Do I need a licence to work with asbestos?

The Asbestos Regulations 2006 ban anyone from carrying out work with asbestos unless they hold (or work for someone who holds) a licence granted by HSE.

This includes a self-employed person, i.e. an individual who is working, but not under contract of employment, whether or not he or she employs other workers. However, there are exemptions as specified in Regulation 3(2) of the Regulations which states that a licence will not be required where -

1. the exposure of employees to asbestos is sporadic and of low intensity;
2. it is clear from the risk assessment that the exposure of any employee  will not exceed the control limit; and
3. the work involves –
   1. short, non-continuous maintenance activities,
   2. removal of materials in which the asbestos fibres are firmly linked in a matrix,
   3. encapsulation or sealing of asbestos-containing materials which are in good condition, or
   4. air monitoring and control, and the collection and analysis of samples to ascertain whether a specific material contains asbestos.

Each of these exceptions is explained in the Approved Code of Practice: Reference: L143, Work with materials containing asbestos, Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, ISBN 0717662063

To get an application form for a licence you need to contact HSE's Infoline on 0845 345 0055

Although a licence may not be required where the exemption applies, all work with asbestos must comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006.