Many Australian homes built before 1990 still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACM), particularly properties built before 1987. For tradespeople, demolition contractors, property managers and maintenance teams, that means asbestos risks remain a very real part of everyday work.
But removing asbestos is not simply a matter of putting on PPE and tearing materials out. Under Australia’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws, asbestos removal is tightly regulated because disturbing ACM can release dangerous airborne fibres linked to serious illnesses including mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
In many situations, carrying out asbestos removal work legally requires an asbestos removal licence. Depending on the type of asbestos involved, this may mean either a Class A asbestos removal licence or a Class B asbestos removal licence.
If you are researching how to get an asbestos removal licence in Australia, this guide explains the process step by step, including the difference between licence classes, asbestos removal training requirements, who issues licences and how to apply in your state or territory.
Do you need a licence to remove asbestos?
In Australia, asbestos removal licensing requirements are governed by Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations and enforced by state and territory regulators such as SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Victoria and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ).
Whether you need an asbestos removal licence depends on:
- the type of asbestos-containing material being removed
- how much asbestos is involved
- whether the material is friable or non-friable
As a general rule:
- removing more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos requires a Class B asbestos removal licence
- removing any amount of friable asbestos requires a Class A asbestos removal licence
These requirements apply across residential, commercial and industrial sites.
Non-friable asbestos is bonded into solid materials such as fibro sheeting, cement pipes, roofing products and vinyl floor tiles. Because the asbestos fibres are contained within another material, the immediate risk is lower if the product remains undamaged.
Friable asbestos is far more dangerous because it can be crumbled or pulverised by hand pressure, releasing fibres into the air more easily. Examples include pipe lagging, sprayed insulation and loose-fill insulation.
For many workers, the challenge is not simply identifying asbestos, but recognising when maintenance, demolition or renovation activities legally become licensed asbestos removal. For small contractors, that can catch people out during bathroom renovations, roofing replacements or strip-outs where asbestos is discovered unexpectedly.
A common question is whether homeowners can remove asbestos themselves. While small amounts of non-friable asbestos may legally be removed in some jurisdictions, strict conditions still apply and licensed asbestos removal is often the safer option.
Importantly, DIY asbestos removal above the legal threshold is prohibited in all Australian jurisdictions. Even where a licence is not legally required, asbestos awareness training is still strongly recommended for anyone likely to encounter ACM during construction, demolition, renovation or maintenance activities.
Understanding when an asbestos removal licence is legally required can help workers and businesses better understand their obligations under WHS laws.
Class A vs Class B asbestos removal licence: what’s the difference?
One of the biggest areas of confusion for workers entering the industry is understanding the difference between a Class A asbestos removal licence and a Class B asbestos removal licence.
The simplest distinction is:
- Class A licences cover friable asbestos removal
- Class B licences cover non-friable asbestos removal only
A Class A asbestos removal licence allows the licence holder to remove both friable and non-friable asbestos-containing material. Because friable asbestos removal presents the highest risk of airborne fibre exposure, Class A work is subject to stricter controls, higher training requirements and more extensive compliance obligations.
A Class B asbestos removal licence only permits the removal of non-friable asbestos materials.
| Licence type | Covers | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Class A asbestos removal licence | Friable and non-friable asbestos | Pipe lagging, loose-fill insulation, sprayed coatingss |
| Class B asbestos removal licencet | Non-friable asbestos only | Fibro sheeting, asbestos cement fencing, roofing |
This distinction matters because the safety controls for friable asbestos removal are significantly more complex. Friable removal work may involve:
- negative pressure enclosures
- specialised respiratory protection
- air monitoring
- decontamination units
- asbestos clearance certificates
- licensed asbestos assessors
Another important point is that asbestos removal licences are issued by the relevant WHS regulator, not by the training provider delivering the asbestos removal course.
Completing an asbestos removal course is one step in the licensing pathway, but training alone does not make someone a licensed asbestos removalist.
Many workers are also unclear about the difference between general asbestos awareness training and the training required to become licensed. Understanding the difference between Class A and Class B asbestos licences can help clarify which pathway applies to different types of asbestos work.
What training do you need to get an asbestos removal licence?
Completing recognised asbestos removal training is the first practical step toward getting licensed.
Training must be delivered by a registered training organisation (RTO) and result in a statement of attainment for the required units of competency.
For a Class B asbestos removal licence, the core unit is commonly:
- CCPCCDE3014 Remove non-friable asbestos
Workers supervising non-friable asbestos removal may also require competency in:
- CPCCDE4008 Supervise asbestos removal
Class A applicants may also require additional friable asbestos units, supervised industry experience and medical clearances, depending on the jurisdiction.
Training delivered through an asbestos removal course commonly covers:
- identifying asbestos-containing materials
- preparing asbestos removal control plans
- isolating work areas
- PPE and respiratory protective equipment
- safe asbestos removal techniques
- containment and decontamination
- asbestos waste disposal
- emergency response procedures
- clearance inspections and certificates
For workers entering the industry, practical experience matters as much as theory. Removing asbestos safely often means working in confined spaces, occupied buildings or deteriorated environments where preventing fibre release becomes critical.
That is why many businesses look for workers who not only hold the required statement of attainment, but who also understand real-world site safety procedures and compliance expectations.
For property managers and facility teams, understanding asbestos licensing requirements is also important when engaging contractors and verifying compliance documentation.
Completing recognised asbestos awareness training can also help workers understand how to identify ACM and minimise exposure risks before undertaking licensed removal work.
How to apply for your asbestos removal licence (state by state)
Once you have completed the required asbestos removal course and obtained your statement of attainment, you can apply for your asbestos removal licence through the relevant state or territory regulator.
While application processes vary slightly between jurisdictions, the general pathway is usually:
- Complete the required asbestos removal training
- Obtain your statement of attainment
- Gather supporting documentation
- Submit your licence application
- Pay the application fee
- Await regulator assessment and approval
Supporting documents commonly include:
- photo identification
- training records
- evidence of competency
- medical clearance documentation
- business registration details
- proof of supervised experience where required
The relevant asbestos licensing regulators across Australia include:
| State or territory | Regulator |
|---|---|
| NSW | SafeWork NSW |
| VIC | WorkSafe Victoria |
| QLD | Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) |
| WA | WorkSafe WA |
| SA | SafeWork SA |
| ACT | WorkSafe ACT |
| NT | NT WorkSafe |
| TAS | WorkSafe Tasmania |
Licensing, renewal and notification requirements can vary slightly between jurisdictions, particularly for friable asbestos work and supervisor responsibilities.
Most asbestos removal licences are issued for a fixed period and must be renewed. Renewal requirements may include refresher training, updated medical assessments or evidence of continued industry competency.
Businesses should also be aware that holding a licence does not remove the need to comply with broader WHS obligations. Depending on the project, licensed asbestos removal may still require:
- asbestos removal control plans
- air monitoring
- asbestos clearance certificates
- notification to the regulator
- updated asbestos registers
- site-specific risk controls
For contractors operating across multiple states, Australia’s mutual recognition framework generally allows asbestos removal licences to transfer between jurisdictions, although local administrative requirements may still apply.
Because asbestos legislation continues to evolve, particularly following reforms linked to silica exposure and engineered stone regulation, staying informed about recent asbestos and WHS law changes remains important for both workers and businesses.
What about the asbestos supervisor licence?
A removal licence gives a worker permission to carry out licensed asbestos removal. The supervisor role is different — it involves overseeing the work onsite and ensuring all asbestos removal activities comply with WHS laws and approved safety procedures.
Depending on the jurisdiction, supervisors may need:
- a separate asbestos supervisor licence
- the same class of asbestos removal licence as the work being supervised
- additional supervisory competency units
In practice, supervisors hold significant legal responsibilities. They may be responsible for:
- ensuring asbestos removal control plans are followed
- verifying workers use PPE correctly
- managing containment procedures
- overseeing decontamination processes
- coordinating air monitoring
- ensuring asbestos waste is handled correctly
- confirming clearance inspections are completed
Supervisors also play a critical role in communicating risks onsite, particularly on commercial or occupied sites where asbestos removal may occur near tenants, residents, hospital staff, students or other contractors.
Strong supervision is often what separates a compliant asbestos removal project from one that creates unnecessary exposure risks, site shutdowns or regulatory breaches.
For many workers, moving into supervision becomes a natural career progression after gaining experience in licensed asbestos removal and developing a stronger understanding of WHS systems and compliance obligations.
Completing the right asbestos removal training is the first step toward getting licensed and carrying out asbestos work legally in Australia. Whether you need a Class A asbestos removal licence or a Class B asbestos removal licence depends on the type of asbestos-containing material involved and the level of risk associated with the work.
For workers, contractors and businesses wanting to build capability safely and compliantly, the right asbestos removal course can help provide the practical skills, recognised training and industry knowledge needed to work with confidence.
