Asbestos removal is a valuable (and profitable) service. Unfortunately, it’s also fraught with legal issues and red tape. When public health is on the line, one wrong move could result in serious consequences.
One question many demolition contractors have is about asbestos clearance certificates. There seems to be an almost endless mountain of forms that must be completed during asbestos removal projects, but is this one of them? What exactly is a clearance certificate? And do you need one?
What is an Asbestos Clearance Certificate?
An asbestos certificate of clearance is provided by an inspector after removal work has been completed. It confirms that the site is clear of contaminants and safe for regular use. There is a misconception, likely generated by the name, that it’s a document required to perform the removal, but it is actually the other way around. Asbestos is removed and then you obtain the certificate.
The testing process may include a visual inspection, air monitoring, or both. The latter is quite likely, as asbestos is often mixed into other materials and thus can be difficult to see. In order to pass, the area must:
- Be completely free of visible asbestos contamination
- Register as less than 0.01 fibres/ml (if an air test was carried out)
Once the inspector (who must be a licensed asbestos assessor or other qualified individual) is satisfied, they will provide the certificate.
The Benefits of Obtaining a Certificate
Improved Trust
Regularly obtaining asbestos clearance certificates demonstrates your commitment to public health and safety, increasing trust in your company. This improves your chance of obtaining new contracts and maintaining existing ones.
Reduced Risk
If asbestos is still present after a removal project is complete, you could be liable for potential damages. A certificate puts these concerns to rest before the debate can even begin, reducing your risk of experiencing a lawsuit. It may also improve your chances of a successful insurance claim, if necessary, by demonstrating that you took all possible steps to prevent harm.
Stronger Compliance
An asbestos removal clearance certificate is sometimes legally required. Failure to provide one when asked could result in fines or other penalties.
When is an Asbestos Clearance Certificate Legally Required?
Whether or not you need a certificate depends on the state/s you operate within:
- Asbestos Clearance Certificate NSW: Must be obtained after the removal of any friable asbestos (high-risk asbestos that can be crumbled easily) and must include an air test.
- Asbestos Clearance Certificate QLD: Must be obtained after any licensed asbestos removal work is carried out (meaning under a Class A or Class B license).
- Asbestos Clearance Certificate VIC: Must be obtained after any Class A or Class B removal work, similarly to QLD.
- Asbestos Clearance Certificate WA: Needed for all licensed asbestos removal work.
- Asbestos Clearance Certificate TAS: Required for all licensed asbestos removal work.
- Asbestos Clearance Certificate NT: Licensed assessor required for all Class A work, any competent independent entity allowed for Class B work.
- Asbestos Clearance Certificate ACT: Needed for all asbestos removal work. ACT does not permit any unlicensed removal.
- Asbestos Clearance Certificate SA: Required for all Class A removal work.
What Do Asbestos Clearance Certificates Cost?
The cost of an asbestos clearance certificate will depend on a few factors:
- The amount and type of asbestos being removed
- The unique risk factors of that particular project (e.g. is there a high chance of asbestos remaining undetected?)
- Whether or not air monitoring is required
- The size of the site
For this reason, it’s difficult to estimate costs for a given project. You should always speak to an assessor directly in order to collect this information.
High-Risk Doesn’t Have to Mean High-Stress
The asbestos removal process is dangerous, and can carry severe legal penalties if done poorly. But there are ways to reduce the risk (and stress) involved. A clearance certificate helps ensure the area is clear of contaminants, providing crucial peace of mind for everyone involved. This step is invaluable for those seeking to strengthen compliance, minimise risk, and preserve profitability.
Another important measure, which many companies forget to consider at all, is insurance. Despite your best efforts, something can always go wrong. If it does, the last thing you want is to end up out of pocket. Learn how asbestos removal insurance protects you during the worst-case scenario.
FAQs
An asbestos removal certificate is documentation that confirms a work site and the surrounding area are free of remaining asbestos contamination.
The benefits of a clearance certificate in asbestos removal work include reduced risk, better compliance with certain laws, and improved trust.
An asbestos removal clearance certificate is mandatory in all Australian states under at least some circumstances. In many states, they are legally required after any licensed work has been completed. For this reason, you should always treat it as mandatory.
A clearance certificate is issued only by licensed asbestos assessors (or, in some cases, a “competent individual”). This individual must always be independent - that is, they must not be previously involved with either your company or the project.
Clearance certificates help show that asbestos risks are being managed properly, which makes it easier to obtain insurance and make successful claims.
The cost of a clearance certificate depends on a few factors, including the size of the site, the type and amount of asbestos-containing materials, and whether or not air monitoring is included.