Clearance inspections are checks done after asbestos removal work has been completed to make sure the removal area is free from asbestos contamination and safe for normal use. Clearance inspections involve visual inspections for dust or debris, and may include air monitoring.If the removal area is clear of asbestos, a clearance certificate is issued allowing people to re-enter and use the area.
If you have organised a licensed asbestos removalist to do work at your workplace, it is your responsibility to organise for the clearance inspection to occur.If you are a homeowner who has hired a licensed asbestos removalist to do work at your residential premises, the licensed asbestos removalist is responsible for organising the clearance inspection to occur.
An independent licensed asbestos assessor must be used for removal work that required a Class A licensed asbestos removalist (for example, removal work involved friable asbestos).
An independent competent person can be used for any asbestos work that is not required a Class A licensed asbestos removalist (for example, removal work involving more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos).
To be considered independent the asbestos assessor or competent person must not have been involved in the removal work or be involved or part of the business hired to do the removal work.
In some cases, it may not be reasonably practicable for the licensed asbestos assessor or competent person to be independent from the person who carried out the asbestos removal work. If this is the case, you can apply to the NT WorkSafe for an exemption from this requirement under Part 11.2 of the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Regulations 2011.
It is the responsibility of the person organising the asbestos removal, or in the case of a residential premises, the licensed asbestos removalist to prevent people from entering the asbestos removal area until a clearance certificate is issued.
