Asbestos Removal in Northern Territory, Australia

Asbestos removal in the Northern Territory is regulated by NT WorkSafe.

Asbestos has been banned across Australia since 31 December 2003. Homes in the Northern Territory built or renovated before 1990 are the most likely to contain it.

Removal is licensed in two classes. A Class A licence is needed to remove any amount of friable (crumbly) asbestos, and also covers bonded work. A Class B licence is needed to remove more than 10 m² of non-friable (bonded) asbestos, such as fibro sheeting.

Up to 10 m² of bonded asbestos can be removed without a licence, but it must still be done safely, and many owners use a licensed removalist anyway.

The licensed removalist must notify NT WorkSafe in writing at least five days before licensed removal work starts. Only a sudden, unexpected event allows work to start straight away, with phone notice immediately and written notice within 24 hours.

For Class A jobs, air monitoring and the clearance inspection must be done by an independent licensed asbestos assessor. After Class B work, an independent competent person can do the clearance inspection and issue the certificate.

Before you hire, ask for the removalist's licence number and check its class matches your job. Get the clearance certificate in writing when the work is done.