Edition 47, July 2007

Changes to New South Wales' asbestos laws

The New South Wales Government is amending the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 to improve the safety of workers and the public who may be exposed to materials containing asbestos.

The amendments reduce the limits requiring a WorkCover NSW licence to remove or disturb bonded asbestos (eg flat and corrugated fibro sheeting), and 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 there will be a further reduction from 50 square metres to 10 square metres or more of bonded asbestos.

Consequently, people undertaking smaller bonded  asbestos removal jobs will be required to obtain a licence from WorkCover NSW.

WorkCover NSW conducted 17 seminars across the state in May and June to inform industry and the public about the changes to the bonded asbestos thresholds.

Applicants for a licence will be required to undertake appropriate supervisory training at a TAFE college or a registered training organisation. They must also:

  • have experience in asbestos removal or demolition
  • be at least 18 years of age
  • be assessed by WorkCover as 'a fit and proper person'.

A licence to remove bonded asbestos costs $100.

For more information and licence application forms visit www.workcover.nsw.gov.au.

This page was generated on 02 February, 2010

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