Story Highlight
– HSE launches consultation to improve asbestos management regulations.
– Proposals aim to enhance worker and public protections.
– Focus on minimizing asbestos exposure post-removal.
– Stakeholders include dutyholders and asbestos-related professionals.
– Consultation open until 9 January 2026.
Full Story
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has initiated a public consultation aimed at refining the Control of Asbestos Regulations in a bid to bolster asbestos management practices, thereby enhancing the safety of workers and building inhabitants.
Great Britain is recognised for achieving exemplary standards in workplace health and safety, boasting some of the lowest incidences of occupational injuries and fatalities across Europe. However, the imminent proposals seek to address current vulnerabilities related to asbestos, which continues to pose significant health threats, particularly in certain work environments.
The consultation seeks to gather insights and opinions from various stakeholders on three central proposals:
1. **Enhancing the Clearance Process**: There is a proposal to maintain and guarantee the independence and impartiality of roles within the four-stage clearance process. This measure is intended to minimise the risks associated with asbestos exposure following removal activities.
2. **Improving Asbestos Surveys**: The aim here is to elevate the quality of asbestos surveys to ensure that dutyholders are well-informed about the risks associated with asbestos and can manage these hazards appropriately.
3. **Defining Notifiable Non-Licensed Work**: The consultation also seeks to clarify the specific types of activities that fall under the classification of Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW) involving asbestos.
This consultation is particularly pertinent for dutyholders, asbestos analysts, removal contractors, surveyors, and professionals in related fields such as facilities management and construction.
Rick Brunt, Director of Engagement and Policy at HSE, commented on the ongoing risks associated with asbestos: “Asbestos continues to be a significant risk to workers in Great Britain. While we have made significant progress in managing asbestos risks, these proposals represent an important step towards further strengthening protections for workers and the public. We want to hear from all stakeholders involved in the asbestos regulatory system to ensure our approach is both effective and proportionate, supporting HSE’s commitment to protecting people and places whilst enabling innovation and economic growth.”
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, remarked on the enduring threat posed by asbestos: “The dangers of exposure to asbestos are well known. Its legacy is that it remains the biggest cause of work-related deaths in the UK — responsible for 5,000-plus deaths per year, with many more people living with the impact of asbestos-related disease. In Britain, we have a mature and well-established approach to the management of asbestos in buildings: the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, enforced by HSE and other regulators. This consultation aims to improve these regulations and enhance worker and public protection from asbestos exposure.”
The consultation period is open until 9 January 2026, providing ample opportunity for those affected or with an interest in asbestos management to contribute. The complete documentation, which includes in-depth proposals, background information, and details on how to participate, can be accessed through the HSE’s official website.
As awareness grows around the latent hazards of asbestos, the HSE’s proactive measures illustrate an ongoing commitment to adapting and improving regulatory frameworks to safeguard public health. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the consultation process, ensuring that the proposed changes not only reflect the realities of the current work environment but also enhance safety protocols effectively.
In light of the ongoing discussions surrounding asbestos management, it is crucial for professionals across various sectors to stay informed and involved, potentially leading to a significant reduction in asbestos-related health issues in the coming years.
This is a welcome step. Strengthening clearance procedures and raising standards for surveys are vital to reduce the risk of inadvertent exposure. Clearer definitions for Notifiable Non Licensed Work will help ensure the right controls and skills are applied. Stakeholders should press for practical, enforceable measures, improved training and accreditation, and resources to support consistent implementation across the industry.
This consultation is a timely and important step. Strengthening the clearance process and improving survey standards will help reduce the risk of accidental exposure during and after work. Clarifying what counts as Notifiable Non Licensed Work should make responsibilities clearer for duty holders and contractors. Engagement from industry, trade unions and public health bodies will be essential to ensure the proposals are practical and enforceable and lead to better protection for workers and the public.
Welcoming this consultation. Strengthening the clearance process and raising survey quality are practical steps that will reduce the chance of missed asbestos and protect workers and the public. Clearer definitions for Notifiable Non Licensed Work will help duty holders understand their responsibilities and ensure appropriate controls and notifications are in place. Engagement from industry, trade unions and practitioners will be essential to make sure the revised rules are workable and enforceable while actually reducing exposure risks.
This consultation is a necessary step to strengthen protections against a continuing and serious health risk. Improving survey quality and the clearance process should reduce the chance of asbestos being missed or unsafe work continuing after disturbance. Clarifying Notifiable Non Licensed Work will help ensure the right controls and oversight are applied where needed. Stakeholders should use the consultation to push for clear, practical standards, adequate training and competence requirements, and better enforcement to close gaps that still lead to exposure.