Do I need an asbestos register?

Yes, in most cases. Under model WHS Regulation reg 425 a person with management or control of a workplace must keep an asbestos register recording the location, type and condition of any asbestos or asbestos-containing material, after a competent person identifies or presumes it (reg 422). The one exception: a register is not required where the structure was built after 31 December 2003 and no asbestos has been identified or is likely to be present. Where asbestos is present you must also prepare an asbestos management plan and review it at least every 5 years (reg 429).

What is the difference between friable and non-friable asbestos?

Non-friable (bonded) asbestos is solid and held together — for example fibro cement sheeting, cement pipes or vinyl floor tiles. Friable asbestos is loose, crumbly or can be reduced to powder by hand pressure — for example pipe lagging, sprayed insulation or fire-proofing. Friable asbestos releases fibres far more easily, so it is treated as higher risk: it can only ever be removed under a Class A licence regardless of how much there is.

Do I need a licensed asbestos removalist?

It depends on the type and amount. Any amount of friable asbestos requires a Class A licensed asbestos removalist. More than 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) asbestos requires at least a Class B licensed removalist (a Class A licence also covers this). Up to 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos may be removed without a licence, but the asbestos controls still apply. A Class A licence holder can remove any type or amount of asbestos.

Can I remove a small amount of asbestos myself?

Up to 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) asbestos can be removed without a licence — but you must still follow the asbestos controls: appropriate training, respiratory protection and personal protective equipment, wetting the material to suppress dust, and disposing of it as asbestos waste at a licensed facility. Friable asbestos can never be removed without a Class A licence, even in small amounts. Victoria has its own requirements under the OHS Regulations.

Do I need air monitoring when removing asbestos?

Air monitoring is mandatory for all Class A (friable) asbestos removal and must be done by a licensed asbestos assessor (reg 475). It is not mandatory for Class B (non-friable) removal, though it is recommended. Before the area is reoccupied, a clearance certificate is needed confirming no visible asbestos residue and airborne asbestos below 0.01 fibres/mL (regs 473-474); for Class A removal the clearance must be issued by an independent licensed asbestos assessor.

Asbestos Duties Navigator — Register & Removal

Answer a few questions about your building and the work, and the tool maps your asbestos duties: whether you need a register and management plan (or qualify for the post-2003 exception), whether a licensed Class A or Class B removalist is required, and the air-monitoring, clearance and notification requirements — with the WHS regulation references for each.

Last verified: 21 June 2026

Any amount of friable asbestos needs a Class A licensed removalist; more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos needs a Class B removalist; up to 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos can be removed without a licence (controls still apply).

Was the building or structure built after 31 December 2003?

The use of asbestos was banned across Australia from 31 December 2003. Newer structures are far less likely to contain asbestos and can qualify for a register exemption.

Has asbestos been identified, or is it suspected?

A competent person should identify any asbestos, or it must be presumed present unless there is strong evidence otherwise (reg 422).

Are you planning to remove asbestos?

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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is general information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.

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