Discover the critical elements necessary to secure an Asbestos Clearance Certificate and ensure safety standards in environments previously exposed to asbestos.
An Asbestos Clearance Certificate is required by law following the removal of asbestos. This certificate ensures that all visible asbestos residues and debris that pose a human health risk have been removed, including all transit routes to and from the asbestos removal work area.
The importance of obtaining this certificate cannot be overstated, as it not only ensures the health and safety of individuals but also satisfies NSW Work Health and Safely legislation, including the WHS Act 2011 and WHS Regulation 2017. It provides peace of mind to property owners, tenants, workers, and contractors that the area is free from residual asbestos containing residues and debris.
In Australia it is a requirement that a clearance certificate is issued by an independent Competent Person or Licensed Asbestos Assessor following asbestos removal works greater than 10 square meters. Non-friable asbestos removal can be cleared purely by a visual assessment however Friable asbestos clearances require mandatory sampling or air monitoring to validate the visual inspection.
Obtaining an Asbestos Clearance Certificate involves compiling specific documentation. This typically includes an asbestos survey report, which identifies the presence and location of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The survey should be conducted by a Competent Person such as a Licensed Asbestos Assessor.
Additionally, a detailed asbestos removal plan is required, outlining the methods and procedures used to safely remove or contain the asbestos. Finally, air monitoring reports and clearance inspection results must be provided to confirm that the asbestos levels in the air and surrounding areas are below the permissible exposure limits set by relevant health and safety authorities.
The asbestos clearance process generally begins with a thorough inspection and survey of the site to identify any ACMs. Once identified, a licensed asbestos removal contractor will develop a removal or containment plan and obtain the necessary permits.
Following the removal or containment of asbestos, a clearance inspection is conducted by an independent, Competent Person. If the removal has been completed to a satisfactory standard, firstly the targeted ACM should be removed, no residual debris or dust should remain and the exit path and load out zone of the removal area should be clean.
In relation to friable clearances air monitoring, contact sampling or soil sampling will be undertaken following the removal works to ensure no airborne fibres remain within the removal area. These methods are undertaken due to airborne asbestos fibres not being visible to the naked eye.
Works related to asbestos such as asbestos removal, Clearance Inspections and Certificates are regulated by SafeWork NSW under the NSW WHS Regulation 2017. Contractors must adhere to this regulation, which mandate specific training, certification, and licensing for asbestos professionals. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, including fines and legal action, underscoring the importance of following all applicable rules and guidelines. It should also be noted that in Australia, each state has its own legislation and laws regarding the asbestos clearances.
Selecting a suitable Competent Person is crucial to ensure the process is handled safely and legally. Look for individuals or organisations that have a team of SafeWork NSW Licensed Asbestos Assessors (LAA's). LAA's have been vetted by SafeWork NSW and issued a regulated license to carry out friable asbestos clearance inspections.
Additionally, consider their experience, reputation, and customer reviews. It's also beneficial to ask for references and verify their insurance coverage to protect against any potential liabilities. A competent professional will provide a detailed plan and clear communication throughout the process, ensuring all legal and safety requirements are met.