Hiring the wrong asbestos removalist can turn a straightforward job into a serious problem. Improper removal can spread fibres through your property, create legal liability, and leave you without the documentation you need to sell, rent, or redevelop.

The good news is that a few simple questions will quickly separate the professionals from the operators you should avoid. Here is what to ask before you commit.

1. Are You Licensed for Asbestos Removal in NSW?

This is the most important question, and the answer should be immediate and verifiable.

In NSW, any asbestos removal job involving more than 10 m² of non-friable (bonded) material must be carried out by a licensed Class B asbestos removalist. Friable asbestos, the crumbly, powdery kind, requires a Class A licence, which is a higher level of certification.

You can verify any NSW asbestos removal licence through the SafeWork NSW licence register. Do not take a licence number at face value, look it up.

An unlicensed operator might offer a lower price, but they are operating illegally. If something goes wrong, you could face fines, liability for contamination, and the cost of having the job redone properly.

What to look for

• A current Class B licence for non-friable asbestos removal
• A Class A licence if friable asbestos is involved
• Willingness to provide their licence number upfront

2. Do You Carry Public Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation?

Asbestos removal is a high-risk trade. If a worker is injured on your property, or if asbestos fibres contaminate a neighbouring property, you need to know that the removalist's insurance, not yours, covers it.

Ask for evidence of:

• Public liability insurance: covers damage to your property and third parties
• Workers compensation: covers the removalist's employees if they are injured on site

A legitimate operator will provide certificates of currency without hesitation. If they are reluctant or vague, walk away.

3. Will You Notify SafeWork NSW Before Starting?

For any asbestos removal job involving more than 10 m² of non-friable material, the removalist is legally required to notify SafeWork NSW at least five days before work begins.

This is not optional, and it is not the homeowner's responsibility, it is the removalist's. The notification triggers a record with the regulator and ensures the job is on the books.

Ask the removalist directly: "Will you lodge the SafeWork notification, and can you provide me with a copy?" A professional will confirm this as a standard part of their process. If they are unfamiliar with the requirement, that is a red flag.

Why this matters to you

If you ever sell the property, a buyer's solicitor may ask for evidence that asbestos removal was carried out legally. The SafeWork notification is part of that paper trail.

4. What Does the Quote Include, Specifically?

Asbestos removal quotes can vary significantly, and not always because of the quality of the work. Often, the difference comes down to what is and is not included.

Before you compare prices, make sure every quote covers the same scope. Ask specifically:

• Is disposal included? All asbestos waste must be transported to and disposed of at a licensed facility. This is a real cost, and some operators quote low by excluding or minimising it.
• Is the clearance inspection included? After removal, a licensed asbestos assessor must inspect the site and issue a clearance certificate before the area can be reoccupied. Some removalists include this; others do not.
• Is containment and decontamination included? Proper removal requires setting up containment zones, using negative air pressure where required, and decontaminating workers and equipment before leaving the site.

A quote that excludes any of these is not a fair comparison to one that includes them all.

5. Can You Provide a Clearance Certificate After the Job?

A clearance certificate is the document that confirms asbestos has been removed and the area is safe to reoccupy. It must be issued by a licensed asbestos assessor, a separate role from the removalist, following a visual inspection and, where required, air monitoring.

This document is important for several reasons:

• It confirms the job was done properly
• It is required before the area can be legally reoccupied
• It forms part of the property's asbestos documentation, which is relevant for future sales, renovations, or insurance claims

Ask the removalist how the clearance inspection is arranged and who pays for it. Some include it in their quote; others coordinate it separately. Either is fine, just make sure it is accounted for.

Bonus: Ask About Their Experience With Your Property Type

Asbestos removal on a residential fibro house is a different job to removal on a commercial warehouse or an industrial facility. Ask the removalist about their experience with properties similar to yours.

A removalist who primarily works on residential homes may not have the equipment or experience for a large commercial or industrial job. Conversely, a large commercial operator may not be the most cost-effective choice for a small residential job.

Putting It Together

Before you hire any asbestos removalist in NSW, make sure you can answer yes to all of these:

• They hold a current, verifiable NSW asbestos removal licence
• They carry public liability insurance and workers compensation
• They will lodge the SafeWork NSW notification and provide you with a copy
• Their quote clearly includes disposal, containment, and clearance
• They can provide a clearance certificate after the job

If you are still comparing quotes, remember that a price-beat guarantee can be a straightforward way to get a better price without compromising on quality or compliance.

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