Class A vs Class B Asbestos Removal Licences in Australia: What's the Difference?
Australian law requires anyone performing asbestos removal work to hold the correct licence class. Choosing the wrong class for your job isn't just non-compliant — it puts people at risk. This guide explains what each class covers and how to make sure your removalist is properly licensed.
Why Asbestos Removal Licensing Exists
Asbestos was widely used in Australian construction from the 1940s until it was fully banned in 2003. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed — during renovations, demolition, or even weathering — microscopic fibres can become airborne. Inhaling these fibres causes serious diseases including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, often decades after exposure.
To protect workers and the public, every Australian state and territory requires asbestos removal work to be performed by licensed operators. There are two licence classes, each authorising different types of removal. The distinction comes down to one critical factor: whether the asbestos is friable or non-friable.
Friable vs Non-Friable Asbestos
Friable Asbestos
Friable asbestos can be crumbled or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Because the fibres are loosely bound, they are easily released into the air when the material is disturbed. This makes friable asbestos significantly more dangerous to handle.
Common examples:
- •Loose-fill ceiling insulation (e.g. Mr Fluffy)
- •Sprayed-on fire retardant coatings
- •Pipe and boiler lagging
- •Asbestos rope and gaskets
Requires Class A licence for removal
Non-Friable (Bonded) Asbestos
Non-friable asbestos is firmly bound in a solid matrix such as cement, vinyl, or resin. Under normal conditions, it does not release fibres. However, if it is cut, drilled, sanded, broken, or allowed to deteriorate, it can become friable and release dangerous fibres.
Common examples:
- •Fibro cement wall cladding and sheeting
- •Asbestos cement roofing and guttering
- •Vinyl floor tiles and backing
- •Compressed asbestos cement fencing
Can be removed with Class A or Class B licence
Class A vs Class B Licences
Class A Licence
Friable + Non-FriableA Class A licence is the highest level of asbestos removal licence in Australia. It authorises the holder to remove all types of asbestos, including friable materials that pose the greatest health risk. Class A removalists must maintain full containment enclosures, use negative air pressure units, and follow strict decontamination procedures.
Authorised to remove:
- All friable asbestos (insulation, sprayed coatings, lagging)
- All non-friable asbestos (cement sheeting, roofing, tiles)
- Asbestos-contaminated dust, soil, and debris
Required for:
- — Loose-fill insulation removal (e.g. Mr Fluffy)
- — Sprayed-on fire retardant removal
- — Pipe and boiler lagging removal
- — Commercial demolition with friable asbestos
- — Any job involving asbestos that crumbles when handled
Class B Licence
Non-Friable OnlyA Class B licence authorises the removal of non-friable (bonded) asbestos only. This covers the majority of residential asbestos removal jobs in Australia, such as removing fibro walls, cement roofing, and vinyl floor tiles. Class B removalists must still follow safe work procedures, but the containment requirements are less extensive than Class A.
Authorised to remove:
- Asbestos cement sheeting (fibro walls and ceilings)
- Asbestos cement roofing, guttering, and downpipes
- Vinyl floor tiles and sheet flooring with asbestos backing
Common jobs:
- — Bathroom and kitchen renovation in pre-1990 homes
- — Roof replacement on fibro or cement tile homes
- — Eave, fence, and fascia removal
- — Residential extensions and knockdowns
- — Vinyl floor removal before retiling
Quick Comparison
| Class A | Class B | |
|---|---|---|
| Friable asbestos removal | — | |
| Non-friable asbestos removal | ||
| Loose-fill insulation (Mr Fluffy) | — | |
| Fibro cement sheeting | ||
| Asbestos cement roofing | ||
| Sprayed-on fire retardant | — | |
| Pipe and boiler lagging | — | |
| Vinyl floor tiles | ||
| Contaminated soil and debris | — | |
| Residential renovations (bonded) | ||
| Commercial demolition (friable) | — |
Which Licence Class Does Your Project Need?
Use this guide to determine the minimum licence class required for common asbestos removal scenarios.
| Scenario | Minimum Licence |
|---|---|
| Removing fibro sheeting from walls or eaves | Class B |
| Replacing an asbestos cement roof | Class B |
| Removing vinyl floor tiles with asbestos backing | Class B |
| Removing asbestos fencing (bonded cement) | Class B |
| Removing loose-fill ceiling insulation | Class A |
| Removing sprayed asbestos fire retardant | Class A |
| Removing pipe lagging or boiler insulation | Class A |
| Demolishing a commercial building with friable asbestos | Class A |
| Removing asbestos-contaminated soil | Class A |
How to Verify a Removalist's Licence
Before hiring any asbestos removalist, verify their licence is current and covers the correct class for your job. Here's how:
- 1
Ask for their licence number
Every licensed removalist must be able to provide their licence number on request. If they can't or won't, do not hire them.
- 2
Check with the regulator
Each state maintains a public register of licensed asbestos removalists. Search by licence number or business name on the relevant regulator's website (e.g. SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Victoria).
- 3
Confirm the class
Make sure their licence covers the class required for your job. A Class B licence cannot legally be used for any work involving friable asbestos.
- 4
Check the expiry date
Licences expire periodically and must be renewed. An expired licence is not a valid licence. Check that the expiry date has not passed.
Tip: On Asbestos Mate, every listing page displays the removalist's licence number, class, status, and expiry date — sourced directly from government records. You can use this to verify before making contact.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Removalist
Beyond verifying the licence, ask these questions to ensure you're hiring a competent, safe operator:
What is your asbestos removal licence number and class?
Do you carry public liability insurance? What is the coverage amount?
Do you have current workers compensation insurance?
Will you provide a written quote with a detailed scope of work?
How will you contain the work area to prevent fibre release?
Will a licensed asbestos assessor issue a clearance certificate?
Where will the asbestos waste be disposed of?
What personal protective equipment will your workers use?
Frequently Asked Questions
Find a Licensed Removalist
Search our directory of government-verified asbestos removalists across Australia. Filter by state, licence class, and services offered.