Asbestos FAQs

Is asbestos banned?

It is now prohibited to use, re-use, sell or supply asbestos or asbestos containing materials or products. However products or materials containing asbestos, which were already installed or in service prior to the prohibition, may remain in place until they are disposed of or reach the end of their service life. As a result, there is still potential for exposure to asbestos in a variety of workplaces (including domestic properties undergoing refurbishment) due to the large quantities of asbestos and ACM's which were used in buildings in the past.

Where is asbestos found?

Asbestos can be found in any industrial, commercial, public or residential building built or refurbished before the year 2004. Asbestos was widely used in a large variety of construction materials for a number of purposes e.g. flooring, walls, ceiling, roofs, heating systems and equipment. A detailed survey will be required to identify where asbestos is present in your building. An asbestos survey must be carried out by a competent person.

Who can identify asbestos? Who can carry out an asbestos survey?

The sampling and analysis of materials suspected to containing asbestos must only be undertaken by a competent person or company. For further information see  asbestos surveys.

What are the types of asbestos surveys?

The purpose of the management asbestos survey is to manage asbestos-containing materials during the normal occupation and use of premises.

A refurbishment/demolition asbestos survey (RDAS) is required where the premises, or part of it, needs upgrading, refurbishment or demolition.

What are the training requirements for asbestos?

Training Requirements as a result of the updated legislation in relation to asbestos awareness and asbestos work are detailed in Asbestos Training Requirements - Health and Safety Authority

Who can work with or remove asbestos?

A competent person must carry out any activity that involves disturbance of asbestos or asbestos containing material. All asbestos removal activities must be carried out by a competent person. The level of training, experience, knowledge and information required depends on the nature of the work. See information on asbestos removal.

Is asbestos removal notifiable to the HSA?

The requirement to notify depends on the risk associated with the asbestos work. See asbestos notifications for further details.

Who can carry out asbestos air monitoring?

The need for air monitoring should be determined as part of the risk assessment of the work. It must only be undertaken by a competent person or company. See asbestos surveys for information on selecting an asbestos analyst.

Will the Implementation of the Asbestos Directive (EU) 2023/2668 be in the form of an amendment?

Yes, this is an amendment only. The three separate regulations will be referred to collectively as the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos Regulations) 2006-2025. There will be a new Code of Practice published to accompany the 2025 Amendment Regulations.

Will there be Guidance on the new Regulations and the Asbestos Directive (EU) 2023/2668?

We will be releasing a new Code of Practice along with the Regulations containing definitions and new OELVs. It includes information on personal monitoring. 
EU Guidance is expected before the end of 2025. The HSA documentation and Code of Practice will be reviewed and updated to take account of this. The update to the Code of Practice will involve a public consultation. 
The Health and Safety Authority has published a comprehensive guidance document on asbestos.  This document will be reviewed due to the new 2025 Asbestos Regulations and the upcoming EU Guidance Documents. However, much of the information remains relevant. We have included some clarifications Guidance Document - Health and Safety Authority
The relevant Asbestos Sections of the HSA website are also being updated.

Will there be an Asbestos Notification Portal to facilitate the issuing of permits?

Yes, a new portal should be available by Q3 2026. We will update the website on the progress of the portal and provide additional briefings and resources on the use of the portal. 
In the interim, the current system of emails to asbestosnotif@hsa.ie using the new notification form and providing some additional information (Training records and Confirmation of employee health assessments) will continue in place. See Asbestos Notifications - Health and Safety Authority
Once a notification has been received and processed, a unique permit number will be issued for each notification, to the Notifier before work can commence. This unique permit number should be available on site for inspection.

Is there Guidance on implementation of measures that are ‘technically possible’ ?

The provisions of the Carcinogens Regulations (to “ensure that the level of exposure of employees is reduced to as low a level as is technically possible”) have applied in addition to requirements of the Asbestos Regulations since 2001, where such application results in an improvement of the conditions of health and safety of every person at work at the workplace who is, or who may be exposed to asbestos or dust containing asbestos. 
Therefore, this is not a new requirement as asbestos work already falls under the requirements of the Carcinogens Regulations. There must be a site-specific risk assessment of all the hazards and selection of appropriate site-specific controls to prevent and reduce exposure, that takes account of the OELV. The employer shall ensure that the risk related to the exposure of workers to asbestos fibres is reduced to a minimum using existing methods, technology and guidance. This applies across all operational phases of the work. 
Additional EU Guidance is expected before the end of 2025.

What are the new requirements for Personal Monitoring?

The requirements for personal exposure monitoring have changed to take account of operational phases. This information is in the 2025 Code of Practice. See Asbestos Legislation - Health and Safety Authority

What are the decontamination protocols in relation to clothing, taking account of low temperatures?

There is no change to the current provisions in relation to clothing. Thermal comfort must be included in the site-specific risk assessment and there must be an appropriate decontamination procedure in place. Protective one-piece coveralls constructed from a material that will resist penetration from fibres, with seals at fasteners, neck, wrists and ankles, must be worn whenever asbestos is likely to be deposited on clothing. Disposable coveralls, underclothing, socks and gloves are strongly recommended, but any non-disposable clothing worn underneath must only be decontaminated by a specialist laundry equipped to accept and process asbestos contaminated items.

Is there guidance available for Clearance Arrangements?

The clearance limit of 0.01 fibres/cm3 has not changed. The requirements for site clearance to include both visual observance and air monitoring, as appropriate and necessary and by a competent person remains in place. More asbestos removal work will require air monitoring as part of the clearance process. The current methods for air monitoring for the purpose of clearance has not changed.

Is "manage in situ" gone from Asbestos surveys?

No, there is a requirement to prioritise removal over other forms of asbestos management but this is based on risk assessment and may be on a phased basis.

What is the linkage between HSA Permit for Handling Asbestos & Waste Management?

As a result of the reduction in the OELV, some waste collection and transfer activities are likely to come under the scope of the Regulations. Some activities (where there is a risk of exposure above the new OELV) may require Notification and a unique permit number before the work can be carried out. The existing criteria for applying for a waiver remains in place. Waste management companies will need to update their risk assessments and procedures taking account of the new regulations.

Is it the responsibility of the client to complete the asbestos survey on does the contractor need to contribute to the cost and probably factor it into their tender/quote?

Any workplace built before 2004 needs an asbestos risk assessment, a Management Survey and an asbestos management plan. The condition of the asbestos “in situ” should be checked by a competent person on an annual basis with a view to prioritisation of removal. 

A refurbishment demolition survey is required when work is planned. Before beginning demolition, maintenance or renovation work on premises built before 31 December 2004, employers shall take all necessary steps to identify presumed materials containing asbestos, in particular by obtaining information from the owners of premises, from other employers and from other sources, including relevant registers. If such information is not available, the employer shall ensure a survey by a person, deemed to be a competent person in accordance with the provisions of section 2 (2) of the Act, of the occurrence of materials containing asbestos and shall obtain the result of such survey before the start of the work. The employer shall make available to another employer, upon request and solely for the purpose of complying with the obligation laid down in this paragraph, any information obtained within the framework of such a survey.’

What is the role of Homeowners?

See HSA Guidance - guide-for-homeowners.pdf.
Asbestos is a particular risk and a PSDP must be appointed.

What is the role of the Project Supervisor Design Phase?

The requirement for a PSDP is under the Construction Regulations 2013 and applies to jobs with more than 1 contractor or particular risk (including asbestos) or greater than 30 days.
Regulation 12 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 as amended applies and the preliminary Health and Safety Plan must identify the potential for asbestos to be present and required actions. 

Where the site works are planned so as to avoid disturbance of any asbestos containing materials that are to remain in situ, the location of those materials must be communicated (by the PSCS via the Safety and Health Plan) to all contractors on site. This is to ensure that any inadvertent disturbance of ACMs during the works is avoided.

What is the approach for minor roof repairs for example removal or replacement of AC slates, roof cleaning, notification of gaskets, pipes etc?

Neary ALL asbestos work is now notifiable and requires a permit – See https://www.hsa.ie/eng/your_industry/chemicals/legislation_enforcement/asbestos/asbestos_notifications/asbestos_notifications/
Removal of one intact fire door is unlikely to require a permit.
Regardless of notification requirements, All the other provisions of the Asbestos Regulations regarding Plan of work, risk assessments, Training, Health Surveillance, waste etc. all apply. 
If you have a particular query, send an email to contactus@hsa.ie.

What approach should be taken for electricians or plumbers doing maintenance work in older buildings?

Asbestos awareness training must be provided for all employees who may need to be aware of suspected asbestos material that may be damaged or disturbed during their work. This includes workers not directly handling asbestos but likely to encounter it in maintenance, renovation, or other work where materials containing asbestos could be present For example, this includes (non-exhaustive list) architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians, construction workers, IT infrastructure etc. Completion of an awareness course will help learners to improve their awareness of ACMs and how to protect themselves and others. However, it does not in any way allow individuals to work with ACMs. 
Basic asbestos awareness training is in addition to the required site-specific training and information on the site asbestos survey and site-specific risk assessments. Personnel may also need to be aware of their duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 Construction Duty Holders - Health and Safety Authority.

We had a small piece of Asbestos removed from the interior of our factory 2 yrs ago by a qualified operator. An independent auditor has asked us to create a retrospective risk assessment now. Is this a legal requirement?

It’s a legal requirement to have a risk assessment- asbestos was present so this is recorded somewhere so you will have to record what happened to it. You need to have the Clearance Cert available.

Who is responsible for the Site Clearance?

When asbestos work including demolition or asbestos removal work has been completed,  the employer who has carried out such work shall obtain written verification of the absence of risks of exposure to asbestos at the place of work, otherwise known as ‘site clearance for reoccupation’, before other activities resume.

What happens asbestos waste?

Asbestos waste must be stored securely while on site, shall be collected and removed from the place of work as soon as possible in suitable sealed packing with labels indicating that it contains asbestos. The collection, transport and disposal of asbestos waste should only be undertaken by an authorised waste collection permit holder and waste should be sent to an appropriately authorised facility for disposal.  The EPA, the National Waste Collection Permit Office, the National TFS (Transfrontier Shipment) Office and Local Authorities all have a role. See  https://www.hsa.ie/eng/your_industry/chemicals/legislation_enforcement/asbestos/further_information/other_agencies_with_responsibility_for_asbestos/