What do I need a licence for?
You need a licence from WorkSafe Tasmania if you wish to be:
- an asbestos removalist. There are two asbestos removalist licences: Class A and Class B. You need this licence if you wish to remove over 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos and any amount of friable asbestos
- an asbestos assessor.
See Background: Friable and non-friable asbestos below for definitions
What don’t I need a licence for?
You do not need an asbestos removal licence to remove less than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos. The removal must be done in accordance with the code of practice How to Safely Remove Asbestos.
Class A asbestos removal licence
The class A asbestos removal licence:
- is required for removing friable asbestos, non-friable asbestos and asbestos contaminated dust
- is not required for removing asbestos containing material that is associated with removing non-friable asbestos or is only a minor contamination
- is valid for 5 years, unless cancelled by WorkSafe.
Class A asbestos removal work requires a licensed assessor for the clearance inspection and to issue the clearance certificate.
Class B asbestos removal licence
A class B asbestos removal licence:
- is required for removing non-friable asbestos or asbestos containing material, or asbestos contaminated dust associated with removing more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos
- is valid for 5 years, unless cancelled by WorkSafe.
Class B asbestos removal work requires a competent person for the clearance inspection and to issue the clearance certificate.
Asbestos assessor licence
An asbestos assessor licence is:
- required for air monitoring, clearance inspections or issuing clearance certificates for class A asbestos removal work, where a class A licence is required
- is valid for 5 years, unless cancelled by WorkSafe.
Use the Visual Clearance Certificate (Asbestos Removal) form.
You could be fined if you carry out this work without being licensed by WorkSafe.
Requirements for an asbestos licence
- Eligibility
- Experience and qualifications
- Certified safety management system
- Workers compensation
- Trading name
- Interstate licences and addresses
Eligibility
For either class of asbestos removal licence, you must be a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU).
Your application must include the name of the competent person you’ve engaged to supervise the removal work (the nominated supervisor).
If you (as an individual applicant) propose to be the nominated supervisor, then these must be your details.
The supervisor (whether this is you or someone you’ve engaged) must be at least 18.
You must submit proof of age.
Experience and qualifications
Class A asbestos removal licence
These requirements apply to the nominated supervisor, whether this is you or someone you’ve engaged.
You must have at least 3 years relevant industry experience removing friable asbestos. You must demonstrate this by submitting (with your application form):
- a description of work you’ve done over three years
- references (names and phone numbers) relevant to this 3 years; for example, from employers/licence holders or nominated supervisors. References are only required for new applications or when the licence holder is adding new nominate supervisors.
- a copy of the certification that proves you have successfully completed the vocational education and training (VET) course for supervising asbestos removal, removing non-friable asbestos and removing friable asbestos.
Class B asbestos removal licence
These requirements apply to the nominated supervisor, whether this is you or someone you’ve engaged.
You must have at least 12 months industry experience removing non-friable asbestos. You must demonstrate this by submitting (with your application form):
- a description of work you’ve done over 12 months
- references (names and phone numbers) relevant to this 12 months; for example, from employers/licence holders or nominated supervisors. References are only required for new applications or when the licence holder is adding new nominated supervisors.
- a copy of the certification that proves you have successfully completed the vocational education and training (VET) course for supervising asbestos removal and remove non-friable asbestos.
Asbestos assessor licence
You must have knowledge and skills of the relevant asbestos removal practice, gained through experience and training.
You must demonstrate your experience by submitting (with your application form):
- a description of your experience performing or supervising the work of an asbestos assessor (that is, air monitoring, clearance inspections and issue of clearance certificates) over the previous 2 years
- written references (including names and phone numbers) to verify experience relevant to this period. References are only required for new applications.
You must demonstrate your training by submitting (with your application form) either
- the vocational education and training (VET) course for conducting asbestos assessment associated with removal, or
- a tertiary qualification in work health and safety, industrial hygiene, science, building construction or environmental health
This is only required for new applications.
Certified safety management system
If you’re applying for a class A asbestos removal licence, you must submit evidence that you have a certified safety management system currently in place.
A certified system must comply with ISO45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, or an equivalent system determined by WorkSafe Tasmania.
Workers compensation
If you’re applying for either class of asbestos removal licence, you must submit a certificate of currency for workers compensation insurance. This does not apply if you are an exempt employer.
Trading name
If you’re applying for either class of asbestos removal licence and you will be trading under a business name, you must submit a copy of your certificate of registration of trading name.
Interstate licences and addresses
WorkSafe Tasmania will not issue an asbestos removal licence or asbestos assessor licence if you hold an equivalent licence from another state/territory/the Commonwealth, unless that licence is due for renewal.
Subject to meeting the other requirements outlined here, WorkSafe will issue you with an asbestos removal licence or asbestos assessor licence:
- if you reside in Tasmania; or if residing outside Tasmania, you satisfy WorkSafe that the licence be granted
- if as a body corporate applicant you have your registered address in Tasmania; or if located outside Tasmania, you satisfy WorkSafe that the licence be granted.
How to apply for an asbestos licence
To apply for an asbestos removal licence, complete the Application for asbestos removal licence for Class A or Class B form.
To apply for an asbestos assessor licence, complete the Asbestos Assessor Licence application form.
You will need to submit the application form and all required supporting documentation at a Service Tasmania outlet.
You will have your photograph taken for an asbestos assessor licence.
Recognising interstate asbestos licences
WorkSafe Tasmania will recognise a current asbestos removal licence or asbestos assessors licence from another state/territory or the Commonwealth, provided it is being used according to the licence’s terms and conditions.
Background: Friable and non-friable asbestos
Friable asbestos refers to asbestos-containing materials that can be easily reduced to powder by hand when dry. These materials are more likely to release measurable levels of asbestos into the environment when disturbed, and generally pose a greater risk to health.
Examples include:
- sprayed asbestos fire retardants
- thermal lagging, such as pipe insulation
- low density boards
- sheet vinyl underlay or backing.
Non-friable or bonded asbestos refers to asbestos-containing materials where the asbestos is firmly bonded in the matrix of the material. These materials are unlikely to release measurable levels of asbestos fibre into the environment if they are left undisturbed, therefore they have a lower risk to health.
Examples include:
- asbestos cement products
- vinyl floor tiles (however, removal of the glue can be classed as friable)
- bitumen-based waterproofing.
Resources
Application for asbestos removal licence for Class A or Class B form
Asbestos Assessor Licence application form
Find a licensed asbestos removalist or assessor
Notification of the commencement of asbestos removal work