Changes to asbestos laws have been introduced in NSW to improve the safety of workers and the public from unsafe exposure to asbestos. The changes reduce the limits for when a WorkCover licence is needed to remove bonded asbestos. Bonded asbestos is when asbestos fibres are bonded to another material, such as a cement or resin binder.
From 1 January 2008 if 10 square metres or more of bonded asbestos is to be removed you must use a licensed contractor. (Prior to 2007 the limit was 200 square metres). This will mean that people who take on smaller asbestos removal jobs will need to get a licence from WorkCover NSW to remove bonded asbestos.
Building owners and Strata Managers will need to ensure that any contractors such as builders, electricians or plumbers removing asbestos materials in the course of a job have the correct asbestos removal licence and follow the guidelines for safe removal. Use of unlicensed contractors may void the building owners’ public liability insurance and leave the owners open to large compensation claims.
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