Becoming a Professional in Asbestos Removal

 

New Zealand may have stopped using products and building materials containing asbestos, but that doesn’t mean the threat has gone. Asbestos is and will remain our country’s problem for decades to come. So, if you have been thinking about becoming an asbestos removal expert, then there’s no better time than now.

Read on to learn what’s involved with getting your asbestos removal licence and becoming a trained professional.

1. Know why you need an asbestos removal licence

Firstly, it’s crucial to understand why you need an asbestos removal licence, and who should get one. Are you self-employed, a sole trader, or a PCBU that carries out renovation work, demolitions, and building work on pre-2000 properties? Then there’s every reason to believe that you are removing material that might contain asbestos.

Under the Asbestos Regulations 2016, you may need an asbestos removal license to remove such materials legally.

Asbestos training in Napier
 

2. Identify the types of asbestos removal licence

If you know you need an asbestos removal licence, then do you know which one? There are two types: Class A and Class B.

A Class A license is perfect for an asbestos removal professional, for it gives you full freedom to remove any quantity of asbestos or asbestos-containing materials (ACM). It can be friable or non-friable, or asbestos-contaminated dust or debris. 

If you have a Class B licence, however, you can remove over 10m2 of non-friable asbestos or ACM. Both Class A and Class B removal licences come with conditions. 

Class A Asbestos Removal Licence Holder

A Class A holder can be a business or sole trader and can be the nominated supervisor if they meet the criteria. The asbestos removal professional can also remove non-friable and friable asbestos, but they must have a certified safety management system.

A Class A holder can also choose a nominated supervisor, but they must have three years of industry experience, training, and are at least 18 years old. Removal workers then answer to the nominated supervisor and/or Class A licence holder.

Class B Asbestos Removal Licence Holder

As a Class B licence holder, you can be a business or sole trader, as well as the nominated supervisor. In both instances, you can only remove non-friable asbestos. A Class B licence holder may also nominate a supervisor who has at least one year of industry experience and is over the age of 18 with training. Any removal workers answer to the supervisor and/or licence holder. 

3. Meet the licence holder obligations

Asbestos is a dangerous mineral that is responsible for around 90,000 deaths every year. Therefore, requirements for removing and disposing of it safely are quite extensive. If you are an asbestos removal professional or plan on becoming one, you need to meet all your licence holder obligations.

These include only working with the type of asbestos covered by your licence class. The licence holder must also have at least one nominated supervisor, but there is no limit to how many you can have after that. If you have a Class A licence, you must offer WorkSafe your certified safety management plan.

4. Understand what it takes to become an asbestos removal professional (and eventually an asbestos supervisor)

Only a business or sole trader that wants to become an asbestos removal professional can apply for an asbestos removal licence. You can also hire supervisors, or be your own nominated supervisor.

However, there are minimum requirements for a supervisor, such as:

  • Making sure the work is done safely within Asbestos Regulations

  • Being present at all removal areas of Class A asbestos work

  • Being in the vicinity for Class B removal work

Only a PCBU that carries out, or proposes to carry out, asbestos removal work may apply for an asbestos removal licence. 

5. Make sure that you meet the criteria needed to become a supervisor

If you want to become an asbestos removal professional, then it helps if you’re aware of the criteria before you apply. Both the applicant and nominated supervisor must be at least 18 years old.

Anyone who wishes to be a supervisor must also have a minimum number of years’ experience for Class A and Class B licences. One year is required for a Class B, while three is necessary for Class A.

Supervisors must also meet training requirements, with formal training in asbestos removal and supervising of asbestos removal. There are several NZQA level 5 training courses, and these include:

  • Remove Non-Friable Asbestos (Unit Standard 29765)

  • Remove Friable Asbestos (Unit Standard 29766)

  • Supervise Asbestos Removal (Unit Standard 29767)

  • Conduct Asbestos Assessment (Unit Standard 29768)

6. Complete the application form

Becoming an asbestos removal professional also requires you to fill out an application form. This is a nine-step process, which outlines your business and individual details and relevant training history. WorkSafe makes the steps as easy to follow as possible.

Are you ready to become an asbestos removal professional?

If you’re a sole trader or business owner who works with building materials on properties pre-2000, then you’re in the right place. Start looking at your options for becoming a licenced asbestos removal expert. There are plenty of companies out there that can put you on the right path to earning your certification.

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