Assessor, surveyor, removalist: what's the difference?
These three roles often get mixed up, so it's worth being clear about what each one does. For a more detailed comparison, see our guide on how asbestos consultants differ from surveyors and removalists.
An asbestos surveyor inspects buildings to identify and assess asbestos-containing materials. They take samples, assess condition, and produce survey reports and registers. There isn't a specific licence category for surveyors under the Asbestos Regulations, but they need to be competent, which in practice means relevant qualifications and experience in asbestos identification.
An asbestos removalist physically removes asbestos from buildings. They must hold a Class A or Class B removal licence depending on the type of asbestos they're removing. Class A covers friable (crumbly, loose) asbestos. Class B covers non-friable (bonded, solid) asbestos above 10 square metres.
A licensed asbestos assessor is the person who comes in after removal work to verify the site is safe for reoccupation. They conduct clearance inspections, carry out air monitoring, and issue clearance certificates. Their role is quality assurance and independent verification. They must hold an assessor licence issued by WorkSafe.
When is a licensed assessor legally required?
The Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 are specific about when you must use a licensed assessor:
After Class A removal
Whenever friable asbestos is removed under a Class A licence, the clearance inspection must be carried out by an independent licensed asbestos assessor (regulation 41). This is non-negotiable. The assessor must be independent, meaning they can't work for the same company that did the removal. This separation exists for an obvious reason: the person checking the work shouldn't be the same person (or organisation) that did the work.
Air monitoring during Class A removal
Air monitoring during and after Class A removal work must also be conducted by a licensed assessor. The monitoring checks that respirable asbestos fibre levels in and around the removal area remain safe. The results form part of the evidence needed before a clearance certificate can be issued.
After Class B removal
For Class B removal (non-friable asbestos over 10 m²), the clearance inspection can be done by either a licensed assessor or a competent person. Using an assessor isn't strictly required, but many PCBUs choose to engage one anyway for the added assurance.
What does a clearance inspection involve?
A clearance inspection is a structured check of the removal area after the removalist has finished their work. The assessor or competent person will:
- Visually inspect the removal area and the immediately surrounding area to confirm they are free from visible asbestos contamination
- Conduct air monitoring if required (mandatory for Class A work) and confirm that respirable fibre levels don't exceed trace level
- Confirm that the area doesn't pose a health risk from asbestos exposure
Only when all of those conditions are met can a clearance certificate be issued (regulation 42). The PCBU must obtain that certificate before anyone reoccupies the area. This isn't a formality. Skipping the clearance or reoccupying before the certificate is issued puts people at risk and breaches the regulations.
What's on the clearance certificate?
The clearance certificate is a formal document confirming that the removal area is safe. It records the assessor's findings, air monitoring results (where applicable), and their conclusion that the area is free from contamination. This document becomes part of your records and should be kept alongside your asbestos register and management plan.
How to check someone's licence
WorkSafe maintains a public register of licensed asbestos assessors on their website (regulation 99). Before engaging an assessor, check the register to confirm their licence is current. The register includes the assessor's name, licence number, and expiry date.
It's also worth checking that the assessor has relevant training. WorkSafe has specified recognised training courses, including the Australian VET standard CPCCBC5014A (Conduct asbestos assessment associated with removal) and the British Occupational Hygiene Society P404 module (Air Sampling of Asbestos). New Zealand-based training courses are now available as well.
When you might want an assessor even if it's not required
There are situations outside of licensed removal where engaging an assessor can be worthwhile. If you've had an uncontrolled asbestos disturbance (accidental damage during maintenance, for example), an assessor can carry out air monitoring and inspection to determine whether the area is safe. Our guide on what to do when suspect material is found on site covers the immediate steps. They can also provide independent advice on whether a removal job was done properly if you have concerns about the quality of work.
For building owners managing multiple properties, having an established relationship with a licensed assessor means you can respond quickly when removal work is needed, without scrambling to find someone at the last minute.
Sources
- Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, reg 41 (Clearance inspection)
- Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, reg 42 (Clearance certificates)
- Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, reg 55 (Requirement to hold Class A asbestos removal licence)
- Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, reg 56 (Requirement to hold Class B asbestos removal licence)
- Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, reg 99 (Register of asbestos assessors)