In Queensland, asbestos removal licences are issued by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. Only a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) can apply.
Class A or Class B?
A Class B licence covers removal of more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos. A Class A licence covers friable asbestos too. If the job involves any friable material, you need Class A.
Training for workers
Every worker doing licensed removal must hold the unit for the type of work: CPCCDE3014 for non-friable or CPCCDE3015 for friable. WHSQ points out that general asbestos awareness training is not enough for licensed removal work. This includes excavator operators loading friable asbestos, or more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos, who need the same removal training (WHSQ training requirements).
One note on course codes: older guides and some regulator pages still mention CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal. That unit was superseded in November 2020 by the equivalent CPCCDE4008 Supervise asbestos removal, which is the supervision unit regulators now list. If you're booking training, look for CPCCDE4008 or its newer equivalent version (on training.gov.au, CPCCDE4008 was itself replaced by the equivalent CPCCDE4009 in February 2026). The removal units are CPCCDE3014 Remove non-friable asbestos and CPCCDE3015 Remove friable asbestos, or their newer equivalents. Check with your training provider and the regulator that the course you book meets the licence requirements.
Supervisors
- Class A: you must give WHSQ details of a nominated supervisor when you apply. They must be at least 18, have three years' relevant industry experience, and hold CPCCDE3015 and CPCCDE4008. They must be present in the removal area whenever Class A work is happening.
- Class B: you don't need to name supervisors on the application. When more than one person is doing the work, a supervisor must be readily available, which WHSQ describes as contactable and able to reach site within 20 minutes. A Class B supervisor must be at least 18, have one year's experience and hold CPCCDE3014 or CPCCDE3015. A sole worker doesn't need a separate supervisor.
Applying
Applications are made on WHSQ's asbestos removal licence application form with proof of identity, business details, the declarations and the fee. Check the WHSQ asbestos licences page for the current form and fee before you lodge.
Once licensed, you must notify WHSQ before starting licensed removal work. Don't forget the environmental side: moving more than 175 kg of asbestos waste needs an environmental authority, and commercial transporters must complete waste tracking for any quantity (asbestos.qld.gov.au). See our Queensland disposal guide.
Asbestos assessor licence
An asbestos assessor licence is separate from a removal licence. Under the model WHS Regulations, a licensed assessor must carry out air monitoring, clearance inspections and clearance certificates for Class A (friable) removal work. Applicants generally need either the unit Conduct asbestos assessment associated with removal (listed as CPCCBC5014A on regulator pages) or a tertiary qualification in occupational health and safety, occupational hygiene, science, building, construction or environmental health, plus relevant experience. An assessor must be independent of the removalist on the job.
This guide summarises official regulator information as at October 2026. Requirements and fees change, so always check the regulator's current page before you apply.