Asbestos removal undertaken without a licence prompts fine
A sole trader who removed asbestos fencing without the correct licence has been fined $10,000.
The man pleaded guilty to having carried out work when he was not authorised to do so, and was fined in the Perth Magistrates Court.
In April 2022, the sole trader removed and disposed of 41 metres of asbestos fencing from between two houses in Beckenham after telling the property owners that he was licensed to do so.
A fencing contractor who was later engaged to install a Colorbond fence discovered pieces of asbestos fencing in the ground and ceased work.
The sole trader subsequently told the owners he did not have to remove the asbestos that was below the ground, and the owners reported the matter to WorkSafe.
It was found that the man did not hold an asbestos removal licence, and he was prosecuted under the Work Health and Safety Act.
WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said the case should send out a clear warning that licences are required to remove and dispose of asbestos.
“Licensing requirements for asbestos removal are in place for a very good reason,” she said.
“Licence holders must undertake the appropriate training and must demonstrate they have the skills to do the job safely and not endanger themselves or anyone else in the vicinity of the removal and disposal.
“It’s important for anyone considering engaging an asbestos removalist to first check on the Service WA app or the WorkSafe website that the contractor holds the appropriate licence.”
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