2nd May 2008 NSW Govt Streamlines Demolition Laws NSW Fair Trading Minister, Linda Burney, today announced that demolition contractors will no longer be required to hold a Fair Trading license. Ms Burney said at her direction the Office of Fair Trading reviewed the need for demolition contractors to be licensed by both the NSW Office of Fair Trading under the Home Building Act as well as by WorkCover under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The changes are a result of extensive consultation between Fair Trading, WorkCover NSW and industry to determine if holding demolition licenses with more than one government agency was practical. “Fair Trading and WorkCover NSW found that it was unreasonable and unnecessary that an individual should have to go to the time and expense of applying for two separate licenses that basically cover similar activities,” Ms Burney said. “It was decided that duplicated licensing in conjunction with WorkCover served little purpose.” “Also, the move would cut red tape and streamline licensing processes within the industry.” Ms Burney said demolition is dangerous work and people wishing to be involved in this industry may still need to be licensed by WorkCover under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Under the Act, contractors are required to: Adhere to the Australia Standards, whether or not they hold a license Hold a license where there is mechanical demolition of a structure about four meters in height. If demolition is by hand, no license is required up to a height of 10 meters Hold workers compensation insurance (including for subcontractors) Hold public liability insurance Notify WorkCover when undertaking licensed demolition work Hold an asbestos license if removing more than 10 square of bounded asbestos ad/or friable asbestos. For further information visit www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or call 13 32 20. Details on WorkCover licensing requirements are available from www.workcover.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 10 50