Many years have passed since asbestos was first recognised as a hazardous material. The workers who work with asbestos need to be trained on how to handle and transport the material safely. It is legal in Western Australia to remove asbestos-containing materials with a license. Such work can only be performed by a licensed individual, or an employee of a licensed individual.
Types of asbestos removal licence
Asbestos removal licences come in two types, unrestricted and restricted. A licence is valid for a period of three years and is accompanied by a number of conditions that pertain to how asbestos removal work is done.
Unrestricted Asbestos Removal Licence
Unrestricted Asbestos Removal Licence allows the licence holder, or people working for the licence holder, to remove all forms of asbestos (friable and non-friable). Any asbestos material in the form of a powder, or that can easily be crumbled, crushed or reduced to powder with hand pressure when dry, is referred to as friable asbestos. Friable asbestos can be found on asbestos lagging, sprayed insulation, millboards, felts and woven asbestos mats.
Restricted Asbestos Removal Licence
Restricted Asbestos Removal Licence allows the license holder or those who are employed by the licence holder to remove asbestos exceeding ten square metres of bonded (non-friable) asbestos. Material such as cement or rubber is present in bond asbestos that stabilises the product and provides its non-friable structure. Asbestos cement sheets and pitch-based electrical switchboards are some common examples of bond asbestos.
No licence is required for removing ten square metres or less of non-friable asbestos material
It is not necessary to obtain a license to remove ten square metres or less of non-friable asbestos, but the work must be done properly using safe work procedures and work systems. Asbestos-containing materials should be removed according to the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984, Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996, and Code of Practice for Management and Control of Asbestos in the Workplace.
Looking for an asbestos fencing removal company in Perth
Asbestos removal requires the expertise of a professional. Asbestos is not a DIY job, and if handled improperly, can cause severe safety problems. A licensed and fully insured company, JM Fencing offers a wide range of asbestos fencing removal services. Removal and disposal of asbestos in Perth can be done effectively and at a reasonable cost. As a full-service fencing company, our services include an initial inspection to confirm that the fence contains asbestos, followed by asbestos fence removal and disposal. Ask us for a quote today, and we guarantee the security of your home is worth it.