Independent Monitoring & Clearance

Air Monitoring & Clearance Certificates

Air monitoring measures airborne asbestos fibre levels before, during and after removal works, while a clearance inspection confirms an area is suitable for reoccupation.

Hazclear Environmental provides background, control and clearance air monitoring and issues clearance certificates through a licensed asbestos assessor, independent of any removal scope.

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types of air monitoring

Air Monitoring Services for Asbestos Removal Projects

Different types of air monitoring are used throughout an asbestos project to measure airborne fibre levels, verify that controls are working effectively and provide confidence that the work area and workers remain safe.

Background Monitoring

Baseline air readings taken before removal begins to record existing fibre levels at the site.

Exposure Monitoring

Personal air sampling during removal to measure worker exposure against the 0.1 fibres/mL standard.

Control Monitoring

Boundary air sampling during removal to confirm controls are effective and fibres are contained.

Clearance Monitoring

Air sampling after removal is complete to ensure the area is safe for reoccupation.

MONITORING & CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

When Air Monitoring and Clearance Certificates are Required

The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld) and the How to Safely Remove Asbestos Code of Practice 2021 outline when air monitoring and clearance inspections are required, recommended or considered best practice. Requirements vary depending on the asbestos type, removal activities, site conditions and the potential for exposure to workers or the public.

Air monitoring pump running beside a friable asbestos removal enclosure

Friable Removal

Air monitoring and a clearance certificate from an independent licensed asbestos assessor are mandatory for all Class A friable removal under Sections 473–475 of the WHS Regulation 2011 (Qld).

Higher-Risk Bonded Works

Air monitoring is recommended for larger bonded removals, soil works, indoor works and confined spaces under the How to Safely Remove Asbestos Code of Practice 2021. A clearance certificate is required for all licensed Class B removal under Section 473 of the WHS Regulation 2011 (Qld).

Air monitoring during high-risk bonded asbestos removal works
Asbestos air monitoring on a live occupied worksite

Occupied Sites & Live Work Zones

Sites where other workers, occupants or the public are present during removal — including construction sites, schools, hospitals and commercial buildings — where monitoring and clearance provide independent verification that the area is safe for reoccupation.

Our Air Monitoring Process

  • Baseline air monitoring is completed before works commence to establish background fibre levels on site
  • Monitoring is undertaken around the work area during removal to verify controls are effectively containing asbestos fibres
  • Results are assessed against the Class A control action levels — investigation and additional controls from 0.01 fibres/mL, work stopped and the regulator notified above 0.02 fibres/mL — and documented in a formal report
Air monitoring and clearance inspection process during asbestos removal

Our Clearance Process

  • A detailed visual inspection is completed following asbestos removal works to confirm all identified materials have been removed
  • Clearance air monitoring is undertaken where required to verify asbestos fibre levels meet clearance criteria
  • A clearance certificate is issued confirming the area is suitable for normal reoccupation in accordance with the WHS Regulation 2011 (Qld)

Independent and Accountable

  • Air monitoring and clearance are carried out under the WHS Regulation 2011 (Qld) and the How to Safely Remove Asbestos Code of Practice 2021.
  • All monitoring uses the membrane filter method in accordance with Safe Work Australia’s Guidance Note NOHSC:3003 (2005).
  • Results are assessed against the applicable benchmark: the 0.1 fibres/mL workplace exposure standard for personal exposure monitoring, the Class A control action levels of 0.01–0.02 fibres/mL during friable removal, and the below-0.01 fibres/mL clearance level.
  • For friable removal, monitoring and clearance must be carried out by an independent licensed asbestos assessor who is not involved in the removal business for that work.
  • Where Hazclear performs the Class A removal, this verification is commissioned from an external independent licensed asbestos assessor
  • All monitoring results, clearance inspections and certificates are documented and provided to the client for project and compliance records.

Common questions (FAQ)

It is a document issued by a licensed asbestos assessor confirming that a work area has been inspected and is suitable for reoccupation following asbestos removal, subject to the scope and conditions of the clearance certificate.

It is mandatory for friable removal and commonly used for higher-risk bonded works, occupied sites and sensitive premises such as schools.

It depends on the type of monitoring. The workplace exposure standard is 0.1 fibres/mL as an eight-hour time-weighted average. During Class A removal, results of 0.01–0.02 fibres/mL require investigation and additional controls, results above 0.02 fibres/mL require work to stop and the regulator to be notified, and clearance requires the level to be below 0.01 fibres/mL.

Yes. Under the WHS Regulation 2011 (Qld), air monitoring and clearance for friable removal must be carried out by a licensed asbestos assessor independent of the removalist and of any business involved in the removal. Hazclear provides this independent monitoring and clearance function for other licensed removal contractors.

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