Asbestos removal is categorised into licensed and non-licensed work depending on the risk level, the type of asbestos-containing material (ACM), and the extent of potential fibre release. These classifications determine the legal obligations, training requirements, and safety measures that must be followed to ensure compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
At Crucial Environmental, we specialise in asbestos surveys, testing, and removals, ensuring that all asbestos work—whether licensed or non-licensed—is carried out safely, legally, and efficiently. This guide will help you understand the difference between these two categories, when a licence is required, and how we can assist you in managing asbestos safely.
1. What is Licensed Asbestos Removal?
Definition
Licensed asbestos removal refers to high-risk asbestos work that must be carried out by a contractor holding a valid HSE asbestos licence. This includes work with friable asbestos materials that can easily release hazardous fibres into the air, posing a severe health risk.
When is a Licence Required?
A licence is required when:
- Worker exposure to asbestos is not sporadic and of low intensity.
- The risk assessment cannot demonstrate that exposure levels will remain below the control limit (0.1 fibres/cm³ over a 4-hour period).
- The work involves asbestos coatings, insulation, or asbestos insulating board (AIB), unless the work is short-duration and low risk.
Examples of Licensed Work
| Material Type | Example of Work | Licence Required? |
| Sprayed coatings (limpet asbestos) | Removing damaged or deteriorated fire protection coatings | ✅ Yes |
| Pipe lagging | Stripping old insulation from pipework | ✅ Yes |
| Loose-fill insulation | Removing insulation from walls, ceilings, or floors | ✅ Yes |
| Millboard | Removing deteriorated asbestos millboard used in fire protection | ✅ Yes |
| Asbestos insulating board (AIB) | Large-scale removal or breaking up of panels | ✅ Yes |
| Significant asbestos debris | Cleaning large areas with fine asbestos dust | ✅ Yes |
Regulatory Requirements for Licensed Work
- HSE Licence – Only contractors with an active HSE asbestos licence can undertake this work.
- Four-Stage Clearance Process – Before an area can be reoccupied, a specialist asbestos analyst must conduct air monitoring and clearance testing.
- Controlled Work Area – Work must take place in a fully enclosed, sealed area with negative pressure units to prevent fibre escape.
- Medical Surveillance – Workers require regular medical examinations due to prolonged asbestos exposure risks.
- Notification to HSE – Work must be pre-notified at least 14 days before commencement.
- Strict Training & Equipment Standards – Workers must use full respiratory protective equipment (RPE), disposable protective clothing, and adhere to decontamination procedures.
2. What is Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal?
Definition
Non-licensed asbestos removal applies to lower-risk ACMs, where asbestos is in good condition, non-friable, and can be removed with minimal disturbance. While still regulated, these tasks do not require an HSE licence but must follow safe working procedures.
When is a Licence NOT Required?
A licence is not required if:
- The work is sporadic and of low intensity.
- Exposure levels remain below the control limit (0.1 fibres/cm³ over 4 hours).
- The work is short-duration (less than 2 hours total per week per worker, with no individual working more than 1 hour in that period).
- The ACM is not significantly damaged or deteriorated.
Types of Non-Licensed Work
Non-licensed work is further divided into:
- Standard Non-Licensed Work (NLW) – Does not require notification to HSE.
- Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW) – Must be reported to HSE and requires medical surveillance of workers.
Examples of Non-Licensed Work
| Material Type | Example of Work | Licence Required? |
| Asbestos cement | Removing intact corrugated roofing sheets | ❌ No |
| Textured coatings (Artex) | Drilling small holes or removing with gel/steam | ❌ No |
| Vinyl floor tiles | Lifting old tiles that contain asbestos | ❌ No |
| Bitumen-based materials | Removing damp-proofing coatings | ❌ No |
| Gaskets & washers | Removing asbestos gaskets from old pipework | ❌ No |
| Asbestos ropes and yarns | Minor maintenance tasks on asbestos rope seals | ❌ No |
3. How Crucial Environmental Can Help
At Crucial Environmental, we offer professional, safe, and compliant asbestos management services across the UK. Whether you need a licensed asbestos removal specialist or assistance with non-licensed work, our team can provide:
Asbestos Surveys & Testing
Before undertaking any asbestos removal, we conduct thorough asbestos surveys to identify material type, condition, and risk level.
- Management Surveys – Essential for identifying ACMs in buildings.
- Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys – Required before major works.
- Bulk Sampling & Testing – To confirm asbestos presence and type.
Licensed Asbestos Removal
For high-risk asbestos materials, our fully licensed team ensures safe and legal removal, disposal, and decontamination, following strict HSE regulations.
- Full enclosure setups and air monitoring
- Compliance with Four-Stage Clearance Certification
- Notification to HSE and legally required record-keeping
Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal
If asbestos can be safely removed without a licence, we provide cost-effective, fully compliant services with minimal disruption.
- Safe removal of asbestos cement, tiles, and coatings
- Dust suppression and controlled removal methods
- Trained professionals with appropriate PPE
Asbestos Waste Disposal
We handle asbestos waste transport and disposal, ensuring all materials are:
- Double-bagged and sealed
- Labelled with UN-approved asbestos waste markings
- Disposed of at licensed waste facilities
Expert Advice & Compliance Support
Navigating asbestos regulations can be complex, but we’re here to help. We provide:
- Regulatory guidance to ensure compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
- Risk assessments & method statements for safe asbestos handling
- Training & awareness courses for employees and contractors
4. Conclusion
Understanding whether asbestos work is licensed or non-licensed is crucial for legal compliance and safety. If you’re unsure, always consult an asbestos professional.
At Crucial Environmental, we offer expert asbestos surveys, removals, and disposal services—whether licensed or non-licensed. Get in touch today for a free consultation and ensure your asbestos risks are managed safely and legally.