In NSW, all friable asbestos must be removed by a Class A licensed asbestos removalist. Non-friable asbestos over 10 square metres also requires a licensed professional. Homeowners and tradespeople can legally remove up to 10m2 of non-friable asbestos themselves, but SafeWork NSW recommends using a licensed professional for any amount.
Last updated: July 2026
Around 4,000 Australians die each year from asbestos-related diseases, double the road toll. (SafeWork NSW, 2026)
1 in 3 homes have asbestos. (Asbestos NSW)
Best Practises
Both types of asbestos are hazardous. Here is what NSW law requires when handling each:
Friable asbestos can be crumbled, pulverised, or reduced to powder by hand pressure alone. It is the more dangerous of the two types because it releases fine fibres into the air more readily. Friable asbestos removal is classified as high risk work under NSW Workplace Health and Safety law.
What does a licensed friable asbestos removal job require?
When a Class A licensed removalist is engaged for friable asbestos, the law requires additional steps beyond standard removal:
- The work area must be sealed off from the rest of the property
- Air monitoring must be carried out during removal to verify fibre levels
- A clearance certificate from the licensed removalist is required once the work is complete
If more than 10m2 or 100kg of asbestos waste is removed, the disposal must be tracked through the EPA's WasteLocate system. Asbestos waste must go to a landfill licensed to accept it.
Under the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (NSW), any non-friable asbestos area over 10 square metres, and any amount of friable asbestos, must be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist. Before removing less than 10m2 of non-friable asbestos yourself, you must follow the SafeWork NSW Code of Practice and provide health risk awareness training to anyone assisting.
What does 10 square metres look like?
The 10m2 threshold is not as large as it sounds:
- 10m2 = roughly a 5-metre wide by 2-metre high wall
- 10m2 = the wall sheeting from one small bathroom
If the total area across all sections you plan to remove is greater than 10m2, a licensed removalist is required. SafeWork NSW recommends engaging a licensed professional for any amount of non-friable asbestos, regardless of size.
Licensed asbestos removalists in NSW must also:
- Notify SafeWork NSW of the removal
What type of asbestos licence is required?
There are two classes of asbestos removal licence in NSW:
Class A licensed asbestos removalists can remove friable and non-friable asbestos.
Class B licensed asbestos removalist can only remove non-friable asbestos.
For any friable asbestos work, you need a Class A licence holder regardless of the area involved.
To verify a licence, check the SafeWork NSW licence holder register at safework.nsw.gov.au.
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove asbestos myself in NSW?
You can remove up to 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) asbestos yourself, or have a tradesperson remove it on your behalf. You must follow the SafeWork NSW Code of Practice and there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. SafeWork NSW recommends using a licensed professional for any amount.
What is the 10 square metre rule for asbestos in NSW?
Under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017, you do not need a licence to remove up to 10m2 of non-friable asbestos. More than 10m2, or any amount of friable asbestos, requires a licensed removalist. Ten square metres is roughly the wall sheeting in one small bathroom.
Do I always need a licence to remove friable asbestos?
Yes. All friable asbestos, regardless of area, must be removed by a Class A licensed asbestos removalist under NSW law. There are no exceptions for homeowners.
What is the difference between Class A and Class B asbestos licences?
A Class A licensed removalist can handle both friable and non-friable asbestos. A Class B licensed removalist can only remove non-friable asbestos. If your job involves friable asbestos, you need Class A.
Where does asbestos waste need to go in NSW?
All asbestos waste must be taken to a landfill licensed to accept it. If you are transporting more than 10m2 or 100kg of asbestos waste, you must use the EPA's WasteLocate tracking system.
Once asbestos clearance is done
Once a licensed asbestos removalist has completed removal and issued a clearance certificate, there is often general rubbish and renovation waste left on site: old building materials, stripped fixtures, bagged general debris.
That is where Paul's Rubbish comes in. We handle general rubbish removal across Sydney after trades have done their work. We do not remove asbestos and we are not licensed to do so. What we can do is clear the non-hazardous renovation waste so you can get the site ready for the next stage.
Call 0407 125 125 or get a free quote to book a same-day collection.
