This content is Queensland Specific. Please refer to your state regulator for more information.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that falls into two groups- the first group is Serpentine and the second group is Amphibole. The Serpentine group consists of one mineral called Chrysotile. The Amphibole group consists of Amosite, Crocidolite, Actinolite, Tremolite and Anthopolite.

Why is Asbestos such a big deal?

Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause a number of serious diseases, these being:

• Asbestosis
• Pleural Plaques
• Pleural Effusions
• Lung Cancer
• Laryngeal Cancer
• Mesothelioma

Some of these diseases take years to develop and commonly end in death.

Where can we find Asbestos?

Asbestos can be found in over 3000 products. It can be found in residential and commercial buildings, manufacturing plants, mining, shipping, industrial structures or buildings and other Industries.

Common locations of asbestos include wall sheeting, roof sheeting, pipes, lagging, floor tiles, gaskets, acoustics tiles, spray on coatings, electrical switchboards, guttering, down pipe traps, soffit sheets, fencing, cladding, imitation brick cladding ventilation pipes, telecommunication pits and in many other unexpected places.

Who is most likely to come across Asbestos?

All workers are likely to come across asbestos but workers in the construction industry are more likely to come in contact with the deadly mineral. Homeowners that are renovating their homes are also likely to come across asbestos. It is critical people coming across asbestos are able to work safely with it to ensure they remain healthy- to do this workers need to receive training.

Asbestos Licensing

Persons conducting a business or undertaking removing asbestos must be licensed relevant to the asbestos they are removing. Class B licenses are needed for the removal of more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos and any business removing friable asbestos must hold an A class licenses. For more information on licensing please click here. Workers removing asbestos do not require a license, however they must be trained in the asbestos they are to be removing. For workers removing non friable asbestos they must complete CPCCDE3014A Remove non friable asbestos. For supervisors of friable asbestos they must complete CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal. For workers removing friable asbestos they must complete CPCCDE3015ARemove friable asbestos.

To apply for a license a person conducting a business or undertaking must complete a Form 80 Application for asbestos removal license Class A or Class B.

For more information specific to your personal situation please contact Pro Safety and Training.