New mandatory licence to remove 10m2 or more of bonded asbestos

Anyone removing bonded asbestos measuring 10 square metres or more must obtain a new 'B' class licence from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

Queensland's workplace health and safety laws were amended last December to extend the asbestos removal licensing scheme to cover bonded asbestos, such as fibro, and to adopt new national codes of practice for the management and removal of asbestos.

While certification has always been required to remove the high risk 'friable' (loose) form of asbestos, no similar requirement existed for 'non-friable' (bonded) asbestos containing materials such as asbestos cement sheeting.

The new 'B' Class licence means that only competent, licensed people can legally remove 'non-friable' asbestos containing materials in quantities of 10 square metres or more. That equates to about four standard sheets of asbestos cement sheeting.

Licence applicants will need to be able to demonstrate they are familiar with the procedures for removing bonded asbestos material set out in the national Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos 2nd Edition.

Registered Training Organisations and authorised assessors offer examinations in centres throughout Queensland.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland will issue applicants assessed as competent and who pay an application fee of $56.00 with a five-year licence.

An 'A' class licence will replace the current equivalent, an Asbestos Removal Business Certificate, which is required to remove 'friable' asbestos in any quantity. 'A' class licence holders will not need a 'B' class licence.

For more information:

• licensing for asbestos removal work
• asbestos removal work
• call 1300 369 915.