Asbestos is still in millions of Australian buildings, and the rules around removing it are strict for good reason. But there’s a lot of confusion between the licence a business needs to remove asbestos and the awareness training an individual worker does. Here’s the plain-English version of Class A versus Class B removal licences, and how they differ from asbestos awareness.
Short version: Asbestos removal licences are issued by your state WHS regulator to a business (a PCBU), not to an individual. Class B covers non-friable (bonded) asbestos. Class A covers both friable and non-friable. Asbestos awareness training is a separate short course for workers who might disturb asbestos — it is not a licence to remove it.
Licence vs awareness — get this clear first
This is where most people go wrong, so start here.
An asbestos removal licence is held by a business or person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) — the removal company — and is issued by your state WHS regulator. It authorises that business to carry out licensed asbestos removal work. The workers doing the removal must hold the relevant nationally recognised units of competency for the class of work, and the job is run by a licensed supervisor.
Asbestos awareness training is different. It’s a short course (a nationally recognised unit of competency) for workers who may come across or disturb asbestos in the course of other work — demolition, renovation, maintenance and the like. It teaches you to identify likely asbestos-containing materials and avoid disturbing them. It is not a licence and does not permit you to remove asbestos. If awareness training is all you have, your job is to stop and get licensed removalists in.
Friable vs non-friable, and the two classes
The classes hinge on the type of asbestos.
- Non-friable (bonded) asbestos — asbestos bound into a solid material, like asbestos cement sheeting (“fibro”). It’s more stable but still dangerous once cut, drilled or broken.
- Friable asbestos — material that can be crumbled to powder by hand pressure when dry, such as pipe lagging and some sprayed coatings. It releases fibres far more easily and is far more hazardous.
| Licence class | What it allows |
|---|---|
| Class B asbestos removal licence | Removal of non-friable (bonded) asbestos. Generally required to remove more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos. |
| Class A asbestos removal licence | Removal of all asbestos — both friable and non-friable. Any friable asbestos removal requires Class A. |
There’s also a separate asbestos assessor licence for the person who carries out air monitoring and clearance inspections on Class A jobs — that’s an individual licence, distinct from the removal licence held by the business. Small amounts of non-friable asbestos (broadly, 10 square metres or less) can sometimes be removed without a licence, but strict controls still apply — confirm the current threshold and conditions with your state regulator before assuming anything.
How a business gets an asbestos removal licence
Because this is a business licence, the steps sit with the PCBU, but the people matter too.
Step 1: Get the right training for supervisors and workers
Removal workers complete the nationally recognised units of competency for the class of removal, and the job must be run by a competent, trained supervisor. Class A work requires higher-level competency than Class B.
Step 2: Show you can do the work safely
The business applies to the state WHS regulator and must demonstrate suitable supervision, trained workers, safe work procedures, and the right equipment and facilities for the class of asbestos.
Step 3: Apply to the state WHS regulator
You apply for Class A or Class B, provide the required evidence and pay the licence fee. The regulator assesses the application and issues the licence to the business.
Step 4: Notify before licensed removal jobs
Licensed asbestos removal work generally has to be notified to the regulator before it starts, within set timeframes. Air monitoring and a clearance inspection are required for friable (Class A) work.
Step 5: Keep workers trained and inducted
Workers on a construction site also need a White Card to be there. And everyone on the tools should hold current asbestos training appropriate to their role.
How long licences last and renewals
An asbestos removal licence is typically valid for five years, then renewed with the state regulator before expiry. Worker training and supervisor competency need to be kept current too. If a licence lapses, the business may have to reapply — so track the dates.
Licence fees and training costs vary by state and provider and are separate charges. Don’t rely on a fixed figure — check the current licence fee with your state WHS regulator and the current training cost with a registered provider.
Where to confirm the rules
- Safe Work Australia — the model WHS asbestos framework and codes of practice.
- Your state WHS regulator — SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Victoria, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, WorkSafe WA, SafeWork SA, WorkSafe Tasmania, NT WorkSafe or WorkSafe ACT — for licences, notification and fees.
- training.gov.au — to confirm an asbestos unit of competency is genuine and nationally recognised.
FAQ
What’s the difference between Class A and Class B?
Class B allows removal of non-friable (bonded) asbestos only. Class A allows removal of all asbestos, including friable. Any friable removal needs Class A.
Does asbestos awareness training let me remove asbestos?
No. Awareness training teaches you to recognise and avoid disturbing asbestos in other work. It is not a removal licence. Removing asbestos beyond the small unlicensed limit requires a licensed removalist.
Do I need a licence to remove a small amount of fibro?
Broadly, removing 10 square metres or less of non-friable asbestos may not require a licence, but strict safety controls still apply and states vary. Confirm the current threshold and conditions with your state regulator.
Is the licence held by me or my employer?
The removal licence is held by the business (the PCBU). Individual workers hold training and competencies, and the asbestos assessor licence is a separate individual licence.
Do I still need a White Card?
Yes, for construction and demolition sites. The White Card is the entry requirement to be on site, separate from asbestos training and the removal licence.
Where to confirm everything
- safeworkaustralia.gov.au — model WHS asbestos laws and codes of practice.
- Your state WHS regulator — for removal licences, notification requirements and fees.
- training.gov.au — to check an asbestos unit is nationally recognised.
General information only — not safety, legal or licensing advice. Asbestos work is strictly regulated and dangerous; always check the current rules with your state WHS regulator and use licensed removalists before acting.
Related guides
- High-Risk Work Licences Explained
- White Card: Cost and Online Guide
- Plant Operator Tickets Explained
- Tradie Mental Health and Support
- Your Rights on Site
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between Class A and Class B asbestos removal licences?
Class B covers non-friable (bonded) asbestos, while Class A covers both friable and non-friable asbestos.
Who holds an asbestos removal licence — the worker or the business?
The business (a PCBU) holds the removal licence, issued by the state WHS regulator; individual workers need the relevant units of competency and the job is run by a licensed supervisor.
Is asbestos awareness training the same as a removal licence?
No — awareness training is a short course for workers who might disturb asbestos; it doesn’t authorise anyone to remove it.
Who issues asbestos removal licences?
Your state or territory WHS regulator.
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