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The NSW Government is amending the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 to improve the safety of workers and the public from unsafe exposure to asbestos. The amendments will reduce the limits for when a WorkCover licence is required to remove or disturb bonded asbestos. The changes will be implemented in two stages. From 1 July 2007 the existing limit will be reduced from 200 square metres to 50 square metres or more of bonded asbestos. From 1 January 2008 the will be a further reduction from 50 square metres to 10 square metres or more of bonded asbestos. This will mean that people undertaking smaller asbestos removal jobs will be required to obtain a licence from WorkCover NSW to remove bonded asbestos. WorkCover conducted 17 seminars across the state in May and June to inform industry and the public about the changes to the bonded asbestos thresholds. Below is a brief factsheet describing bonded asbestos and what is required to apply for a bonded asbestos licence. Applicants for a licence will be required to undertake appropriate supervisor training at a TAFE college or a registered training organisation and must have experience in asbestos removal or demolition. They must be at least 18 years of age and assessed by WorkCover as ‘a fit and proper person’. A licence to remove bonded asbestos costs $100 whilst a licence to remove friable asbestos costs $2,000. All demolition licences cost $2,000. You can download a licence application form to remove asbestos or carry out demolition work by selecting a link below.
New application forms for asbestos and demolition work
Working with Asbestos: Guide
Publication No. 5484 (PDF format - 1242 Kb)
Bonded Asbestos: Factsheet
Publication No. 5228 (PDF format - 89 Kb)
WorkCover NSW has produced information to assist the public recognise the dangers of asbestos in products commonly found in the community.
Below are links to information relating to the safe use and working with asbestos products.
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