Licensed Asbestos Assessor vs Hygienist: Who Do You Actually Need?
A Practical Guide for Builders, Contractors, and Project Managers in NSW
If you're managing a site where asbestos may be present — whether in building materials, soil, or dust — it's essential to engage the right professional. But the terminology can be confusing. Do you need a Licensed Asbestos Assessor (LAA)? An occupational hygienist? Both?
At Confluence Environmental, we’re often called in to resolve issues that arise when the wrong type of consultant is engaged too late — leading to delays, compliance gaps, or regulatory pushback. This guide explains the difference between a Licensed Asbestos Assessor and an occupational hygienist, and how to choose the right professional for your job.
What Is a Licensed Asbestos Assessor?
A Licensed Asbestos Assessor (LAA) is accredited under SafeWork NSW to undertake specific statutory asbestos-related tasks, including:
Air monitoring during Class A (friable) asbestos removal
Clearance inspections and issuing clearance certificates for Class A removal
Assessing the condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)
Supervising friable asbestos remediation in soil or structures
In NSW, an LAA is legally required for any work involving friable asbestos, and for issuing a clearance certificate following Class A removal.
Not all environmental consultants or hygienists hold this licence. It is a standalone authorisation issued by SafeWork and must be current and valid.
What Is an Occupational Hygienist?
An occupational hygienist is a health and safety professional who assesses exposure risks to hazardous substances, including asbestos, silica dust, lead, noise, and other workplace hazards.
While occupational hygienists commonly deal with asbestos risk, not all hygienists are Licensed Asbestos Assessors, and not all LAAs are hygienists.
A hygienist may be involved in:
Asbestos risk assessments in the workplace
Health monitoring programs for exposed workers
Hazardous materials audits (including lead paint, PCBs, synthetic mineral fibres)
Indoor air quality assessments
Silica dust and respirable fibre exposure monitoring
In short, hygienists take a broader view of workplace exposure, whereas LAAs are specifically authorised for critical asbestos tasks under regulation.
Key Differences at a Glance
Licensed Asbestos Assessors are mandatory for specific asbestos activities under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017.
Occupational hygienists are not mandatory for asbestos work, but may be appropriate for broader exposure assessments or workplace risk consulting.
In NSW, you must use an LAA for friable asbestos air monitoring, clearance inspections, and reports.
For bonded asbestos or general exposure risk advice, a qualified environmental consultant or hygienist may be suitable.
When You Need a Licensed Asbestos Assessor
You must engage an LAA when:
Conducting or supervising friable asbestos removal (Class A work)
Validating soil remediation where friable asbestos is present
Requiring clearance air monitoring and certification following friable removal
Submitting clearance reports to SafeWork NSW, Council, or a Principal Contractor
Even on bonded asbestos sites, many builders choose to engage an LAA to ensure clearance and validation are defensible and fully compliant.
When a Hygienist or Consultant May Be Suitable
You may choose to engage a hygienist or environmental consultant (without an LAA licence) for:
Asbestos registers and reinspection programs for workplaces
Exposure assessments for workers handling ACMs
Management plans for sites with bonded asbestos
General site risk assessments involving multiple hazardous materials
Silica, dust, or chemical monitoring on active work sites
If your hygienist is also an LAA, they can carry out both roles. But always confirm their licence status and scope of services before proceeding.
What Happens If You Engage the Wrong One?
Using the wrong professional can result in:
Non-compliant reports that are rejected by Council, SafeWork NSW, or insurers
Delays in construction or site handover
Air monitoring or clearance reports being invalid
Legal liability if an unlicensed party signs off on friable asbestos work
If you're unsure, start by confirming whether the material is friable or bonded — and contact a licensed consultant early.
How Confluence Environmental Can Help
At Confluence Environmental, we are SafeWork NSW–licensed asbestos assessors and experienced environmental consultants. We provide:
Air monitoring and clearance certification for friable asbestos
Asbestos in soil assessments and remediation supervision
Workplace asbestos risk assessments and management plans
Hazardous materials surveys, sampling, and reporting
Practical advice on selecting the right path for compliance
We support builders, project managers, and developers across NSW with fast response, clear reporting, and solutions that meet both legislative and practical needs.
Need to confirm who you need for your project?
Contact Confluence Environmental for expert advice on asbestos compliance, air monitoring, clearance, and risk management. Licensed, experienced, and ready to support you across NSW.
Call 0493 042 642 or Request a Quote