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Asbestos licences

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There are two types of asbestos removal licences:

  • friable asbestos - class A
  • non-friable (bonded) asbestos - class B

Asbestos removal licences issued under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Regulation) are valid for a period of five years.

These licences are only issued to a person who conducts a business or undertaking.

Friable asbestos - class A asbestos removal licence

A 'class A' asbestos removal licence is for businesses removing any amount of friable asbestos (material that contains asbestos and is in a powder form or that can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry). Class A licence holders must ensure the removal of friable asbestos is directly supervised by a nominated supervisor.

Nominated supervisors for class A asbestos removal work must

  • be at least 18 years old
  • have at least three years of relevant industry experience following the completion of the relevant qualification
  • have certification in CPCCDE3015A Remove friable asbestos and CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal.

Class A licence holders are also authorised to carry out class B asbestos removal work.

Non-friable (bonded) asbestos - class B asbestos removal licence

A class B asbestos removal licence only covers work for the removal of:

  • more than ten square metres of non-friable asbestos
  • any asbestos contaminated dust or debris associated with the removal of this non-friable asbestos.

The licence does not authorise the removal of friable asbestos (class A asbestos removal work).

Non-friable asbestos materials include asbestos cement sheeting, often called fibro, used in many Queensland buildings before 1990. The sheeting was used for cladding, roofs and fences and can often be found as backing boards in wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

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.

A class B asbestos removal work supervisor must

  • be at least 18 years old
  • have at least one year of relevant industry experience
  • have certification in 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.

Although a licence is not required to remove ten square metres or less of non-friable asbestos material, all asbestos removal work must be carried out properly using safe work procedures. Refer to the (WHS Regulation and How to safely remove asbestos code of practice 2021 (PDF, 2.22 MB) for more information.

If you wish to establish a business (and become a PCBU), you should contact the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and the Office of Fair Trading for information regarding your options and whether you need to register a business.

How to apply for an asbestos removal licence - Class A or B

Step one

Complete Form 80 - Application for asbestos removal licence for Class A or Class B (PDF, 0.33 MB) and read the Guide for asbestos applicants - Asbestos removal and asbestos assessor licence and notifications (PDF, 0.35 MB).

Step two

Submit the application form, supporting documents and fee to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ).

Step three

WHSQ will contact you if any additional information is required.

Step four

If approved, WHSQ will issue the licence to the PCBU.

Find a RTO offering CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos, CPCCDE3015A Remove friable asbestos or CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal.

How to apply for the renewal of an asbestos removal licence Class A or B

Step one

Complete Form 100 - Application for renewal of asbestos removal licence for Class A or B (PDF, 0.37 MB).

Step two

Submit the application form, supporting documents and fee to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ).

Step three

WHSQ will contact you if any additional information is required.

Step four

If approved, WHSQ will issue the licence to the PCBU.

Asbestos assessor licence

Under the WHS Regulation, an independent licensed asbestos assessor is required to carry out certain functions connected with class A asbestos removal work. These are:

  • air monitoring
  • clearance inspections
  • issuing a clearance certificate.

Asbestos assessor licences are valid for a period of five years and are issued to individuals, not a business.

The licence will be subject to conditions that are imposed to ensure that all licensed asbestos assessors maintain an appropriate level of transparency in their operations, and are aware they may be monitored by WHSQ to ensure asbestos assessor activities are being carried out safely and competently.

How to apply for an asbestos assessor licence

Step one

Complete Form 81 - Application for asbestos assessor licence (PDF, 0.32 MB) and read the Guide for asbestos applicants - Asbestos removal and asbestos assessor licence and notifications (PDF, 0.35 MB).

Step two

Submit the application form, supporting documents and required fee to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ).

Step three

WHSQ will contact you if any additional information is required.

Step four

If approved, WHSQ will issue the licence to the individual.

Find a RTO offering CPCCBC5014A Conduct Asbestos assessment associated with asbestos removal.

How to apply for the renewal of an asbestos assessor licence

Step one

Complete Form 101 - Application for renewal of asbestos assessor licence (PDF, 0.18 MB).

Step two

Submit the application form, supporting documents and fee to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ).

Step three

WHSQ will contact you if any additional information is required.

Step four

If approved, WHSQ will issue the licence to the PCBU.

Further information

Contact us for asbestos licensing enquiries, general asbestos information or to make a complaint about asbestos removalists.

Phone

Call 1300 362 128

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Last updated 11 February 2019