asbestos and ACM in accordance with s445 of the s445 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011.
Training for nominated supervisors for class A asbestos removal work
Class A asbestos removal work must be supervised by a person nominated by the licensed asbestos removalist to WHSQ.
A class A asbestos removal work supervisor must be at least 18 years old and have at least three years of relevant industry experience. The nominated supervisor must have certification in:
- CPCCDE3015A Remove friable asbestos
- CPCCDE4008 Supervise asbestos removal.
Applicants must provide WHSQ with these details about the nominated supervisor when applying for a class A asbestos removal licence.
The licence holder must ensure the nominated asbestos removal supervisor is present at the asbestos removal area whenever the class A asbestos removal work is being carried out.
Training for class B asbestos removal work supervisors
Where class B asbestos removal work is being carried out by more than one person, the licence holder must ensure a supervisor is readily available to the workers carrying out the asbestos removal work. For example, if a supervisor is contactable by phone and able to arrive at the workplace within 20 minutes, this would be regarded as readily available. A supervisor is not required where class B asbestos removal work is only being carried out by one person. An example of where a supervisor would need to be readily available is where five workers are working to remove asbestos cement sheeting from a warehouse. An example of where a supervisor is not required to be readily available is where one worker is removing more than 10 square metres of asbestos cement sheeting as part of a bathroom renovation.
A class B asbestos removal work supervisor must be at least 18 years old and have at least one year of relevant industry experience. The supervisor must have certification in either CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos or CPCCDE3015A Remove friable asbestos.
When applying for a class B asbestos removal licence, the applicant does not need to provide WHSQ with details about supervisors for class B asbestos removal work.
For more information about supervisors, refer to the Asbestos licensing and notification guide for applicants (PDF, 0.35 MB)
Training and requirements for licensed asbestos assessors and competent persons for clearance inspections
An independent licensed asbestos assessor is required for the following:
- air monitoring during class A asbestos removal work
- clearance inspections for class A asbestos removal work
- issuing clearance certificates in relation to class A asbestos removal work.
A licensed asbestos assessor must have acquired through training or experience the knowledge and skills of relevant asbestos removal practice. The asbestos assessor must also have either:
- certification in CPCCBC5014A Conduct asbestos assessment associated with removal
- a tertiary qualification in occupational health and safety, occupational hygiene, science, building, construction, or environmental health.
A 'competent person' for a clearance inspection following class B asbestos removal work means a person who has acquired through training or experience the knowledge and skills of relevant asbestos removal industry practice and holds one of the following:
- certification in either CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos or CPCCDE3015A Remove friable asbestos
- certification in CPCCBC5014A Conduct asbestos assessment associated with removal
- a tertiary qualification in occupational health and safety, occupational hygiene, science, building, construction, or environmental health.