What is an asbestos assessor?

In the ACT, in order for someone to provide an asbestos assessment service (e.g. identify and assess asbestos and provide recommendations on its safe management), they must hold a current asbestos assessor licence. Asbestos assessors have several professional responsibilities under the Building Act 2004, the Dangerous Substances Act 2004 and the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004. These responsibilities include: indentifying the presence of any asbestos products; assessment of the potential risks; and providing recommendations for the safe management of the identified asbestos. Asbestos assessors need to perform all tasks in accordance with their licence type and in a professional manner. There are two classes of asbestos assessor license (A class and B class) which, depending on the licence class, restrict the type of work that can be done.

Asbestos assessors must be licensed. The Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 defines an asbestos assessor and an asbestos assessment service.

An asbestos assessor is an individual who provides, has provided or proposes to provide an asbestos assessment service.

An asbestos assessment service is the doing or supervising of all or any of the following work:

1. air monitoring for asbestos;
2. identifying the location, type and condition of asbestos in buildings, including by taking samples;
3. assessing the risk resulting from the identified asbestos;
4. advising on how the asbestos should be managed;
5. reporting about the work mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c).

Types of Asbestos Assessors

There are two classes of asbestos assessor license (A class and B class) which, depending on the licence class, restrict the type of work that can be done. These two classes are defined in the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Regulation 2004.

A Class Asbestos Assessor:

Licensees can provide a full asbestos assessment service to:

• undertake and supervise air monitoring;
• undertake field surveys to identify the location, type and condition of asbestos in buildings;
• assess the risk the identified asbestos presents and advise on how it should be managed; and
• report about the work carried out.

B Class Asbestos Assessor:

Licensees can only undertake field surveys to identify the location, type and condition of asbestos in buildings. They cannot provide a report or advice to others on how to handle the asbestos.

• Click here for a list of licensed asbestos assessors.

For more information on how to apply for a licence, contact 13 22 81 or visit the ACTPLA website.