Asbestos Clearance Certificate Guide | QLD WHS Section 473

What is a Clearance Certificate?

✓ Statutory Definition: Under Section 473 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (QLD), an Asbestos Clearance Certificate is a written document issued by an independent competent person or Licensed Asbestos Assessor (LAA) certifying that an asbestos removal area has been thoroughly decontaminated and is safe for normal re-occupancy.

✓ Strict Independence Rule: The person carrying out the clearance inspection MUST be completely independent of the licensed removalist who performed the work to ensure zero conflict of interest.

When is a Clearance Certificate Legally Mandatory?

In Queensland, a Clearance Certificate must be obtained before anyone is permitted to re-enter the removal area whenever:

Class A (Friable Asbestos) Removal: Mandatory for any quantity. Must be issued by an independent Licensed Asbestos Assessor (LAA) and include statutory 4-stage clearance air monitoring (<0.01 fibres/mL).
Class B (Non-Friable / Bonded) Removal: Mandatory for all removals exceeding 10 square metres. Must be issued by an independent competent person or occupational hygienist following a visual inspection.

⚖ Legal Penalty for Non-Compliance

Allowing trades, tenants, or occupants into a removal area without a valid Section 473 Clearance Certificate is a major offence under Queensland WHS law, rendering the building non-compliant and exposing duty holders to personal liability.