Asbestos Removal Licensing
Asbestos is a naturally occurring microfiber. It contains silicate compound and mainly used in construction materials. However, soon it became apparent that this is a hazardous material that can cause serious medical issues including cancer and asbestosis. Hence, some countries have banned its use. It is also subject to many rules and regulations.
Unfortunately, asbestos is still present in some parts of our homes today, especially those that were constructed during its peak period. Since this is a dangerous material, it should be professionally handled. You need to have a working permit or license before you could remove it. Michael Roche, a professional removalist from VIP Asbestos Removal Sydney has shared the process on how to acquire a license for asbestos removal. Let’s check them out further below.
Types of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)
Asbestos is a generic term used to represent several minerals but in terms of safety and handling, it has two types.
Friable asbestos-containing material
It is a material that contains more than 1 percent of asbestos by weight or area and crumbles to powder by the pressure applied by a human hand. It is more prone to damage and hence more likely to release its fibers into the surrounding air making it toxic when inhaled. Some examples are:
- Sprayed coatings
- Pipe coverings
- Insulation boards
Non-friable asbestos containing material
This type of ACM consists of more than 1 percent of asbestos but it will not crush by a hand’s pressure. This type further has two categories. Examples include:
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Cement sheets
- Asphalt roofing shingles
What is asbestos abatement?
In construction, particularly during the removal and repair of older buildings, there is a risk of asbestos contamination depending on its mode of application during the construction. If it dislodges, the workers may inhale it. Thus, a special set of procedures is applied to remove asbestos to control the release of asbestos microfibers in the environment.
Requirements of asbestos removal worker
- Asbestos removal license
- Insurance
- Worker training
- Medical fitness
- Tested specialized equipment
Asbestos removal license
A license is required if the person intends to become an asbestos removalist or an asbestos assessor. However, if you want to remove less than 10-meter squares of non-friable asbestos, you do not need a license. Asbestos removal license is of the following two types:
Class A
A person having this type of license can remove any extent of friable asbestos, asbestos-contaminated dust or debris, and non-friable asbestos. It is valid for 5 years unless it is canceled by the government. Class A license holders can also perform class B removal work.
Class B
This type of license allows you to remove any amount of contaminated dust linked with non-friable asbestos as well as non-friable asbestos. In addition, it is valid for 5 years unless otherwise canceled.
Prerequisites of asbestos removal license
To attain this license, you must be a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU). You must nominate a supervisor and submit evidence of the supervisor’s age. Other requirements include:
Experience
For class A license, the supervisor should have experience of 3 years in the respective field. While for class B, at least you need 12 months of experience. In either case, you need the following documents:
- A description of your work experience over the past 3 years or 12 months depending on the type of license you need
- References related to your previous work
- Furthermore, a copy of the certificate showing that you have completed the vocational education and training (VET) in the respective field
Certified safety management system
If you are applying for a class A asbestos removal license, then you must verify that you have a certified safety management system currently established which must comply with Australian Standard AS 4801:2001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.
Workers compensation
You must yield a certificate of workers’ health and safety insurance. However, this does not apply if you are an exempt worker.
Trading name
If you run a business, you will need to provide a photocopy of your certificate of registration for your business name.
Replacement of a license
The applicant must give notice to the licensing organization as soon as possible if the license gets lost or damaged. Then, he/she will provide an account of the situation under which the license was lost and apply for the issuance of a new license as a replacement.
Rejection of granting a license
The licensing organization will refuse to issue a license if:
- The applicant is disqualified under a relevant WHS law from holding a similar license.
- The applicant provides false or misleading information in the documentation.
Conclusion
Obtaining a license to become a professional asbestos abatement worker can be a lengthy process as you have to complete your vocational training and arrange relevant documentation. However, asbestos exposure can pose serious health issues. Therefore, the government ensures it’s handling by granting licenses with due caution.
