Homeowner's certificate to remove asbestos

The removal of asbestos containing materials from homes and workplaces has different obligations under different laws. The removal should only be done with specific care to avoid the release of asbestos fibres into the air.

Home renovators and owner-builders must hold a certificate obtained under arrangements approved or established by Queensland Health to remove more than 10 square metres of non-friable (also known as bonded) asbestos materials.

When it comes to asbestos removal and renovation, there are a number of prohibited activities because of the potential to expose self, clients, family or neighbours with asbestos fibres.

Home renovators and owner-builders must comply with public health laws when removing non-friable asbestos-containing materials.

If the renovation involves the removal of non-friable asbestos containing materials, extreme care must be undertaken during the process.

Obtaining a certificate to remove more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos

Home renovators and members of the public wishing to undertake DIY removal of more than 10 square metres of bonded materials containing asbestos must obtain a certificate under arrangements approved by the Department of Health.

Current approved courses are:

• Module CPCCDE3014A - Remove non-friable asbestos offered by Registered Training Organisations
• Online or face to face Homeowner and DIY asbestos removal course offered by Keys Human Resources.

If you are planning to remove 10 square metres or less of non-friable materials containing asbestos, you do not require a certificate. However, you will still need to follow safe work procedures and safety precautions to minimise asbestos fibres getting into the air.

Guidance on removing 10 square metres or less of non-friable asbestos materials is available from the Asbestos: a guide for minor renovation (PDF, 6 MB).

Removal of friable asbestos

Some felt carpet underlay is considered friable asbestos, which must only be removed professionally by a licensed asbestos removalist with an 'A' class licence. The work site must also be cleaned of all dust in a way that doesn't further dispersal of fibres. Access to the site should be restricted to those involved in the work with the necessary safety equipment.

The removal of friable asbestos must be done:

• by holders of an 'A' class certificate
• in accordance with the general requirements for the removal of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) from workplaces and detailed in How to Safely Remove Asbestos Code of Practice 2011
• in accordance with the additional requirements for the removal of friable ACM detailed in How to Safely Remove Asbestos Code of Practice 2011.

Removal of 10 square metres of less of non-friable asbestos

If you are planning to remove 10 square metres or less of non-friable materials containing asbestos, you do not require a certificate. However, you will still need to follow safe work procedures and safety precautions to minimise asbestos fibres getting into the air.

Guidance on removing 10 square metres or less of non-friable asbestos materials is available from the Asbestos: a guide for minor renovation (5.65 MB).