The correct removal of asbestos is an essential job in the building industry. Not only is it a legal requirement that the removal and disposal of asbestos is carried out by qualified professionals, it is an incredibly important job. Once considered the ideal construction material, asbestos can be found in thousands of buildings across the country. For many years it was used in the construction because of its resistance to fire and effectiveness as an insulator. In the mid-1960s, the health consequences of asbestos exposure became widely known, leading to its disuse and eventual ban.
Demand for asbestos removal
There are fears that the effects of asbestos will continue to be felt for years to come. New Zealand may have stopped using building materials containing asbestos, but that doesn’t mean the threat has gone.
Any trace of asbestos left in structures undergoing renovation or demolition can be potentially life-threatening to those exposed to it. Because of its importance, asbestos removal is a highly regulated field and workers who carry out the task need to be trained and well disciplined.
Over the next 10 years, the industry is expected to grow, producing more job opportunities across New Zealand. So, if you have been thinking about becoming an asbestos removal expert, then there’s no better time than now. Individual asbestos removers benefit as the hourly rate is good, and society as a whole also benefits.
Working in asbestos removal
Trained asbestos removalists are valuable and appreciated.
Asbestos removalists will always be required in New Zealand. Get in touch with the BeSafe training to take your first step towards being an asbestos removalist. All worksites are different, every day is a new challenge, and you’ll never be stuck in the one place.
What skills do you need as an asbestos remover?
The requirements for the removal and safe disposal of asbestos are quite extensive, so you need good communication and good listening skills and be able to work well in a team. You also need to be handy with tools, but that comes with experience. Communication skills are important because as an asbestos expert, you’ll be speaking to building owners and other tradespeople to explain what you’re doing. Asbestos scares a lot of people so being able to educate and reassure affected parties is important.
What are the different types of asbestos removal licence?
There are two main types of asbestos used in building:
- Friable asbestos is loosely packed and sealed, and therefore potentially very dangerous because it can crumble and release fibres into the air.
- Non-friable asbestos is a bonded asbestos found in a number of building materials. It can become friable if weathered or damaged.
There are two types of asbestos removal licences: Class A and Class B.
A Class A license allows the holder to remove any quantity of friable asbestos or asbestos-containing materials (ACM). A Class A holder can be a business or sole trader. Asbestos removal workers answer to the nominated supervisor and/or Class A licence holder.
If you have a Class B licence, however, you can only remove non-friable asbestos or asbestos-containing materials. As a Class B licence holder, you can be a business or sole trader, as well as the nominated supervisor. Any removal workers answer to the supervisor and/or licence holder.
Asbestos course information
Who are our asbestos removal courses for?
Our courses are for asbestos removal workers employed by an asbestos supervisor and/or Class A and Class B licence holder.
Class A Asbestos Removal
Course information:
We provide a full-day training using our specially built training area where trainees will complete an asbestos removal task. This nationally recognised training course is developed for workers and businesses that are required to remove or manage asbestos as part of their work process. The outcome of this course is to acquire the knowledge and skills to remove friable asbestos.
Applies to:
For those who need to have the ability to remove Class A asbestos.
Related courses:
Class B Asbestos Removal work – Remove Non-Friable Asbestos
Duration:
In class – 1 Day
Price:
$682.41 + GST per person
Ask us about our special offers for group bookings
What you will achieve:
- Level 4 – NZQA 29766
- Unit – Remove friable asbestos
- 4 Credits
