Asbestos was used heavily in the manufacturing and construction industries before health workers discovered the threat of the material. Almost every building and home constructed between 1940 and the 1970s contains some type of asbestos. It was commonly used in ceilings, walls, roofs, floor tiles, and eaves.
While the government banned the use of these materials, asbestos remains a threat to home renovators and construction workers. Before completing any asbestos removal work, you need to complete the required training programs to safely remove asbestos.
Do You Need a Licence for Asbestos Removal in Darwin?
The licencing requirements depend on the type of material. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) come in different forms.
Friable ACMs include materials that can be crumbled or pulverised. If the material can crumble, it is more likely to release particles into the air. This increases the threat of exposure to harmful asbestos fibres.
Non-friable (Class B) ACMs pose less of a risk to the health and safety of workers and the occupants of the building. However, non-friable materials may become friable during demolitions or other unusual conditions.
According to Worksafe NT (Northern Territory), a licence is required when removing any type of friable ACMs. Non-friable materials measuring 10 square metres or less do not require a licence for removal. However, individual workers do not hold licences unless obtaining an assessor licence.
After you have successfully completed the course, you obtain a statement of attainment. This offers proof of your competency for removing the type of materials covered by the course.
How Do You Get an Asbestos Removal Licence in Darwin?
According to regulatory requirements, the removal licence is obtained by the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU). However, workers still need to complete the required training and obtain the statement of attainment.
The statement remains valid for five years but many organisations recommend repeating it sooner. Depending on the type of material, you may need to complete the CPCCDE3014A (non-friable) or CPCCDE3015A (friable) course.
How Many Levels of Training Are There for Asbestos Removal?
Most registered training organisations offer several levels of nationally recognised training, including the basic asbestos awareness course. The 11084NAT (previously 10675NAT) is a requirement for those working in specific fields such as construction or home renovation. These fields bring an increased risk of exposure to ACMs.
The awareness training course simply provides individuals with the knowledge needed to identify ACMs. It does not provide the required training for obtaining a licence. Additional levels of training include:
- CPCCDE3014A: Remove Class B non-friable materials
- CPCCDE3015A: Remove Class A friable materials
- CPCCDE4008: Supervise asbestos removal
- CPCCBC5014A: Conduct assessment
After completing the CPCCDE3014A remove a non-friable asbestos course, you may remove up to ten square metres of the material. However, you need to complete the second course for friable asbestos removal.
If the removal of class B materials involves more than one worker, the PCBU must ensure that a supervisor is available. This requires the CPCCDE4008 course. The removal of any amount of class A materials requires a supervisor.
The asbestos assessor licence is a requirement under WHS regulations for certain environments. If the process also requires air monitoring and clearance inspections, an assessor is needed.
The course covers the steps for visually inspecting a work area. You also learn how to use measuring devices to inspect and monitor the air for asbestos fibres. Assessors are not always required.
How Much Does the Asbestos Removal Course Darwin Cost?
As with any OHS training course, registered training organisations set their own costs. If you want the best value, AlertForce offers training starting at $227 per person for the 11084NAT course (previously 10675NAT). The class B removal course costs $297 in Darwin while the supervise removal course costs $327.
The CPCCBC5014A Asbestos Removal Course NT costs $997. It is the required training for those wanting to obtain assessor licences.
How Long Does Asbestos Training Take in Darwin?
The course duration depends on the unit of competency. The 11084NAT course (previously 10675NAT) lasts a half-day. All courses except for renewals need to be completed in person. At the moment the 11084NAT course (previously 10675NAT) can also be done via webinar.
The CPCCDE3014A and CPCCDE4008 courses last for a full day. Registered training organisations often start the training at 8 am and end at 4 or 5 pm. However, the courses include training and assessment. The actual duration may vary depending on your industry experience.
The assessment course is a two-day course as it includes more comprehensive training compared to the other units of competency.
