TL;DR
- Class A asbestos licence: Covers the removal of friable and non-friable asbestos, including higher-risk asbestos removal work.
- Class B asbestos licence: Covers specified non-friable asbestos removal, including more than 10 m² of bonded asbestos.
- QLD and NSW requirements: Both states have similar licensing frameworks, but notification, supervision and safety requirements must comply with the relevant state’s regulations.
- Choosing a removalist: Always verify that your asbestos removalist holds the appropriate licence for the type and scope of work.
Asbestos removal is regulated work that requires appropriate safety procedures, trained personnel and compliance with work health and safety legislation.
In Queensland and New South Wales, asbestos removal licences are divided into Class A and Class B categories. The correct licence depends on the type of asbestos-containing material (ACM), its condition and the quantity being removed.
Understanding these requirements is particularly important for property owners, builders, demolition contractors and facility managers arranging asbestos removal work.
This guide explains what each asbestos removal licence covers, the differences between Queensland and NSW requirements, and how to select an appropriately licensed asbestos removalist.
What Is an Asbestos Removal Licence?
An asbestos removal licence authorises a business to carry out specified asbestos removal activities under relevant work health and safety regulations.
Licensing helps ensure asbestos removal licence holders have the necessary training, experience and procedures to manage exposure risks.
There are two main asbestos removal licence classes:
- Class A: Authorises friable asbestos removal and non-friable asbestos removal.
- Class B: Authorises specified non-friable asbestos removal work.
In Queensland, licensing is administered by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ). In NSW, SafeWork NSW regulates asbestos removal licensing. Both states use broadly comparable systems, although eligibility requirements, application processes and operational obligations may differ.
Before engaging a contractor, property owners and project managers should confirm that their asbestos licences are valid and appropriate for the proposed work.
What Is a Class A Asbestos Removal Licence?
A Class A asbestos licence authorises a business to remove friable asbestos, which presents a greater risk of releasing airborne asbestos fibres when disturbed.
What Does a Class A Licence Cover?
Class A asbestos removal includes:
- Removing any amount of friable asbestos.
- Removing non-friable asbestos, including work covered by a Class B licence.
- Removing relevant asbestos-contaminated dust or debris, subject to regulatory requirements.
Examples of Friable Asbestos
Friable asbestos may be found in sprayed coatings, pipe and boiler insulation, and deteriorated insulation materials.
Class A Requirements in QLD and NSW
Both states require Class A licensing for regulated friable asbestos removal. Work must be appropriately supervised, with air monitoring and clearance inspections undertaken by an independent licensed asbestos assessor.
NSW also offers a restricted Class A asbestos removal licence for asbestos-containing fire doors and safes only.
What Is a Class B Asbestos Removal Licence?
A Class B asbestos removal licence permits the specified removal of non-friable asbestos, commonly called bonded asbestos.
What Does a Class B Licence Cover?
Class B asbestos removal generally includes removing more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos and associated asbestos-contaminated dust or debris within the licence’s scope.
Examples of Non-Friable Asbestos
Common materials include asbestos cement sheeting, fibro wall cladding, roofing, fencing, backing boards and certain flooring products.
Class B Requirements in QLD and NSW
Both states generally require a Class A or Class B licence when removing more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos.
A Class B licence does not authorise friable asbestos removal. Workers must follow relevant safe work procedures, supervision requirements and waste disposal obligations.
Although asbestos fibres are bound within non-friable materials, cutting, breaking or damaging these products can release hazardous fibres.
Class A vs Class B Asbestos Removal Licence: Key Differences
The following table summarises the main differences between Class A and Class B asbestos licences.
| Requirement | Class A licence | Class B licence |
| Friable asbestos removal | Yes | No |
| Non-friable asbestos removal | Yes | Yes, within scope |
| More than 10 m² non-friable asbestos | Yes | Yes |
| Specialised friable removal controls | Required | Not authorised |
| Licensed assessor for friable clearance | Required | Not generally required for Class B clearance |
| Available in Queensland | Yes | Yes |
| Available in NSW | Yes | Yes |
A Class A licence covers a broader range of asbestos removal jobs. However, both licence classes require suitable equipment, trained workers and procedures appropriate to the material and site conditions.
What Is the Difference Between Friable and Non-Friable Asbestos?
The distinction between friable and non-friable asbestos determines which licence is required.
Friable Asbestos
Friable asbestos can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Its fibres are more readily released when disturbed, requiring specialist removal controls.
Non-Friable Asbestos
Non-friable asbestos contains fibres bound within a solid material, such as asbestos cement sheeting, often called fibro.
Can Non-Friable Asbestos Become Friable?
Yes. Deterioration, damage or certain removal methods can compromise bonded asbestos and increase fibre-release risks. Suspected asbestos should be professionally assessed rather than classified by appearance alone. The Australian Government’s Asbestos Product Guide provides identification information but does not replace professional testing.
When Is an Asbestos Removal Licence Required in Queensland and NSW?
Queensland Licensing Requirements
A Class A licence is required for friable asbestos removal. Removing more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos requires Class A or Class B authorisation.
Removal of 10 m² or less may not require a licence, but safety obligations still apply. Queensland also has specific homeowner and owner-builder requirements.
NSW Licensing Requirements
NSW applies similar thresholds. Class A licensing is required for friable asbestos, while more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos requires a Class A or Class B licence.
Limited unlicensed removal of non-friable material is permitted in certain circumstances, subject to applicable safety obligations.
Why the 10 m² Threshold Matters
The threshold applies to non-friable asbestos. It does not provide a general exemption from asbestos safety laws or authorise unlicensed friable asbestos removal.
What Are the Asbestos Removal Notification Requirements in QLD and NSW?
Licensed asbestos removal work generally requires advance notification to the relevant regulator.
Queensland
Licence holders must generally notify WHSQ at least five days before commencing licensed asbestos removal. Certain urgent circumstances, including qualifying severe weather damage, may be subject to exemptions.
New South Wales
SafeWork NSW generally requires notification at least five calendar days before licensed asbestos removal work begins. Specific emergency arrangements may apply.
Why Notification Is Important
Notification informs regulators about planned work and supports compliance with relevant WHS requirements. Contractors should confirm applicable notification procedures before scheduling removal.
What Safety Requirements Apply to Class A and Class B Asbestos Removal?
Licensed asbestos removal involves several important safety controls.
Asbestos Removal Control Plans
An asbestos removal control plan documents site hazards, removal methods, containment measures and safe work procedures.
Worker Training and Supervision
Workers carrying out licensed asbestos removal work require appropriate training. A nominated supervisor or asbestos removal work supervisor must meet the relevant licence and regulatory requirements.
Containment and Dust Control
Controls may include isolating work areas, preventing fibre spread and using appropriate personal protective equipment.
Air Monitoring and Clearance
Class A work requires air monitoring and clearance arrangements involving an independent licensed asbestos assessor. Class B clearance inspections generally involve an independent competent person.
Waste Disposal
Asbestos waste must be appropriately packaged, labelled, transported and disposed of at facilities authorised to accept it. State environmental requirements also apply.
Are Asbestos Removal Licensing Requirements Different Between Queensland and NSW?
Queensland and NSW share similar licence categories and removal thresholds. However, their administrative processes and state-specific requirements must be considered separately.
| Area | Queensland | New South Wales |
| Regulator | WHSQ | SafeWork NSW |
| Class A | Friable asbestos removal | Friable asbestos removal |
| Class B | More than 10 m² non-friable asbestos | More than 10 m² non-friable asbestos |
| Notification | Generally at least 5 days | Generally 5 calendar days |
| Applications | Through WHSQ | Through SafeWork NSW |
| State-specific rules | Licensing and homeowner requirements | Licensing, experience and application requirements |
Queensland operates under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, while NSW uses the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017. Both jurisdictions also provide asbestos removal codes of practice.
Can a Queensland-Licensed Asbestos Removalist Work in NSW, and Vice Versa?
Interstate licence recognition may allow appropriately licensed asbestos removalists to undertake work across state borders. However, recognition depends on the licence’s validity, authorised activities and applicable mutual recognition arrangements.
Contractors must also comply with the notification, safety and operational requirements of the state where asbestos removal takes place. An interstate licence does not exempt a contractor from local work health and safety obligations.
What Happens If Asbestos Is Removed Without the Required Licence?
Undertaking licensed asbestos removal work without appropriate authorisation can result in regulatory investigations, enforcement notices, financial penalties or prosecution.
Improper removal can also expose workers and building occupants to asbestos fibres, potentially causing contamination, remediation expenses and project delays.
Consequences depend on the circumstances and applicable Queensland or NSW legislation.
How Do You Check Whether an Asbestos Removalist Is Licensed?
Before appointing an asbestos removalist, check the following.
Check the Licence Class
Confirm whether the contractor holds Class A or Class B authorisation.
Verify the Licence
Use the relevant regulator’s licence register to check its validity and any conditions.
Confirm the Scope of Work
Ensure the licence covers the asbestos type, quantity and proposed removal activities.
Ask About Safety Procedures
Request information about the asbestos removal control plan, worker training, supervision, air monitoring, clearance certificates and waste disposal arrangements.
A general trade licence is not a substitute for an asbestos removal licence.
Choosing the Right Asbestos Removal Professional in QLD or NSW
Selecting a qualified contractor involves more than checking their licence class.
Appropriate Licensing
Confirm the business holds valid authorisation for the required asbestos work.
Relevant Experience
Look for experience with comparable residential, commercial or industrial asbestos removal projects.
Safety and Compliance
Ask about site preparation, containment, worker protection and waste management.
Documentation
Confirm the contractor can provide relevant notifications, removal documentation and clearance records where required.
Project Communication
An experienced contractor should explain scheduling, site access restrictions and coordination with builders or other trades.
Professional Asbestos Removal Services From GBAR Group
GBAR Group provides asbestos removal and hazardous materials remediation services for residential, commercial and industrial projects.
With operations across Queensland and NSW, the company understands the importance of professional asbestos assessment, appropriate licensing and compliant removal procedures.
Its services encompass asbestos management, removal planning, site preparation, safe handling and disposal, and associated remediation requirements.
Engaging an experienced contractor helps ensure asbestos-containing materials are managed according to the project’s risks and applicable regulatory obligations.
For further information, explore GBAR Group’s asbestos removal services.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between a Class A vs Class B asbestos licence is essential when planning asbestos removal. Class A authorises friable and non-friable asbestos removal, while Class B is limited to specified non-friable work. Queensland and NSW use similar licensing frameworks, but state-specific requirements still apply.
Need professional asbestos removal for a residential, commercial or industrial property? Contact GBAR Group to discuss your project and the appropriate licensing and safety requirements.
