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.