Licensed removalists
Generally, asbestos removal must be done by a removalist licensed by WorkSafe, or trained employees of a licence-holder. The licence-holder is usually required to notify WorkSafe in advance before any asbestos removal work is carried out. Unlicensed removal of limited amounts of non-friable asbestos is permitted under certain circumstances.
Class B licence-holders are only permitted to remove non-friable asbestos and must comply with a number of requirements, including:
- appointing a nominated supervisor to oversee the removal work
- developing a control plan before the job
- informing employees in the area of the proposed removal work
- using specific methods for removal, waste containment and waste disposal
- using signs and barricades
- providing decontamination facilities
- providing employees with information, training, personal protective clothing and equipment, and medical examinations
Only Class A licence-holders are permitted to remove friable asbestos.
Class A licence-holders must comply with the same requirements outlined above for Class B licence holders, but must also implement a range of specific measures to carry out the work safely and control the risk, including using enclosures and always having the nominated supervisor on site. These are detailed in the OHS Regulations.
