If you are looking into asbestos removal Brisbane, understanding the difference between A-Class and B-Class asbestos licences is essential. The licence type directly impacts your safety, the quality of work performed, and the long-term health of your property. Worried about asbestos in your home? Our professional team of asbestos removalists at ICON Asbestos Removal can help. Knowing who is qualified to remove asbestos ensures you protect your family and avoid unnecessary risks.

At ICON Asbestos Removal in Brisbane, our team is equipped to handle bonded and friable asbestos removal with full certification, public liability insurance, and experience across residential, commercial, and industrial projects. This article explains the key differences between licence types, why they matter, and how to make the right choice for your property.

Friable vs Non-Friable Asbestos (The Basis of Licence Types)

The difference between friable and non-friable asbestos forms the basis of asbestos licence categories in Australia.

  • Friable asbestos: Material that can be crumbled or reduced to powder by hand pressure. This loose asbestos contains fibres that can easily become airborne and pose serious health risks. Common examples include asbestos insulation, sprayed coatings, and contaminated soil.

  • Non-friable asbestos: Also known as bonded asbestos. The fibres are tightly bound within a solid material such as cement, cladding, walls, roofing, flooring, or fences. These are less dangerous when intact but can release fibres during demolition, a renovation job, or fire damage.

Many homes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and across Queensland still contain asbestos in ceilings, roofs, flooring, and wall panels. This hazardous material was historically used in building materials due to its fire resistance, durability, and insulation properties. However, once disturbed, it requires licensed asbestos removal specialists to ensure safety and compliance.

Asbestos risks shouldn't be ignored. Our team at ICON Asbestos Removal in Brisbane provides licensed testing and removal services across Brisbane and the surrounding coast. Whether it's roofing, a renovation job, or preparation for demolition, we ensure safety and compliance every step of the way. Contact us today to get a detailed quote on our professional asbestos removal services.

A-Class vs B-Class Asbestos Licence: Key Differences Explained

A class and b class asbestos licence

Australian law requires specific licences for asbestos removal. The type of licence determines what materials a contractor can legally remove.

Licence Type What It Covers Risk Level Who Can Hold It
A-Class Removal of all asbestos materials, including friable and non-friable asbestos Highest risk, requiring strict safety and decontamination procedures Certified contractors with specialised training
B-Class Removal of non-friable (bonded) asbestos only, such as roofing sheets, cladding, fencing, walls, ceilings Moderate risk Contractors with training specific to bonded asbestos

Why this matters:

  • A-Class contractors can legally remove asbestos that has deteriorated or is friable. This includes asbestos insulation, contaminated soil, and damaged ceiling or roofing materials.

  • B-Class contractors are limited to bonded asbestos removals. They cannot remove friable asbestos.

ICON Asbestos Removal in Brisbane holds an A-Class licence, meaning our company specialises in asbestos removal services across all scenarios. Whether your project involves roof replacement, demolition, soil remediation, or encapsulation, we are qualified to provide safe, compliant solutions for any job. Contact us today and get a free quote.

Which Licence Do You Need for Your Situation?

The type of asbestos removal service you need depends on whether the asbestos at your property is friable or non-friable.

  • If you suspect friable asbestos, such as loose insulation, deteriorated sheeting, or fire-damaged material, you must contact an A-Class licensed asbestos removal contractor.

  • If your asbestos is bonded and intact, such as cement sheets, cladding, or roofing panels, a B-Class contractor may legally remove it. However, many homeowners prefer A-Class removalists to ensure they get peace of mind, as bonded materials can quickly become friable during demolition or cutting.

3-Step Process With ICON

Icon asbestos

  • 1

    Inspection and Testing: We conduct thorough inspections, asbestos audits, air monitoring, and testing services to identify whether asbestos is bonded or friable.

  • 2

    Safe Removal and Disposal: Our licensed asbestos removal team uses industry-approved containment practices, decontamination units, and sealed containers to remove and dispose of asbestos safely.

  • 3

    Final Clearance and Support: We provide final air quality testing, clearance certificates, and advice on next steps such as re-roofing, replacement, or restoration.

This process ensures minimal disruption, affordable and transparent pricing, and guaranteed compliance with Queensland health and safety standards.

ICON Asbestos Removal delivers trusted services across Brisbane and the surrounding coast, making asbestos removal simple with our proven 3-step process. From testing to safe disposal, our service ensures compliance and peace of mind. Whether you're renovating or near a demolition site, get the job done safely with our licensed team. Contact us today to get a detailed quote on our asbestos removal services.

How to Verify an Asbestos Removal Licence in Australia

Before hiring an asbestos removalist, it is important to verify their licence. Not all contractors are qualified to handle asbestos projects, and unlicensed removal can result in contamination and legal risks.

Steps to verify:

  • 1

    Check the register maintained by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland for licensed asbestos contractors.

  • 2

    Contact and request the contractor's licence number and confirm whether it is A-Class or B-Class.

  • 3

    Ensure the company has current public liability insurance that covers asbestos-related work.

  • 4

    Review their history of asbestos services and request a detailed quote to confirm scope and compliance.

ICON Asbestos Removal in Brisbane provides clear documentation, transparent costs, and the guarantee of a safe asbestos removal service. Our business is fully insured and licensed, ensuring you receive a professional asbestos removal service you can trust.

Why Licence Class Matters for Your Health and Safety

The class of asbestos licence directly affects the safety of your family and property.

  • Friable asbestos fibres are invisible and can remain suspended in the air for long periods. Only A-Class contractors have the training and equipment to safely contain and remove them.

  • Using the wrong contractor may leave asbestos contamination behind, putting residents at risk long after the job is completed.

  • A proper asbestos removal service protects property value and ensures compliance with Australian law.

ICON Asbestos Removal offers comprehensive asbestos services across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast, including:

  • Asbestos roof replacement with new metal roofing, cladding, and re-roofing solutions

  • Residential, commercial, and industrial asbestos removals

  • Demolition and decontamination projects

  • Emergency asbestos removal and soil remediation

  • Affordable solutions with financing options available

Our experienced team specialises in asbestos removal that is safe, efficient, and fully compliant with industry regulations. With years of experience, dedicated specialists, and modern practices, ICON ensures every project is completed right the first time. Don't wait, contact our team today!

Choosing the Right Licence Protects Your Home

Asbestos testing & analysis

Understanding A-Class and B-Class asbestos licences is not just a technical detail—it is the difference between safe asbestos removal and exposing your family to unnecessary risks. For friable materials, only an A-Class asbestos removal licence guarantees safe, professional results.

ICON Asbestos Removal in Brisbane is an A-Class licensed company specialising in asbestos removal, roofing replacement, demolition, and contaminated soil projects. Our professional asbestos removal team provides detailed quotes, thorough inspections, and expert solutions tailored to your property's needs.

Call 0409 593 779 or email our office today to request a free quote for asbestos removal. Our trained asbestos specialists are ready to provide reliable, cost-effective, and safe asbestos services across southeast Queensland. Do not wait until the risk grows—contact our team today and secure the peace of mind that comes with a fully asbestos-free property.