Cautious warning about asbestos removal in NSW

SafeWork NSW has issued an appeal for information from the public about reports that tradespeople are offering to carry out unlicensed asbestos removal at bushfire-damaged properties in western NSW. 

SafeWork has been told that dodgy tradespeople may be making unsolicited approaches to owners of Warrumbungle Shire properties damaged during the devastating Sir Ivan bushfire in February. 

According to information received by SafeWork NSW, the tradespeople are offering to remove fire-damaged asbestos materials, although they are not licensed to do so. 

NSW law stipulates that a licensed asbestos removalist must undertake all asbestos removal work over 10 sq. metres. 

SafeWork NSW director, regional north, Laurence Richey, said fire-damaged asbestos materials must be safely managed so that the health of the community is protected. 

“Fire-damaged asbestos materials can only be cleaned up by holders of a Class A asbestos removal licence,” Richey said adding that property owners should only use qualified asbestos removalists licensed by SafeWork to ensure asbestos is safely and properly removed. 

“Significant penalties apply if a person is caught undertaking unlicensed asbestos removal work, with fines ranging from $3,600 for individuals to $18,000 for body corporates. 

“It is completely unacceptable to risk people’s health and SafeWork NSW encourages anyone with information about these alleged activities to contact us on 1800 ASBESTOS (1800 272 378).

“We will take strong action against anyone caught doing unlicensed removal of fire-damaged asbestos materials.” 

Richey said property owners could find a list of local licensed asbestos removalist on the SafeWork NSW website. 

“Licensed asbestos removalist are listed by region, so property owners can find one close to them.” 

“The licensed removalist will notify SafeWork about the fire damaged asbestos material being removed from the property and also ensure that all asbestos likely to be disturbed by any demolition work is identified and safely removed.”

Image sourced from Flickr cc: Doug Beckers