Do You Need A Licence To Remove Asbestos In Coffs Harbour? (NSW Rules Explained)

Walsh Demolition • January 9, 2026

Many property owners assume asbestos is only a concern when it’s soft, crumbling or obviously hazardous. The reality is that asbestos is often found in materials that look stable and “solid”, especially in older homes, sheds and commercial buildings. These materials can be non-friable, meaning the fibres are bound into cement or resin. That can make them seem harmless, but once they’re cut, drilled, sanded or broken, they can release airborne fibres that are dangerous to inhale.

This is where the legal side matters. NSW has clear rules about when asbestos can be removed without a licence and when it must be removed by a licensed professional. The difference comes down to the type of asbestos, the amount, and how likely it is to release fibres during removal. There are also notification and disposal requirements that apply to licensed removal work, and failure to comply can result in serious penalties.

This guide explains the NSW asbestos licensing rules in plain language, including the difference between Class A and Class B licences, when SafeWork NSW must be notified, and why disposal is a major compliance step many people overlook.

Asbestos Is Still Common in Older Buildings, Even When It Looks “Solid”

Asbestos-containing materials were used widely for decades, so they can still appear in many buildings built or renovated before asbestos bans were introduced. The risk isn’t always obvious at first glance, especially when the material is intact.

Common areas include eaves, wall sheeting, wet areas, sheds, fencing panels and some roofing materials
Many asbestos-containing products look like plain fibro or cement sheeting, so people disturb them without realising
The danger increases when materials are drilled, snapped, sanded or broken, releasing fibres into the air

Because asbestos isn’t easy to identify by appearance alone, the safest approach is to treat suspicious materials carefully and seek professional advice before cutting or removing anything.

What Counts as “Non-Friable” Asbestos Under NSW Rules?

Understanding the term non-friable is important because it affects whether a licence is required. Non-friable asbestos is bonded into a stable material, so fibres are less likely to become airborne unless the product is damaged or worked on.

Non-friable asbestos is often found in asbestos cement products like fibro sheets, eaves, backing boards and fencing
It becomes higher-risk if it is weathered, damaged, cracked or disturbed by cutting, sanding or drilling
Once a bonded product breaks down, it can behave more like friable asbestos, which requires stricter controls

This is why a simple “it’s not fluffy” test is not reliable. Condition and removal method matter as much as the material type.

The Key Rule: When You Do and Don’t Need a Licence

NSW allows limited unlicensed removal of non-friable asbestos, but the rules are strict and the threshold is low. The key number is 10 square metres.

No licence is required to remove less than 10m² of non-friable asbestos, as long as it stays bonded during removal
A licence is required to remove more than 10m² of non-friable asbestos
A licence is required for any amount of friable asbestos, regardless of size

For most real-world projects, especially where multiple sheets are involved, the 10m² limit is reached quickly. That’s why licensed removal is often required even for what feels like a “small” job.

Class A vs Class B: Which Licence Applies to Which Type of Asbestos?

There are two main asbestos removal licence categories in NSW, and they are not interchangeable. Choosing the right contractor depends on the type of asbestos involved and what the job is likely to disturb.

Class A licence covers friable and non-friable asbestos removal and asbestos-contaminated dust and debris
Class B licence covers non-friable asbestos removal only
If there is any chance the material is friable or deteriorated, Class A is often the safer and more appropriate option

Understanding these categories matters because an unlicensed contractor (or the wrong class of licence) can expose you to compliance risk as the property owner.

Notifications and Paperwork: When SafeWork NSW Must Be Told

Licensed asbestos removal work comes with notification requirements. This is not optional, and it is one of the key compliance steps that separates licensed removal from smaller unlicensed jobs.

SafeWork NSW must be notified at least 5 calendar days before licensed removal starts
Notification applies when removing any friable asbestos or more than 10m² of non-friable asbestos
Urgent removal may be possible under special circumstances, but it still requires correct reporting

Licensed contractors typically manage this step as part of the service, but it’s still useful for owners to understand because it affects scheduling and job lead times.

DIY Under 10m²? The Safety Requirements Are Still Strict

The fact you can remove under 10m² of bonded asbestos without a licence does not mean it is low-risk. NSW guidance makes it clear that strict safety steps must still be followed.

Protective equipment and correct handling steps are essential to avoid fibre release
The asbestos should be removed intact wherever possible, without cutting, sanding or breaking
If you can’t confidently manage safety controls, engaging a licensed contractor is the safer choice

In practice, even “small” removal jobs can involve breakage, dust and disposal issues. This is why many people choose professional removal even when a licence is not legally required.

Transport and Disposal: The Legal Step People Forget

Even when removal is handled correctly, disposal is where many people accidentally break the rules. Asbestos waste cannot be treated as general building waste, and it must be disposed of properly.

Asbestos waste must go to a facility licensed to accept it
It must be sealed and transported safely to prevent fibres escaping
Illegal dumping or incorrect disposal can lead to serious penalties and community risk

A licensed contractor will generally manage disposal as part of the service, including packaging and transport requirements, which removes a major compliance risk for the property owner.

Choosing an Asbestos Contractor: What to Check Before Anyone Starts Work

Asbestos removal is not a job where you want uncertainty. A contractor should be able to explain their process clearly and provide the documentation that matches the job type.

Confirm the contractor holds the correct licence level for the asbestos being removed
Ask how they manage dust control, site safety and decontamination procedures
Confirm disposal is included and waste is taken to an approved facility

Clear process and paperwork at the start makes the job safer, smoother and less stressful.

If you’re dealing with older building materials in Coffs Harbour, it’s worth getting clear advice before removal starts, especially where asbestos may be involved. Here at Walsh Demolition we handle asbestos removal work with the correct licensing, safety controls and disposal processes required under NSW regulations, including asbestos removal in Coffs Harbour. To discuss your site or book an assessment, visit https://www.walshdemolition.com.au/.