Asbestos Removal Law Changes for NSW
10-01-2008 - Master Builder - January - February - March 2008
The threshold for the removal, repair and disturbance of bonded asbestos has been reduced to 10 square metres, WorkCover NSW said.
The change came into effect on 1 January according to reg 317(3) of the Occupational Health and safety Regulation 2001 (NSW).
It means that work to remove 10 square metres or more of bonded asbestos material will need to be done by appropriately licensed operators.
The reduction from the earlier threshold of 50 square metres was designed to improve the management of workplace safety for those who work with asbestos, WorkCover NSW Chief Executive Jon Blackwell warned.
"Although these changes will increase the number of people needing licenses, they are important as they will reduce the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres," he said.
Master Builder - January - February - March 2008