When it comes to any type of demolition, be it in a home or office building, only licensed demolition contractors should be hired for the job. Currently, each jurisdiction is allowed to have different regulations for licensing standard demolition contractors. Regardless of the varying requirements, if the contractor is being hired to help remove asbestos from a building, then they are required to have specialized training and licensing. There are two major levels, or classes, the company hired to do the removal should hold either a Class A or Class B license. The amount and type of asbestos, or asbestos containing material that has to be removed determines the class need.

Class A licensing is the highest level of qualification for asbestos removal.

Companies, and individuals working as demolition contractors, that hold A Class Licensing are able to handle any volume of asbestos and asbestos containing material demolition. For large scale industrial buildings and homes that have extensive asbestos contamination, only demolition contractors with with Class A licensing from the SWA should be hired for the job. If a company lists itself as being fully qualified for the job, be sure they are indeed qualified with both the local jurisdiction for the location of the job, and by the proper authorities. Just being a licensed demolition contractor does not cover asbestos removal.

Class B licensing is the the lower tier of qualification for asbestos removal.

Class B licensing qualifies a company or individual to be able to handle any amount of friable asbestos, which means asbestos that is fragile and can be easily crumbled. They can also handle any amount of material that is only contaminated, or contains a small percentage of asbestos. When is comes to non friable asbestos, Class B holders can only remove a maxim of 10 m2. They are also qualified to handle and contain the asbestos containing dust that is created by asbestos demolition and degeneration.

Individuals and companies can remove asbestos without licensing, but face greater risk.

It is not illegal in Australia to remove asbestos that is non friable and the dust associated with friable, but only if it is less than 10m2. To be considered legal, the personal removal cannot pose a major contamination However, knowingly removing asbestos without the assistance of a qualified professional can negate the ability to get assistance later on, should physical contamination occur and require medical assistance.

For more information, check out companies such as AC Demolition.

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