Licensed Asbestos Removal
When the Law Requires a Licensed Contractor: and Why It Matters
Asbestos work can be licensed, notifiable non-licensed (NNLW) or other non-licensed work. Work on sprayed asbestos coatings and asbestos thermal insulation such as pipe lagging requires the HSE-licensed-contractor route, and most AIB removal is also licensable. The task, material and condition determine the category. Pro Asbestos Removal does not hold an HSE asbestos-removal licence and does not undertake licensable asbestos work.
CAR 2012 Regulation 8: the legal basis for the asbestos removal licence requirement
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012: the complete legal framework governing all asbestos removal work
Materials and Tasks That Can Require a Licensed Contractor
The material name alone does not classify every task. Work on sprayed asbestos coatings and asbestos thermal insulation such as pipe lagging requires an HSE-licensed contractor, and most AIB removal is licensable. Other tasks must be classified from the material, its condition, the method and likely exposure before work starts.
Asbestos Thermal Insulation
Work on asbestos thermal insulation, including pipe lagging, requires an HSE-licensed contractor. Pro Asbestos Removal does not offer that removal directly. See our Asbestos insulation guidance.
Asbestos Insulation Board (AIB)
Most AIB removal is licensable, but the legal category depends on the task, duration and material condition. Licensable AIB work requires an HSE-licensed contractor. See our AIB work guidance.
Asbestos Pipe Lagging
Asbestos pipe lagging can be present in boiler rooms, plant rooms and service corridors. Suspected material should not be disturbed before its condition and work classification are assessed. See our Pipe lagging guidance.
Asbestos Spray Coating
Sprayed asbestos was used as fire protection and acoustic treatment in older commercial and public buildings. Its friable condition can require a licensable-work route. See our Sprayed-coating guidance.
Other Tasks Requiring Classification
For other asbestos-containing materials, classify the task from the material, condition, work method and likely exposure. Do not assume that an unfamiliar or damaged material is suitable for non-licensed work. See our Refurbishment survey route.
Situations That Need the Licensed-Work Boundary Checked
These situations can involve licensable work or require asbestos information before intrusive work begins. The correct route depends on the material, condition and task.
Removal of Asbestos Insulation or AIB
Whether asbestos work is licensed, notifiable non-licensed or non-licensed depends on the task, the asbestos-containing material and its condition.
Demolition of a Pre-2000 Building
A demolition survey should establish the asbestos risk before structural work. Work classified as licensable must be carried out by an HSE-licensed contractor.
Commercial Refurbishment
A refurbishment survey should establish the asbestos risk before work disturbs a pre-2000 building. Work classified as licensable must be carried out by an HSE-licensed contractor.
Emergency Asbestos Incident
Avoid further disturbance and arrange a suitable assessment. Work classified as licensable must be carried out by an HSE-licensed contractor.
Management Plan Identifies Deterioration
Where the duty to manage applies, review deteriorating ACMs and decide the appropriate management or work route. If the required task is licensable, use an HSE-licensed contractor.
Property Transaction Raises an Asbestos Question
Use existing asbestos records or a transaction-appropriate survey route to establish what is known. Any licensable remedial work must be carried out by an HSE-licensed contractor.
Service Scope
Pro Asbestos Removal does not hold an HSE asbestos-removal licence and does not undertake licensable asbestos work.
Work Classification
Whether asbestos work is licensed, notifiable non-licensed or non-licensed depends on the task, the asbestos-containing material and its condition.
Licensable Work
Work classified as licensable must be carried out by an HSE-licensed contractor.
Understanding the Licensed-Work Route
- Pro Asbestos Removal does not hold an HSE asbestos-removal licence and does not undertake licensable asbestos work.
- Work classified as licensable must be carried out by an HSE-licensed contractor.
- Whether asbestos work is licensed, notifiable non-licensed or non-licensed depends on the task, the asbestos-containing material and its condition.
- Customers receive the legally required documentation applicable to the work carried out and any asbestos-waste movement.
How the Licensed-Work Route Is Established
Refurbishment or Demolition Survey
Before work that may disturb asbestos, a suitable assessment should establish the material, condition and work classification.
Licensable-Work Route
Where work is classified as licensable, it must be carried out by an HSE-licensed contractor, including any required notification and plan of work.
Work Classification
The classification depends on the task, the asbestos-containing material and its condition. Pro Asbestos Removal carries out non-licensed and notifiable non-licensed asbestos work only.
Four-Stage Clearance
Where licensed removal requires four-stage clearance, an independent analyst carries out the clearance process and issues the Certificate for Reoccupation.
Disposal & Documentation
Customers receive the legally required documentation applicable to the work carried out and any asbestos-waste movement.
Common Questions
What materials require a licensed contractor?
Work on sprayed asbestos coatings and asbestos thermal insulation such as pipe lagging requires an HSE-licensed contractor, and most AIB removal is licensable. Other tasks must be classified from the material, condition and work method.
How do I check if a contractor is HSE licensed?
You can verify a contractor's HSE asbestos licence on the HSE website. Pro Asbestos Removal does not hold an HSE asbestos-removal licence and does not undertake licensable asbestos work.
What is the difference between licensed and non-licensed work?
Licensed, NNLW and other non-licensed work are separate legal categories. NNLW remains non-licensed but carries additional notification, medical-surveillance and record-keeping duties. The category depends on the material, condition and task.
Do you carry out licensable work in commercial properties?
No. Pro Asbestos Removal does not hold an HSE asbestos-removal licence and does not undertake licensable asbestos work. Work classified as licensable must be carried out by an HSE-licensed contractor.
How is work scope assessed?
Whether asbestos work is licensed, NNLW or other non-licensed work depends on the task, the asbestos-containing material and its condition. This page is an information and routing page for licensable work, not an offer by Pro Asbestos Removal to carry it out.
Further Guidance
Use the Licensed-Contractor Route
Pro Asbestos Removal does not hold an HSE asbestos-removal licence and does not undertake licensable work.