HSE Strengthens Asbestos Safety Standards Following Consultation

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its response to a consultation on proposals to strengthen the regulatory framework for managing asbestos.

The consultation sought views on three proposals changing the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) aimed at reducing exposure to legacy asbestos.

Use of asbestos in UK construction was banned in 1999.

The consultation responses have led to HSE making a regulatory change to strengthen independence and impartiality in the four-stage asbestos clearance process. HSE will amend regulation 20 of CAR 2012, which covers standards for air testing and site clearance certification, to remove the potential conflicts of interest that may arise when a Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractor ( LARC) appoints an asbestos analyst.

Asbestos Safety Standards

Later this year, HSE will update the Approved Code of Practice (L143) Managing and working with asbestos – HSE and Asbestos: The Analysts’ Guide – HSE. It has developed online guidance to help dutyholders appoint third-party service providers with confidence. Industry will have 12 months to comply with the changes.

HSE continues to strongly recommend that dutyholders use accredited organisations when commissioning asbestos surveys. It is developing further guidance and interventions to help dutyholders understand the critical role a quality survey plays in managing asbestos risk safely.

Lastly, the consultation has resulted in the category of work known as Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW) being retained. HSE says it will work collaboratively with industry to develop improved guidance to support the correct use of this category.

Across all three proposals, responses consistently pointed to behaviours and competence, particularly around dutyholder understanding of their responsibilities under the regulations, commissioning practices, and the practical application of regulatory requirements. This evidence will be used to inform the design of further interventions and guidance, HSE added.

Rick Brunt, Director of Engagement and Policy at HSE, said: “Thanks to those who responded, we gathered substantial evidence helping us to develop a greater understanding of the issues that underlined each of the proposals and to help support policy development and decision-making.

“We are now able to confidently strengthen asbestos safety regulations and make changes to guidance that will help us deliver on our commitment to reduce asbestos exposure across Great Britain.”

Amendments to the regulations will come into force on 24 November 2026, with industry having a year to comply before HSE enforces the change in November 2027.

The full consultation response is available at Legislative and guidance proposals for the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 – Health and Safety Executive – Citizen Space.

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