Potentially.

Whether Asbestos Liability Insurance is available depends on the activities your business performs and whether a licence is legally required for those activities.

Insurance does not replace licensing or workplace-safety obligations.

What if I undertake asbestos removal? #

Asbestos removal licensing requirements vary between Australian states and territories.

Where your work requires a licence, insurers will generally need to know:

• Licence held
• Scope of that licence
• Friable or non-friable asbestos work
• Qualifications and experience
• Work procedures

You must separately comply with the licensing requirements applying where the work is undertaken.

What if asbestos exposure is incidental? #

Businesses can encounter or accidentally disturb asbestos during activities such as:

• Renovation
• Building
• Electrical work
• Plumbing
• Roofing
• Maintenance
• Demolition
• Work in older properties

Specialist insurance can potentially be available for some incidental exposures even where the business is not an asbestos-removal contractor.

What about consultants? #

Environmental Consultants, Occupational Hygienists, inspectors and other professionals can have asbestos exposures without physically removing asbestos.

Their requirements can involve:

• Professional Indemnity Insurance
• Asbestos Liability Insurance
• Other specialist liability cover

Insurers may ask for details of:

• Exact activities
• Licensing
• Friable and non-friable work
• Asbestos-related turnover
• Safety procedures
• Subcontractors
• Claims history

Licensing exemptions and thresholds are not identical across Australia. For example, the model work health and safety rules allow limited removal of 10 square metres or less of non-friable asbestos without an asbestos-removal licence, while the Australian Capital Territory requires a licence for any asbestos removal. Always confirm the requirements with the workplace-safety regulator for the state or territory where the work will occur.

Contact our team with details of your asbestos-related activities so we can check the available insurance options.