NSW asbestos rules and safety, in plain English
Summarised from SafeWork NSW, asbestos.nsw.gov.au and Service NSW. Always check the official pages, which take precedence.
Can I remove asbestos myself in NSW?
A homeowner can remove less than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos themselves, but NSW strongly recommends a licensed removalist because there is no safe level of exposure (asbestos.nsw.gov.au). If you do it yourself, SafeWork NSW says you must follow the Code of Practice, How to safely remove asbestos (SafeWork NSW).
When is a licence required?
More than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos needs a licensed removalist (Class B or A). Any amount of friable asbestos needs a Class A licence (SafeWork NSW).
What is the difference between Class A and Class B?
Class A licence holders can remove friable and non-friable asbestos. Class B holders can only remove non-friable asbestos (Service NSW).
What is friable asbestos?
Friable asbestos is material that can be crumbled or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry, for example some old insulation and pipe lagging. Non-friable (bonded) asbestos is bound in a material such as cement sheet.
What must a licensed removalist do?
For removal over 10 m², the removalist must notify SafeWork, display warning signs, follow the SafeWork Code of Practice, use the right tools and PPE, and decontaminate people, work areas and tools. Waste over 10 m² or 100 kg must be tracked using WasteLocate (asbestos.nsw.gov.au). SafeWork must be notified at least 5 working days before licensed work starts (Service NSW).
Do I need council approval?
Some asbestos removal work needs planning consent, so check with your local council (asbestos.nsw.gov.au).
What should I do if I think I have asbestos?
Don't drill, cut, sand or water-blast it. Leave it undisturbed and get it tested or assessed by a licensed professional.
Sydney Asbestos Quotes is a free referral service. We are not an asbestos removalist and we do not hold an asbestos removal licence. We pass your request to independent removalists who say they hold a current SafeWork NSW licence, and you should always check a removalist's licence yourself before you engage them. Nothing on this site is safety or legal advice; see SafeWork NSW.