In NSW, you may legally remove less than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos without holding an asbestos removal licence.
However, the 10m² rule only applies to non-friable, also called bonded, asbestos. You cannot remove any amount of friable asbestos without the appropriate Class A asbestos removal licence.
Even when a licence is not required, asbestos removal remains dangerous. SafeWork NSW recommends using a licensed asbestos professional to remove any amount of asbestos.
What Is the 10m² Asbestos Rule?
The 10m² rule allows a homeowner, employer, self-employed person or tradesperson to remove less than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos without an asbestos removal licence.
Ten square metres is approximately equal to:
A wall measuring five metres by two metres
Wall sheeting from a small bathroom
Several standard asbestos cement sheets
The measurement applies to the total area being removed—not each individual sheet or section.
Dividing a larger asbestos-removal project into several smaller jobs does not remove the licensing requirements.
What Is Non-Friable Asbestos?
Non-friable asbestos is material in which asbestos fibres are bonded into another solid material.
Common examples include:
Asbestos cement sheeting
Older wall and ceiling panels
Roof sheeting
Eaves and soffits
Fencing panels
Some vinyl floor tiles
Older pipes and building products
Non-friable asbestos is less likely to release fibres when it is in good condition. However, cutting, drilling, sanding, breaking, scraping or water blasting the material can release dangerous fibres into the air.
If non-friable asbestos is damaged, badly weathered or crumbling, a licensed professional should assess it before work begins.
Can You Remove Friable Asbestos Without a Licence?
No. A Class A licensed asbestos removalist must remove any amount of friable asbestos in NSW.
Friable asbestos is material that can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Because its fibres can become airborne easily, it presents a greater risk than bonded asbestos.
Examples may include:
Loose-fill asbestos insulation
Pipe lagging
Sprayed insulation
Asbestos-contaminated dust or debris
Damaged or deteriorated asbestos materials
If you cannot confidently determine whether the material is friable or non-friable, stop work and arrange professional identification or assessment.
Is Asbestos Awareness Training Required?
Businesses and employers must provide appropriate asbestos awareness training to workers who:
Remove less than 10m² of non-friable asbestos
May disturb asbestos while completing their work
Are at risk of workplace asbestos exposure
This can include electricians, plumbers, builders, demolition workers, maintenance workers and bathroom or kitchen renovators.
The training should cover:
Identifying possible asbestos-containing materials
Understanding the health risks
Safe handling practices
Suitable risk-control measures
What to do when suspected asbestos is discovered or disturbed
DLI Training provides an online Asbestos Awareness course for workers and businesses that need to improve their knowledge of asbestos risks and safe workplace practices.
Asbestos awareness training does not provide an asbestos removal licence and does not authorise someone to perform licensed asbestos removal work.
What Safety Requirements Still Apply Below 10m²?
The absence of a licensing requirement does not mean the work can be completed without safety controls.
Before removing less than 10m² of non-friable asbestos, you should:
Confirm that the material contains asbestos
Confirm that it is non-friable
Read and follow the NSW asbestos-removal Code of Practice
Prepare an asbestos-removal plan
Restrict access to the work area
Use appropriate personal and respiratory protective equipment
Avoid power tools that may release fibres
Prevent asbestos dust from becoming airborne
Decontaminate equipment, clothing and the work area
Package and label the waste correctly
Transport it to an authorised asbestos-waste facility
Check whether local council requirements apply
There is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos. If you cannot complete every required control safely, engage a licensed asbestos removalist.
When Do You Need a Class B Asbestos Licence?
A Class B asbestos removal licence is required when removing more than 10m² of non-friable asbestos or asbestos-containing material.
Class B training covers how to:
Prepare for asbestos removal
Set up the asbestos work area
Select and use appropriate PPE
Remove bonded asbestos safely
Complete decontamination procedures
Clean the work area
Complete the required regulatory processes
DLI Training delivers the nationally recognised Remove Non-Friable Asbestos Class B course in Sydney.
Completing the training does not automatically issue a Class B asbestos removal licence. Applicants must also satisfy the current SafeWork NSW experience, supervision and application requirements.
When Is a Class A Asbestos Licence Required?
A Class A asbestos removal licence is required for the removal of any amount of friable asbestos.
Class A licence holders can remove both friable and non-friable asbestos. Class B licence holders can only remove non-friable asbestos.
Workers who need to remove friable materials can learn more about DLI Training’s Remove Friable Asbestos Class A course.
Additional requirements can apply to Class A work, including air monitoring, enclosures, clearance inspections and the involvement of a licensed asbestos assessor.
Do You Need to Notify SafeWork NSW?
Licensed asbestos removalists generally need to notify SafeWork NSW at least five calendar days before:
Removing more than 10m² of non-friable asbestos
Removing any amount of friable asbestos
Different arrangements may apply to immediate or emergency removal work.
Unlicensed removal below the 10m² threshold does not remove other responsibilities relating to safe work, waste disposal, council requirements or protecting other people from exposure.
Which Asbestos Course Do You Need?
Choose based on the work you perform:
Asbestos Awareness: For workers who may encounter asbestos or remove less than 10m² of non-friable asbestos as part of their work.
Class B training: For workers seeking the training required to remove more than 10m² of non-friable asbestos.
Class A training: For workers seeking the training required to remove friable asbestos.
Asbestos Supervisor training: For experienced workers who supervise licensed asbestos removal activities.
If you are unsure, review DLI Training’s available asbestos courses or speak with the training team before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove exactly 10m² of asbestos without a licence?
NSW guidance generally describes unlicensed removal as less than 10m² or an area that does not exceed 10m², depending on the applicable legal wording and guidance. Because incorrectly measuring the area can lead to non-compliance, use a licensed removalist whenever the amount is close to the limit.
Can I remove less than 10m² of friable asbestos?
No. A Class A licensed asbestos removalist must remove any amount of friable asbestos.
Does asbestos awareness training give me a removal licence?
No. Awareness training helps workers identify and manage asbestos risks but does not provide a Class A or Class B removal licence.
Can a tradesperson remove less than 10m² of bonded asbestos?
A tradesperson may remove less than 10m² of non-friable asbestos without an asbestos removal licence, but workplace training, safety, handling and disposal obligations still apply.
Is it safer to use a licensed asbestos removalist?
Yes. SafeWork NSW recommends engaging a licensed asbestos professional to assess or remove any amount of asbestos.
Asbestos Training in Sydney
DLI Training provides asbestos training options for workers, supervisors and employers, including:
Online Asbestos Awareness training
Remove Non-Friable Asbestos Class B training
Remove Friable Asbestos Class A training
Asbestos Assessor training
Select the course that matches your work responsibilities and always confirm current licensing requirements with SafeWork NSW before undertaking asbestos-removal work.
