Licensed asbestos assessors are trained professionals, certified in carrying out inspections, risk assessments and air monitoring to determine the presence and extent of ACMs. They have a deep understanding of asbestos types, the in-situ risks associated with them and the potential risks in facilitating its removal.

An LAA ensures that all procedures are executed in line with relevant safety standards, aiming to minimise asbestos exposure to workers and the public. Their role is critical in managing the health risks associated with asbestos in workplaces and ensuring that removal activities comply with health and safety laws.

In Western Australia, LAAs are mandated by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. According to the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WHS Act) and relevant regulations and the Code of Practice: How to Safely Remove Asbestos, any removal of friable asbestos must be monitored and visually cleared by a LAA. 

Their responsibilities include:

• Air Monitoring: Conducting air monitoring before, during and after Class A asbestos removal work to assess the effectiveness of controls. For Class B asbestos removal work a competent person evaluates whether air monitoring is required based on a risk assessment, 

• Clearance Inspections: After removal, the assessor performs a clearance inspection to ensure the asbestos removal area and the area immediately surrounding it are free from visible asbestos contamination. Where air monitoring was performed, respirable asbestos fibre levels must be <0.01 fibres/mL before issuing clearance certificates that confirm the safety of the environment for re-occupation.

• Issuing Clearance Certificates: An LAA must issue a clearance certificate in writing once they are satisfied that the asbestos removal area and its surroundings are free from visible contamination. Until this certificate is issued, protective barricades and implemented controls will remain in place and access restricted.

• Identifying Asbestos and Risk Assessments: LAAs are also responsible for checking for asbestos-containing materials, undertaking risk assessments, compiling asbestos registers and completing pre-demolition/refurbishment surveys. 

• Compliance and Safety: Assessors ensure compliance with relevant health and safety regulations for asbestos removal projects. This includes overseeing the setup and maintenance of removal enclosures, negative pressure units and decontamination units used to prevent the escape of airborne asbestos fibres.