Once commonly used in construction, insulation, and other industries, asbestos is a hazardous material and exposure to it remains a serious concern. For anyone working in environments where asbestos may be present, it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements surrounding its handling.
One of the most common questions workers ask is, “Do I need a licence for asbestos work?” In this blog, we’ll explore when a licence is required for asbestos work and what UK non-licensed asbestos work includes.
What is Asbestos and Why is It Danegrous?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in building materials due to its durability and fire-resistant properties. However, it has since been linked to serious health conditions, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, when its fibres are inhaled. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can be found in older buildings, and if disturbed, they can release harmful fibres into the air, posing a risk to workers and others in the area.
Due to these risks, working with asbestos is tightly regulated and asbestos training is crucial. But what does this mean for construction workers, renovation professionals, and others who may encounter asbestos during their work? Do they need a license to handle asbestos, or can they do asbestos work without a license?
Do I Need a License to Work Around Asbestos?
The answer to this depends on the type of work being carried out and the level of risk involved. In the UK, most higher-risk asbestos work must be performed by a licensed contractor. However, not all asbestos work requires a license.
When a license is needed:
A licence is required for work that involves the removal or disturbance of asbestos-containing materials that pose a high risk to health. This usually includes tasks like:
- Removing or disturbing large amounts of asbestos from buildings
- Work involving friable asbestos (materials that are easily broken down, such as insulation) where fibres are likely to be released into the air
- High-risk removal tasks such as breaking up asbestos materials, which can result in the release of fibres.
Work that exposes employees to high concentrations of asbestos fibres or is likely to result in significant airborne exposure will also require a license.
The training required to undertake licensed asbestos works is Category C (CAT C) Asbestos Licensed Operative & Supervisor training.
When a license is not needed:
There are certain situations where work you undertake will be classed as non-licensable asbestos work. In this case, you can do Non-Licensed Asbestos Works training with NATAS. To qualify for non-licensed asbestos work in the UK, the work must meet the following criteria:
- Sporadic and low intensity:
The work must not generate high concentrations of asbestos fibres. For example, asbestos work should not result in more than 0.6 fibres per cubic centimetre (f/cm³) over a 10-minute period. - Control of exposure:
The exposure of workers to asbestos fibres must not exceed the legal control limit of 0.1 f/cm³ (averaged over a four-hour period).The training required to undertake non-licensed asbestos works is Category B (CAT B) Non-licensed asbestos works training.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether or not you need a licence to work around asbestos depends on the nature of the work and the level of risk involved. If you’re unsure whether you need a licensed or non-licensed training for your specific asbestos task, get in touch with our team here at NATAS. We can point you in the right direction and also ensure you and your team are fully prepared to manage asbestos safely with our asbestos training courses.
Reach out to our team today!
