Asbestos Training and Supervisor Requirements in Queensland: A Guide for PCBUs and Workers

11 Nov 2024

Legislative References

Overview

In Queensland, asbestos removal licenses are issued to the PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) or the company, not individual workers.

There are two main types of licenses: Class A for friable asbestos (easily crumbled and high-risk) and Class B for non-friable asbestos (bonded materials like cement sheeting).

Class A allows for the removal of both friable and non-friable asbestos, while Class B only permits non-friable removal. Workers must complete specific training courses, such as "Friable Asbestos Removal" (CPCCDE3015) for Class A or "Remove Non-Friable Asbestos" (CPCCDE3014) for Class B.

Licensed supervisors must be present during all removal activities – although there are different requirements for supervisors between Class A and Class B (see below).

Employer Training Obligations

Businesses, employers and other PCBUs have a general duty to provide information, training and instructions to their workers. Asbestos removal work has specific training and licensing requirements.

Training Requirements and Recommendations

Asbestos Awareness

Course page: https://www.worksafeconnect.com/courses/asbestos-awareness-1
Outcome: Statement of Completion (non-accredited outcome)
Overview: This course provides students with the knowledge to identify asbestos, where it may be found and an understanding of the steps involved to work safety with ACM (asbestos containing materials).
Who Should Attend: Individuals who work in an environment where asbestos may be present however they will not be required to disturb the asbestos.
Recommendation: While Asbestos Awareness training is the minimum standard allowable under Queensland legislation for those workers who are who are carrying out non-friable asbestos removal work of less than 10sqm, we do recommend any worker who will disturb the asbestos as part of the work tasks (for example, electricians, plumbers, bathroom and kitchen renovators – drilling into ACM) should consider completing the “Remove Non-Friable Asbestos” course.

Remove Non-Friable Asbestos

Course Page: https://www.worksafeconnect.com/courses/remove-non-friable-asbestos
Outcome: Statement of Attainment (CPCCDE3014 Remove non-friable asbestos)
Overview: This course teaches participants how to safely remove asbestos-containing materials (ACM) that are bonded and less likely to release fibres. It covers legal requirements, risk assessments, and preparation of control plans, as well as safe removal and disposal techniques. The training focuses on using appropriate tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), and decontamination procedures to ensure safety. Successful completion allows workers to legally handle and remove non-friable asbestos in compliance with WHS regulations. Please note, the first module of Non-Friable Asbestos is essentially "Asbestos Awareness" - so there is no need to complete both courses.
Prerequisite Requirement: Students must provide a Statement of Attainment or USI Transcript for CPCCWHS1001 or CPCWHS1001 (Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry). This is commonly known as the White Card unit of competency; however, a physical White Card alone is not considered sufficient evidence.
Who Should Attend: Any worker who works with non-friable asbestos in any capacity (including drilling walls etc). It is also legally required for any person who is removing 10sqm or more of non-friable asbestos or ACM.
Recommendation: while this course is not legally required for workers who remove less than 10sqm, there is an obligation in the WHS legislation on an employer to ensure workers are adequately trained. To ensure each worker understands the risks and has the tools and skills to work with asbestos, we recommend the remove non-friable asbestos course.

Friable Asbestos

In Queensland, this course is required for workers who need to handle or remove friable asbestos - materials that can easily crumble and release dangerous asbestos fibres into the air.
WorkSafe Connect does not deliver a Friable Asbestos course (CPCCDE3015 Remove friable asbestos).

Asbestos Removal - Supervisor Requirements

Friable Asbestos (Class A)

A class A asbestos removal work supervisor must be:

At least 18 years old
Have at least three years of relevant industry experience
Certification in BOTH CPCCDE3015A (Remove friable asbestos) and CPCCDE4008 (Supervise asbestos removal)

The licence holder must ensure the nominated asbestos removal supervisor is present at the asbestos removal area whenever the class A asbestos removal work is being carried out.

Non-Friable Asbestos (Class B)

Where class B asbestos removal work (10sqm or more) is being carried out by more than one person, a supervisor must be readily available to the workers carrying out the asbestos removal work. For example, if a supervisor is contactable by phone and able to arrive at the workplace within 20 minutes, this would be regarded as readily available.

A class B asbestos removal work supervisor must be:

At least 18 years old;
Have at least one year of relevant industry experience; and
Certification in EITHER CPCCDE3014A (Remove non-friable asbestos) or CPCCDE3015A (Remove friable asbestos)

Disclaimer

The information above is provided for information purposes only – we note that legislation and regulations are prone to change and therefore you should always make reference to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland to ensure you have the latest information (https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/).

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