A clearance inspection is an inspection of an area after licensed asbestos removal work has been completed to verify that it is safe for normal use. A clearance inspection must include a visual inspection and may include air monitoring.
A clearance is required for all licensed Class A and Class B asbestos removal work.
For Class A (friable) asbestos removal work, clearances must include a thorough visual inspection as well as clearance air monitoring in the removal area, including within and outside of the enclosure. For Class A (friable) asbestos removal work, clearances must be conducted by a Licenced Asbestos Assessor.
For Class B asbestos removal work the minimum required is a thorough visual inspection. Clearance air monitoring may be appropriate for Class B asbestos removal work based on risk, for example where there are close neighbours or for large complex jobs. Clearances conducted for Class B asbestos removal work must be conducted by an independent competent person (ICP) or a licensed asbestos assessor (LAA).
Who is responsible for ensuring the clearance inspection is carried out?
Residential premises
The asbestos removalist is responsible for organising a clearance if the asbestos was removed from residential premises. The asbestos removalist must also ensure that a clearance certificate is issued before the residential premises can be reoccupied.
Workplaces
For workplaces, it is the responsibility of the client (i.e. the PCBU that engaged the asbestos removalist) to engage the independent competent person (ICP) or licensed asbestos assessor (LAA) to organise and conduct the clearance inspection, so as to maintain independence from the asbestos removal licence holder and from the asbestos removal work.
If the client requests the removalist to provide advice on the engagement of an ICP or LAA to conduct the clearance, the removalist can provide details of several ICPs or LAAs. The client must engage the ICP or LAA directly.
The client is also responsible for ensuring that once the licensed asbestos removal work has been completed, a clearance certificate for both Class A and Class B asbestos removal work, is issued before the workplace can be reoccupied.
When is control air monitoring required?
Control air monitoring to assess the effectiveness of controls must be conducted immediately before and during Class A asbestos removal work.
If an enclosure is used for Class A asbestos removal work, control air monitoring must be carried out outside of the enclosure prior to, during and after the removal as well as within the enclosure before it can be dismantled.
The decision to conduct control air monitoring for Class B asbestos removal work is a risk-based decision, i.e. it is not mandatory but is considered good practice, particularly for higher risk work or where there are people in close vicinity to the removal.