Apply for an asbestos removal licence

Introduction

There are 2 types of asbestos removal licence. You can apply for them online.

• Class A friable asbestos – you can remove any amount of friable asbestos, asbestos-containing material and asbestos-contaminated dust or debris. You're also able to apply for a Class A licence with a condition that you can only remove fire doors and safes.
• Class B non-friable asbestos – you can remove any amount of non-friable asbestos or asbestos-containing materials.

Holders of a Class A licence are also authorised to carry out Class B asbestos removal work.

No licence is required to remove less than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos or asbestos-containing materials.

Note: The person who'll be holding the licence must complete the application.

Eligibility

To be eligible to hold a licence you must:

• be aged 18 years or over
• have completed training
• submit evidence of your experience and keep photographs and safe work method statements

In addition:

• for Class A licence:
  • do at least three Class A asbestos removal jobs under a supervisor
• for Class B licence:
  • do at least three Class B asbestos removal jobs under a supervisor
  • have proof of your experience with a licensed asbestos removalist
  • have a nominated supervisor
  • you can opt to only undertake work under 10m2 and keep photographs and safe work method statements.

What you need

• a MyServiceNSW Account
• your proof of identity such as a driver licence, passport or Medicare card
• copies of your interstate licence if you have one
• proof of training
• proof of your experience with a licensed asbestos removalist
• letter of reference from your employer
• a workers compensation insurance certificate of currency (if applicable)
• a certified safety management system (for Class A licences).

Supervisors

As the licensee, you must have one or more supervisors attached to your licence. You can nominate yourself or another person as your supervisor.

To nominate yourself

For Class A licences, you’ll need to provide:

• a general construction induction card (or NSW statement of training number)
• copies of the qualifications CPCCDE3015A (remove friable asbestos) and CPCCBC4051A (supervise asbestos removal)
• evidence of experience (not more than 5 years old) working on at least 3 friable asbestos removal jobs over a 3-year period.

For a Class B licence, you’ll need to provide:

• a general construction induction card (or NSW statement of training number)
• copies of the qualifications CPCCDE3014A (remove non-friable asbestos) and CPCCBC4051A (supervise asbestos removal)
• evidence of experience (not more than 5 years old) working on at least 3 non-friable asbestos removal jobs over a 12-month period.

Evidence of experience includes:

• Class A licences
  • asbestos removal control plans
  • notes from tool box talks
  • air-monitoring reports
  • smoke tests
  • clearance certificates
  • safe work method statements
  • photos of your work
  • a reference letter from an employer or organisation, dated and signed on a business letterhead document.
• Class B licence
  • invoices
  • tip receipts
  • contracts of work
  • safe work method statements
  • photos
  • a reference letter from an employer or organisation, dated and signed on a business letterhead document.

To nominate another person

• Download Asbestos removal supervisor nomination form – PDF and ask the person to complete it. Upload the completed form during your online application.

How to apply

1. Select the ‘Apply online’ button.
   Note: You can save and resume your application, but if you have not submitted it within 60 days, any details you’ve entered will be deleted. 
2. Log in, or create your MyServiceNSW Account.
3. Complete the online form.
4. Gather and upload your supporting documents, including the supervisor nomination form(s) (if applicable).
5. Make your payment.
6. Submit your application.
7. Visit a Service NSW Centre with your photo ID within 30 days of submitting your application.

More information

• After you’ve submitted your application, SafeWork NSW will assess it and decide if an asbestos removal licence can be issued.
• If you withdraw your application or are refused a licence, the processing fee will not be refunded.
• Asbestos removal licences last for 5 years.
• You must notify SafeWork NSW at least 5 working days before you start any licensed asbestos removal work.
• You cannot hold 2 asbestos removal licences. If you already hold a licence (for example, from a different state or territory), you’ll need to surrender it or show that it’s going to expire soon.
• Your nominated supervisor must be present when you carry out Class A asbestos removal work.
• Your nominated supervisor must be present or easily able to come to the site when you carry out Class B asbestos removal work.
• Your asbestos-removal training must have been carried out through a SafeWork-approved registered training organisation.

To make sure you have all the information you need to complete this transaction, visit SafeWork NSW:

• Asbestos removal licence: Class A
• Asbestos removal licence: Class B.