Licensed Asbestos Removal
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.
When the Law Requires a Licensed Contractor — and Why It Matters
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) divides asbestos removal work into three categories: licensed, notifiable non-licensed (NNLW), and non-licensed. Only a contractor holding a current licence issued under Regulation 8 of CAR 2012 may carry out licensed work — which covers the removal of asbestos insulation, asbestos insulation board (AIB), and any other high-risk asbestos-containing material. Engaging an unlicensed contractor for licensed work is a criminal offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. An estimated 1.5 million buildings in the UK still contain asbestos-containing materials, and the majority of high-risk removal projects — particularly in commercial and industrial premises — require a licensed contractor.
CAR 2012 Regulation 8 — the legal basis for the asbestos removal licence requirement
Deaths per year in the UK attributed to past asbestos exposure — the highest of any single work-related cause
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 — the complete legal framework governing all asbestos removal work
Five ACM Types That Require a Licensed Contractor
The following materials are classified as licensed work under CAR 2012. Any removal, encapsulation, or disturbance of these materials must be carried out by a Regulation 8 licensed contractor and notified to the relevant enforcing authority at least 14 days in advance.
Asbestos Insulation (AI)
Sprayed and loose-fill asbestos insulation can present a high risk when disturbed. The task, material and condition determine the legal work classification. See our Asbestos insulation guidance.
Asbestos Insulation Board (AIB)
AIB was used for fire protection, partition walls, ceiling tiles and service duct linings. It can release fibres when disturbed, so the planned task and condition need assessment. 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 High-Risk ACMs
Any asbestos-containing material where the fibre type, condition, or work method means that the exposure is likely to exceed the control limit — or where the material cannot be classified as non-licensed or NNLW — defaults to licensed work. A refurbishment survey will determine the classification before work begins. See our Refurbishment survey.
Six Situations That Require a Licensed Contractor
These six situations each create a legal obligation to engage a Regulation 8 licensed contractor. Using an unlicensed contractor in any of these scenarios is a criminal offence.
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.
AIB work guidance →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.
Demolition survey →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.
Refurbishment survey →Emergency Asbestos Incident
Avoid further disturbance and arrange a suitable assessment. Work classified as licensable must be carried out by an HSE-licensed contractor.
Emergency asbestos response →Asbestos Management Plan Action
Where an asbestos management plan identifies licensed ACMs in deteriorating condition, the duty holder is legally required to act. Continued inaction after a management plan has flagged a risk is a Regulation 4 breach.
Asbestos management survey →Pre-Sale Remediation
Commercial property sales increasingly require evidence that all licensed ACMs have been removed or that a current management plan is in place. A licensed removal certificate is the strongest available evidence for a vendor's disclosure pack.
Pre-acquisition survey →Service Scope
Pro Asbestos Removal does not hold an HSE asbestos-removal licence and does not undertake licensable asbestos work.
Asbestos regulations guide →Work Classification
Whether asbestos work is licensed, notifiable non-licensed or non-licensed depends on the task, the asbestos-containing material and its condition.
Understanding NNLW →Licensable Work
Work classified as licensable must be carried out by an HSE-licensed contractor.
Asbestos regulations guide →A Complete, Compliant Service
- 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.
- Free site assessment for a no-obligation quotation.
- Customers receive the legally required documentation applicable to the work carried out and any asbestos-waste movement.
How We Work
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?
Licensed work is required for asbestos insulation board (AIB), asbestos insulation (pipe lagging, boiler insulation), sprayed asbestos coatings, and any work where the risk assessment indicates a high probability of fibre release. A full list is provided in the HSE's CAR 2012 guidance.
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 work involves high-risk materials where fibre release is likely to be significant. It requires an HSE licence, advance HSE notification, health surveillance for operatives, and a higher level of control measures. Non-licensed work involves lower-risk materials such as asbestos cement and Artex.
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, notifiable non-licensed or non-licensed depends on the task, the asbestos-containing material and its condition. Free site assessment for a no-obligation quotation.
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