What Is the Difference Between a Class A and Class B Asbestos Removalist?

Asbestos removal is a highly specialised field that requires the expertise of trained professionals. This is important for not only the safety and wellbeing of those who may enter a home or building that has asbestos, but also ensures that the asbestos is removed properly and legally.

In Australia, in order to ensure that asbestos is removed safely and responsibly, your asbestos removalist needs to have certain qualifications, including a Class A or Class B asbestos removalists.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what sets Class A and Class B asbestos removalists apart, and what factors to consider when choosing the right professional for the job.

What are Class A asbestos removalists?

Class A asbestos removalists are the highest level of asbestos removalists trained to handle the removal of all types of asbestos, including the most hazardous forms of the mineral – friable asbestos. They must meet stringent training and certification requirements and must have experience working with a range of asbestos removal techniques and equipment.

Class A removalists are capable of removing asbestos from all types of buildings and structures, including commercial and industrial buildings, homes, and public buildings. They are also trained to handle the removal of asbestos from a range of products, including insulation, roofing materials, floor tiles, and textured paint, to name a few.

Examples of Class A asbestos removal projects include the removal of asbestos from:

• large commercial buildings, such as office towers and shopping centres
• industrial facilities, such as power plants and chemical factories
• heritage buildings, where the preservation of the building’s original features is a key concern

To become a Class A asbestos removalist, individuals need to meet a number of training and certification requirements. These requirements may vary between states and territories in Australia, but typically include completion of an asbestos removal training course, practical experience working on asbestos removal projects, and successful completion of a certification exam.

Additionally, Class A asbestos removalists must be licensed by the relevant state or territory government and must comply with all regulations and safety requirements associated with asbestos removal work.

What are Class B asbestos removalists?

Class B asbestos removalists are trained to handle the removal of less hazardous forms of asbestos, where asbestos is non-friable, such as asbestos cement. They also need to meet certain training and certification requirements, but these requirements are not as stringent as those for Class A asbestos removalists.

Class B removalists are trained to handle the removal of asbestos from a range of buildings and structures, including homes and smaller commercial buildings. They are typically involved in the removal of asbestos cement products, such as roofing sheets, guttering, and fence posts.

Examples of Class B asbestos removal projects include the removal of asbestos from:

• cement roofing on a residential home
• cement cladding in a small commercial building
• vehicles, boats, and other smaller structures

To become a Class B asbestos removalist, individuals have to complete a training course in asbestos removal and must pass a certification exam. They must also be licensed by the relevant state or territory government and agree to comply with all regulations and safety requirements associated with asbestos removal work.

It’s important to note that Class B asbestos removalists are only allowed to handle less hazardous forms of asbestos and are not trained to handle the removal of more hazardous forms of asbestos, such as friable asbestos.

Choosing the right asbestos removalist

Choosing the right removalist is crucial for ensuring the safe and effective removal of asbestos from your property. Asbestos is a hazardous material that can pose serious health risks if not handled properly, which is why it’s of utmost importance to choose a qualified and experienced professional to handle the removal process.

When selecting an asbestos removalist, there are several factors to consider, including:

• License and certification: Always choose an asbestos removalist who is licensed and certified by the relevant state or territory government. This will ensure that the removalist has met the necessary training and certification requirements, and is equipped to handle the removal of asbestos in a safe and effective manner.
• Experience: Look for an asbestos removalist with extensive experience in the field. A removalist with a proven track record and a good reputation is more likely to provide a high-quality service.
• Insurance: Make sure the asbestos removalist is fully insured, including liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. This will protect you against any potential damage or accidents that may occur during the removal process.
• Cost: Consider the cost of the service, but don’t let it be the only deciding factor. Hiring a less expensive removalist who is not properly trained or equipped to handle asbestos removal may end up costing you more in the long run.

When it comes to finding a reputable asbestos removalist, it’s important to do your research and read online reviews, ask for references, and compare quotes from multiple removalists. You can also check with your local government for a list of licensed and certified asbestos removalists in your area.

Finding the right asbestos removalist in Australia

Choosing the right asbestos removalist is essential to ensuring the safe and effective removal of asbestos from your property. Understanding the difference between Class A and Class B asbestos removalists is an important step in making this decision, as each class of removalist is trained and equipped to handle different types and levels of asbestos.

When choosing an asbestos removalist, it’s important to consider factors such as certification, experience, insurance, and cost. By making an informed decision, you can help protect yourself, your family, and your community from the potential health risks associated with asbestos exposure.

It can be difficult to know what you’re dealing with if you have no experience with asbestos, which is why it’s important to make sure you’re choosing a qualified Class A asbestos removalist – that way, they can handle any job.

In Melbourne, throughout Victoria, Adelaide and Sydney, Asbestos Australia is the leading Class A asbestos removalists. We’re qualified and experienced with removing asbestos from all kinds of buildings and properties, including residential homes, industrial factories, large commercial buildings and various outdoor asbestos removal projects too.

Call us on 03 9704 2952 to get a quote for your asbestos removal project.

Tommy Clappers

Tommy Clappers is the Owner and Founder of Asbestos Australia Removalist specialising as a Class A & B Licensed Company with highly trained ticketed staff with over 25+ years in the industry in Friable & Non-Friable Commercial, Industrial & Domestic. He's well-skilled in all types of Asbestos Removal and Hazardous Materials. He's an expert in Encapsulation, Soil Remediation and Industrial Cleaning. He prides himself on creating safer environments for his team and his client's safety and ensuring every removal is safe and clean. He currently resides in Melbourne, Australia.

Posted By: Tommy Clappers