Class A vs Class B Snapshot
| Class A | Class B | |
|---|---|---|
| Friable asbestos | Yes | No |
| Non-friable asbestos | Yes | Yes |
| Air monitoring by independent assessor | Yes | Not standard |
| Clearance certificate | Yes, after inspection and air monitoring | Visual inspection on completion |
| Unlicensed threshold | None, any amount needs a licence | Up to 10 square metres non-friable |
Asbestos Removal Licenses Explained
The office fit-out is underway. The kitchen renovation has finally begun. Then asbestos is discovered. Suddenly, a project that seemed straightforward comes to a halt. Budgets are set, costs are committed, and now you need to make a decision about something that wasn’t part of your plan.
Finding an asbestos removal company sounds simple enough until you discover that they don’t all hold the same licence. Some contractors hold Class A licences, while others hold Class B licences. So which one do you need?
The answer depends on the type of asbestos involved and the work required. Understanding the difference helps you choose a contractor who can complete the required removal safely and legally, with the proper processes in place.
Why Class A and Class B Licences Matter
Asbestos removal is not the same for every property or project. The licence system exists because this type of work demands different levels of training, equipment, and controls depending on the type of asbestos present.
For example, a kitchen renovation can mean stripping out asbestos cement sheets (fibro), while other residential and commercial projects may involve different materials and more complex requirements.
Whether you’re a property owner, builder, facilities manager or property developer, understanding the different asbestos removal licence classes in NSW helps you answer one practical question: Can this contractor legally complete the asbestos removal work required for your property?
You Don’t Need To Work Out the Licence Alone
Many property owners assume they now need to determine whether to contact a Class A or Class B contractor before making the call. In most cases, you don’t.
While you don’t need to identify the correct licence yourself, you are responsible for making sure the asbestos is managed appropriately. Guessing isn’t enough. If asbestos is known or suspected, it’s important to involve the right professionals so that the material can be assessed and the correct approach determined.
You need to explain what’s happening on your property, provide any available asbestos registers, reports, or information you may have, and be clear about the work you need completed. The contractor will review the available information, confirm the proposed scope, and advise whether further assessment is required before recommending the appropriate removal approach.
What a Contractor Should Explain Before Work Begins
A reputable contractor should be able to explain the following:
- What asbestos removal is required.
- The licence class that applies.
- Why that licence is the appropriate one.
- What safety controls will be used.
- What documentation will be provided once the work is completed.
- How any unforeseen changes will be managed.
Removing asbestos isn’t always straightforward; materials may be hidden, inaccessible, or require further assessment before the work can even start. A good contractor does more than provide a quote. They help you understand what needs to happen before removal begins.
What Does an Asbestos Licence Actually Tell You
An asbestos removal licence confirms the type of work a contractor is legally authorised to undertake in NSW. Not every licensed contractor can handle every type of asbestos. What work they’re permitted to carry out depends on the class of licence they hold.
The important question isn’t whether Class A is better than Class B. It’s whether the contractor’s licence matches the asbestos removal work required on your property or site.
Class A Asbestos Removal Licence
This tier provides the broadest asbestos removal capability in NSW, permitting contractors to remove both friable and non-friable materials. Because friable asbestos can release fibres more easily when disturbed, it requires additional controls, such as air monitoring by an independent licensed asbestos assessor.
Holding a Class A licence authorises a contractor to carry out this higher-risk removal work. They must still follow the required procedures, controls, and safety requirements that apply to the specific project. For a detailed look at the differences, read our guide on friable vs non-friable materials.
A Class A (Friable) Asbestos Removalist Can Carry Out:
- The removal of friable asbestos identified during a renovation or demolition project.
- Work in older commercial or industrial buildings where higher-risk asbestos materials are present.
- Demolition projects involving multiple asbestos-containing materials.
- Large or complex sites.
- Projects where the full extent or type of asbestos cannot be confirmed before the work begins.
Class B Asbestos Removal Licence
Contractors with a Class B licence can remove non-friable (bonded) asbestos (where the fibres are intact). However, it does not cover friable asbestos. When the material has been assessed, a Class B contractor can complete the work safely and in line with NSW requirements.
A Class B (Non-Friable) Contractor Can Carry Out:
- Removing fibro wall sheeting during a home renovation.
- Replacing asbestos-cement roofing on garages, sheds, or outbuildings.
- Commercial maintenance or refurbishment where non-friable asbestos has been identified.
- Planned removal of bonded asbestos materials before renovation and demolition.
- Removing asbestos fencing before new landscaping or development.
For smaller projects, a licence may not be required. In NSW, up to 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos may be removed without one, provided the work meets the required safety and disposal requirements. Note that this exception only applies to non-friable asbestos removal. Any amount of friable asbestos requires a Class A licence.
The Difference Between Class A and Class B Asbestos Removal Licences
| Class A Licence | Class B Licence | |
|---|---|---|
| Asbestos covered | Friable and non-friable | Non-friable (bonded) only |
| Material condition | Fibres can be released easily when disturbed | Fibres remain intact and bound in the material |
| Typical work | Friable material found during renovation or demolition, older commercial and industrial buildings, large or complex sites | Fibro wall sheeting, asbestos cement roofing on garages and sheds, fencing, planned removal before renovation |
| When the extent is unknown | Suited to projects where the type or extent cannot be confirmed before work begins | Scope needs to be assessed and confirmed as non-friable first |
| Air monitoring | Required, carried out by an independent licensed asbestos assessor | Not required as standard for non-friable removal |
| Completion checks | Independent licensed assessor carries out a detailed inspection plus air monitoring before a clearance certificate is issued | Visual inspection on completion of works |
| Unlicensed removal | Not permitted at any amount | Up to 10 square metres of non-friable per site, subject to safety and disposal requirements |
What Happens If You Choose a Contractor With the Wrong Licence?
Choosing an asbestos removal contractor is not only about finding someone to start quickly. Nor is it about finding the best quote. Before work begins, it’s worth confirming that the contractor’s licence matches the asbestos removal work identified in your project.
If the licence doesn’t match the work you require, the contractor may legally not be authorised to complete the removal. Resolving this after work has started may result in:
- Work stopping while the material is assessed.
- Additional specialists being engaged.
- Further controls or documentation being required.
- Project timeline changes and additional costs.
- Potential fines and legal liabilities for hiring unlicensed removalists.
While not every project will encounter hidden material or bonded asbestos suddenly breaking down, a thorough assessment before work begins helps identify potential issues early. It gives you a clearer understanding of the work required before the removal starts.
Questions To Ask Before You Accept an Asbestos Removal Quote
Remember that the lowest quote might not be the most suitable option. Before choosing your contractor, understand what’s been included, how the work will be managed, and what documentation you will receive. Here are a few questions you might consider asking:
How Do You Handle Unexpected Changes?
Talk about how unexpected findings or changes are managed when work has started. How will these changes or costs be communicated?
What Documentation Will I Receive?
Confirm what documentation you will receive once the asbestos removal work is complete. Depending on the project, this may include:
- Asbestos removal records.
- Waste transport and disposal records.
- Air monitoring results.
- Clearance documentation.
- Other inspection, certificates, or records relevant to the work completed.
Is the Scope of Work Confirmed in Writing?
A written scope should outline what work is included, what asbestos will be removed, what’s excluded, and how any changes will be managed.
What Safety Procedures Will Be Used?
Ask how the area will be prepared, how asbestos risks will be controlled, and what procedures will be followed for removal and disposal. A professional contractor will be able to walk you through their process clearly.
Can You Provide Your Licence Details?
Before accepting a quote, ask the contractor for their asbestos removal licence number.
How To Verify An Asbestos Removal Licence in NSW
- Go to the NSW Register.
- Enter the contractor’s licence number in the provider name or licence number field and click search.
- Select the contractor from the search results to view their licence details.
- Check:
- That the contractor holds the correct licence class.
- That the licence is current (and remains valid for the duration of your project).
- Any conditions that may affect the work.
- Whether the licence has been suspended or cancelled.
Don’t rely solely on the business name or ABN. Always verify the licence number, as trading names can change while the licence number uniquely identifies the licensed contractor.
Find Your Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractor
Whether you’re managing a home renovation, commercial refurbishment or a demolition project, hiring the right contractor helps you avoid unnecessary delays, unexpected costs and regulatory breaches.
With over two decades of experience, J Group Industries provides asbestos testing, inspections, and safe disposal. Where asbestos is identified and removal is required, we can manage the process, giving you a single point of contact throughout the project.
As licensed Class A and Class B asbestos removalists, we can help you understand what your project needs (Licence No: AD214709).
Contact Us To Discuss Your Scope
Class A vs Class B Asbestos Removal FAQs
Can a Builder Remove Asbestos During a Renovation?
It depends on type, amount, and condition. While builders may recognise typical asbestos-containing materials, getting an assessment from a professional is the safest route.
How Much Asbestos Can I Remove Without a Licence?
No more than 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) materials for the entire site. For friable, it must be removed by a Class A licence regardless of amount.
Who Checks That Asbestos Removal Has Been Completed Correctly?
Requirements differ between licences:
- Class A (Friable removal) – an independent licensed assessor must carry out a detailed inspection plus air monitoring before the final clearance certificate can be issued.
- Class B (Non-Friable removal) – a visual inspection on completion of works.
Your contractor should explain what checks and documentation apply to your project before work begins.
Does Finding Asbestos Always Delay a Renovation?
Not necessarily. The impact depends on the type of asbestos identified, where it’s located, and the removal requirements. Engaging the right contractor early helps clarify what needs to happen before renovation work can continue.
Do I Need an Asbestos Report Before Hiring a Removal Contractor?
An asbestos report can provide important information about the material identified, its location, and condition. However, the information required will depend on the project. A licensed contractor can advise what’s needed before removal begins.
Get in Touch With J Group Industries for Your Asbestos Removal Quote Today
Information current as at August 2026. Asbestos removal requirements in NSW may change. Always check current SafeWork NSW guidance or speak with a licensed asbestos removal professional before commencing work.
