Is a licence required for asbestos removal in Sydney?
Yes. NSW law is clear. You must hold a valid licence to remove asbestos. This applies to homeowners, tradies, and any business doing asbestos removal work in Sydney.
Unlicensed asbestos removal is illegal. It puts you and everyone nearby at serious risk.
If you’re looking for asbestos removal services in Sydney, always check the removalist’s licence before work starts.
What the law says
The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 sets out the rules for asbestos removal in NSW. It came into force on 1 October 2025 and replaced the WHS Regulation 2017.
Under the regulation, all asbestos removal must be done by a licensed removalist. The type of licence required depends on the type of asbestos being removed.
Two licence classes for asbestos removal
SafeWork NSW issues two classes of asbestos removal licence. Both ensure proper asbestos removal work is done safely across Sydney and NSW.
Class A licence covers all asbestos removal work. This includes friable asbestos, which is the most dangerous type. Class A licensees must work alongside a licensed asbestos assessor.
Class B licence covers bonded (non-friable) asbestos only. Bonded asbestos includes flat sheet building material, floor tiles, and roof sheeting that contain asbestos in a solid matrix.
When do you need licensed asbestos removal?
You need a licensed removalist whenever you’re removing asbestos containing materials from a building in Sydney. The specific licence class depends on the amount and type.
Under the WHS Regulation 2025:
- Any friable asbestos removal needs a Class A licensed removalist, no matter how small the area
- Bonded asbestos removal over ten square metres needs a Class B or Class A licensed removalist
- Bonded asbestos removal under ten square metres can be done without a licence, but only with strict safe work procedures in place
If you’re not sure which type you have, get asbestos testing done first. Don’t guess.
Friable vs bonded asbestos: what’s the difference?
Friable asbestos is crumbly and loose. It releases fibres when touched. You’ll find it in older pipe insulation, spray-on coatings, and ceiling insulation. It’s the most dangerous type and always needs a Class A licensed removalist.
Bonded (non-friable) asbestos has the fibres locked in a solid material like cement or vinyl. It’s less likely to release fibres when undisturbed. Common examples include fibro sheeting, floor tiles, and corrugated roofing.
These materials are sometimes called ACMs, which stands for asbestos containing materials. If you’re not sure what type you have, a licensed asbestos inspection will confirm it.
Asbestos inspection and asbestos testing
Before any asbestos removal work starts, you need to know what you’re dealing with. An asbestos inspection identifies the location and condition of all asbestos materials in the building.
A licensed asbestos assessor will inspect the property and take samples. The samples go to a NATA accredited lab for testing. Results confirm whether the material contains asbestos and what type it is.
Asbestos testing is the only reliable way to confirm asbestos. Never assume a material is safe without getting it tested first.
Risks of unlicensed asbestos removal
The risks are serious. Asbestos fibres released into the air cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. These serious health impacts can take decades to develop. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure.
Unlicensed removal also carries legal penalties in NSW. SafeWork NSW can issue fines and stop-work orders. You could face prosecution under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
Always use fully licensed and insured asbestos removal companies for any removal job in Sydney and NSW.
Asbestos disposal: what happens to the waste?
Asbestos is a hazardous material. It can’t go in the general waste. Asbestos disposal must follow strict rules under NSW law.
After removal, the asbestos must be double-wrapped in heavy-duty plastic and clearly labelled as hazardous material. It must be taken to a licensed asbestos disposal facility. Ask your contractor to provide an asbestos disposal receipt as proof.
Illegal asbestos disposal is a serious offence in NSW. Always confirm your contractor handles it correctly before you engage them.
How to check if a removalist is licensed
You can check any asbestos removalist’s licence on the SafeWork NSW website. The licence register is public and free to search.
Search for the contractor’s name or business. Always verify before work starts. A team of licensed professionals will give you their licence number on request.
Ask asbestos contractors if they’re fully licensed and insured. If they’re hesitant to provide that information, don’t hire them.
Licensed asbestos removal across Sydney
Licensed asbestos removal services operate across Sydney, from the Inner West to the Hills District and Northern Beaches. Whether you have a small job or a full demolition project, there are qualified asbestos contractors near you.
Asbestos removal companies that are fully licensed carry specific requirements for containment, disposal, and air monitoring. These requirements exist to protect you, your family, and the workers doing the job.
What about owner-builders and demolition?
Owner-builders aren’t exempt from the licensing rules. If you find asbestos during a renovation or demolition, you still need a licensed removalist to remove it, unless it’s bonded asbestos under ten square metres.
You also can’t sell or demolish a building without a clearance certificate after asbestos removal. This is a specific requirement under the WHS Regulation 2025 that applies across Sydney and NSW.
Clearance inspection and clearance certificate
A clearance certificate is required by law after asbestos removal in NSW. SafeWork NSW mandates this under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025.
The clearance inspection is carried out by a licensed asbestos assessor. They inspect the work area and take air monitoring samples. They issue the asbestos clearance only when the area is confirmed safe for reoccupation.
Keep the clearance certificate with your property records. You’ll need it when you sell or do further work on the property.
Choosing the right asbestos removal contractors
For professional asbestos removal, choose asbestos removal contractors who specialise in asbestos removal and nothing else. In residential asbestos jobs, safe removal requires specific training and equipment.
Good contractors will use a NATA accredited asbestos testing lab for samples. They’ll also provide asbestos clearance documentation, including a formal asbestos clearance certificate at the end of the job.
Ask how they handle the asbestos safely at each step. Contractors who follow SafeWork NSW guidelines will walk you through the full removal process without hesitation.
Asbestos management for older properties
If you have old asbestos in your property that’s in good condition and isn’t being disturbed, removal isn’t always the first step. Asbestos management may be the right approach to start with.
An asbestos management plan helps you identify asbestos in your property and sets out how to monitor it safely. A licensed assessor can look at the asbestos related condition of the material and recommend the best path forward.
The removal process, sometimes called asbestos abatement, starts when the asbestos is damaged or you’re planning work that will disturb it. Until then, a good management plan ensures the area is safe for everyone using the property.
Find licensed asbestos removal in Sydney
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