The recent asbestos regulation changes mean a move from certificate of competency to a licencing system, WorkSafe advises.
All Certificates of Competence will expire on or before 4 April 2018, when the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 take full effect.
Many of you currently hold a Certificate of Competence (CoC) which allows you to remove asbestos in accordance with the conditions on that certificate.
Upon expiry, all removal companies will require a licence to continue to remove asbestos.
The business you run, or work for, will need to hold a licence to carry out asbestos removal work. The business is granted the licence, not the individual carrying out the work.
Conditions are put on each licence that specify the type of allowable removal work (Class A or B) and lists the nominated supervisors for the company.
However, you can still work on the weekends as long as your are working for the company that holds the licence.
The new regulations mean that it is the company that holds the licence and not an individual.
Therefore, it is no longer possible to do work without involving a licenced company.
Asbestos removalists should get a licence as soon as possible.
If the CoC expires before the business is granted a new licence you will not be able to work until you get one.
WorkSafe also requires less information in the application process if you have a current CoC.
You can apply online for a Class A or B asbestos removal licence at http://www.worksafe.govt.nz/worksafe/information-guidance/guidance-by-hazard-type/asbestos/licensing/apply-for-a-licence
The online application is completed in two parts:
- Complete the applicant details and submit the form online
- You will then receive an email within two working days with a link to add your nominated supervisors.
Please ensure you read through the instructions on how to apply online in the applicant guide so you have all the documentation you need.
