🔴 Licensed Work (High Risk)
Who can do it: Only HSE-licensed contractors with full licensed training
What counts as licensed work:
Removing sprayed asbestos coatings
Removing asbestos insulation or lagging
Any work where asbestos exposure is likely to be high
Work on asbestos insulating board (AIB) beyond minor repairs
🟡 Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW)
Who can do it: Workers with non-licensed training, but must notify HSE 14 days before starting
What counts as NNLW:
Removing AIB as part of larger refurbishment/demolition
Work that might disturb AIB even if not intentionally removing it
🟢 Non-Licensed Work (Lower Risk)
Who can do it: Workers with non-licensed asbestos training
What counts as non-licensed work:
Removing asbestos cement sheets and tiles
Minor repairs to AIB (small holes, fixing loose panels)
Removing vinyl floor tiles containing asbestos
Work where exposure is expected to be sporadic and low intensity
UK Training Categories
Category 1: Asbestos Awareness Training
Duration: Half day (3-4 hours)
Who needs it: Anyone who might encounter asbestos at work
What it covers: How to recognise asbestos, basic safety measures
Can you remove asbestos? NO - this is awareness only
Category 2: Non-Licensed Asbestos Training
Duration: 1 day
Who needs it: Workers doing non-licensed asbestos work
What it covers: Safe removal techniques, PPE use, waste disposal
Can you remove asbestos? YES - but only non-licensed work
Category 3: Licensed Asbestos Training
Duration: 5 days initial, annual refresher required
Who needs it: Workers employed by HSE-licensed contractors
What it covers: High-risk removal, enclosure techniques, decontamination
Can you remove asbestos? YES - all types of asbestos work
What Employers & Contractors Must Do
Before Any Work Starts:
Conduct asbestos survey - You must know if asbestos is present
Risk assessment - Document the risks and control measures
Choose right workers - Ensure workers have correct training level
Notify HSE - For licensed work (28 days notice) or NNLW (14 days notice)
Plan of work - Written plan detailing how work will be done safely
During Work:
Provide correct PPE - Appropriate respirators, coveralls, gloves
Air monitoring - For licensed work and some non-licensed work
Supervision - Trained supervisor must be present
Emergency procedures - Clear procedures if something goes wrong
Health surveillance - Medical checks for licensed workers
Record Keeping:
Keep training certificates for all workers
Maintain records of who worked where and when
Keep air monitoring results
Document waste disposal routes
What Employees Must Do
Before Starting Work:
✅ Check your training - Make sure it's current and appropriate
✅ Read the plan of work - Understand what you're doing and how
✅ Inspect your PPE - Check respirator seals, coverall integrity
✅ Know emergency procedures - What to do if something goes wrong
During Work:
✅ Follow the plan exactly - Don't take shortcuts
✅ Wear all PPE correctly - No exceptions
✅ Work wet - Keep asbestos damp to prevent fibres becoming airborne
✅ Use correct tools - Hand tools, not power tools where possible
✅ Monitor yourself - Watch for signs of PPE failure
After Work:
✅ Decontamination - Follow proper cleaning procedures
✅ PPE disposal - Dispose of single-use PPE as asbestos waste
✅ Report issues - Tell supervisor about any problems immediately
Disposal Requirements
Asbestos Waste Classification:
Hazardous waste - All asbestos waste is classified as hazardous
Special disposal required - Cannot go in normal skip or landfill
Packaging Requirements:
Double-wrapped - Plastic sheeting or approved asbestos waste bags
Clearly labelled - "DANGER - CONTAINS ASBESTOS" labels
Leak-proof - No tears or holes in packaging
Size limits - Individual packages shouldn't exceed 25kg
Documentation:
Waste transfer notes - Must accompany all waste movements
Consignment notes - For hazardous waste movements
Licensed carriers only - Waste must be transported by licensed carriers
Licensed disposal sites - Only certain landfills can accept asbestos
Storage Before Disposal:
Secure area - Prevent unauthorised access
Weather protection - Keep packages dry and intact
Separate from other waste - Don't mix with general construction waste
Red Flags - Stop Work Immediately If:
🚨 You find unexpected asbestos that wasn't in the survey
🚨 Your PPE fails - torn coveralls, damaged respirator
🚨 Work method isn't working - dust becoming airborne
🚨 Someone feels unwell - breathing difficulties, chest pain
🚨 Equipment breaks down - ventilation systems, water sprays
Emergency Contact Numbers
HSE Emergency: 0151 922 9235 (24 hours)
Quick Reference Checklist
Before you start any asbestos work, can you tick all these boxes?
Asbestos survey completed and available
Risk assessment done
Right level of training for the work type
HSE notified (if required)
Plan of work written and understood
Correct PPE available and tested
Emergency procedures known
Waste disposal arranged
Air monitoring planned (if required)
If you can't tick all boxes, don't start work.