The Importance of Asbestos Clearance Certificates After Strip Outs
When asbestos is removed during a strip out, safety doesn’t end with the removal. After the asbestos has been cleared, a critical step remains: obtaining an asbestos clearance certificate. This document certifies that the area is free from asbestos and safe for further work or occupation. Without it, your project cannot legally continue.
In this article, we explore why asbestos clearance certificates are essential after strip outs and how they ensure a safe, compliant workspace.
What Is an Asbestos Clearance Certificate?
An asbestos clearance certificate is a legal document issued after asbestos removal is completed. It certifies that:
- Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) have been removed from the worksite.
- Air monitoring has confirmed no asbestos fibres remain in the air.
- The area is safe for further work, occupation, or demolition.
The certificate must be issued by an independent, licensed asbestos assessor. Without this certificate, the building remains unsafe and cannot be re-occupied or worked on.
Why Are Clearance Certificates Important After Strip Outs?
After a strip out, many areas of the building may have been exposed to asbestos. Walls, ceilings, floors, and other internal components may have contained asbestos, which could have been disturbed during the process. Even if asbestos removal has taken place, asbestos fibres can still linger in the air, on surfaces, or in crevices.
Here’s why a clearance certificate is essential:
1. Ensures Air Quality is Safe
After asbestos removal, air monitoring must be conducted to ensure there are no asbestos fibres left in the environment. Asbestos fibres are microscopic and can remain airborne long after removal if the area hasn’t been thoroughly cleaned and monitored. Air monitoring measures the concentration of asbestos fibres in the air and ensures they are below the legal safety limit.
2. Legally Required for Compliance
In Victoria, it is a legal requirement to obtain a clearance certificate after asbestos removal. Without this certificate, further work or occupation of the building is prohibited. Failing to comply can result in significant fines, legal penalties, and project delays. At Phase One Asbestos, we ensure that all asbestos removal is followed by air monitoring and the issuance of a clearance certificate.
3. Protects Workers and Occupants
Asbestos poses serious health risks, even in small quantities. Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Obtaining a clearance certificate ensures that the area is free from these hazardous fibres and safe for workers, occupants, and anyone who enters the space.
4. Provides Peace of Mind
A clearance certificate offers peace of mind for property owners, contractors, and workers. It guarantees that the site is safe, compliant with all asbestos regulations, and ready for further development or occupation. Without this certification, there is always a risk that hidden asbestos fibres remain, posing long-term health risks.
How Is a Clearance Certificate Issued?
Obtaining a clearance certificate involves several steps to ensure the thorough removal of asbestos. Here’s the process:
1. Post-Removal Air Monitoring
Once the asbestos removal process is complete, air monitoring is conducted by an independent, licensed assessor. Air monitoring tests the air for asbestos fibres to ensure that the levels are within the legal limit.
At Phase One Asbestos, we work with licensed assessors to conduct air monitoring in all areas where asbestos was removed. We use advanced equipment to detect even the smallest trace of fibres.
2. Visual Inspection
In addition to air monitoring, the site is visually inspected for any remaining asbestos-containing materials. This inspection ensures that all ACMs have been properly removed, and the area has been cleaned and decontaminated. Any signs of remaining asbestos will require further removal before the certificate can be issued.
3. Issuance of the Clearance Certificate
Once the air monitoring results confirm safe levels and the visual inspection shows that all asbestos has been removed, the assessor will issue a clearance certificate. This certificate confirms that the area is asbestos-free and safe for continued work or occupation.
The Risks of Not Obtaining a Clearance Certificate
Failing to obtain a clearance certificate after a strip out is not only illegal but dangerous. Without this certificate, there is no assurance that the asbestos has been fully removed. This can lead to:
- Health risks: Asbestos fibres may still be present in the air, putting workers, residents, and occupants at risk of asbestos-related diseases.
- Legal penalties: In Victoria, failing to obtain a clearance certificate can result in fines and penalties for both property owners and contractors.
- Project delays: Without a clearance certificate, further work on the building cannot proceed, leading to costly delays.
How Phase One Asbestos Can Help
At Phase One Asbestos, we understand the importance of completing your project safely and legally. Our team is fully licensed to manage all aspects of asbestos removal, from inspections and safe removal to post-removal monitoring and clearance certification.
Our Services Include:
- Asbestos Inspections: Identifying asbestos-containing materials before the strip out begins.
- Safe Removal: Removing asbestos from walls, ceilings, floors, and other areas during the strip out.
- Air Monitoring: Conducting air tests to ensure asbestos fibres are safely removed.
- Clearance Certification: Providing clearance certificates once the site is safe and asbestos-free.
We work with independent, licensed assessors to ensure your project is fully compliant with Victorian asbestos laws.
Conclusion: Make Sure You Get Your Asbestos Clearance Certificate
An asbestos clearance certificate is essential after any strip out involving asbestos. It guarantees that your site is safe, compliant, and ready for further work or occupation. Without it, the risk of asbestos exposure remains, putting people’s health and your project’s future at risk.
Contact Phase One Asbestos today to ensure your strip out is asbestos-free, safe, and compliant with all regulations.
See our article on The Crucial Role Of Monitoring Asbestos
