The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced changes to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 following a public consultation, introducing measures designed to strengthen asbestos safety, improve industry standards and provide greater protection for workers and the public.
Published on 3 November 2026, the HSE's response outlines action in three key areas: improving independence in asbestos clearance procedures, raising asbestos surveying standards and clarifying requirements for certain types of non-licensed asbestos work.
The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) welcomes the continued focus on improving asbestos safety and ensuring that those responsible for managing asbestos risks have access to clear guidance and competent professionals.
Strengthening Independence in Asbestos Clearance
One of the most significant changes concerns the four-stage clearance process, which is used to determine whether an area is safe for reoccupation following licensed asbestos removal work.
Under amendments to Regulation 20 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, asbestos removal contractors will no longer be permitted to appoint the analyst responsible for issuing site clearance certification.
The change is intended to remove potential conflicts of interest and ensure greater independence and impartiality when assessing whether asbestos removal work has been completed safely.
The amended regulations are scheduled to come into force on 24 November 2026, with a 12-month implementation period before HSE begins enforcing the new appointment requirement in November 2027.
This will provide businesses and dutyholders with time to review their existing arrangements and make any necessary changes.
Improving the Quality of Asbestos Surveys
HSE has also confirmed its intention to improve standards across the asbestos surveying sector.
Asbestos surveys play an essential role in identifying asbestos-containing materials within buildings and informing decisions about how those materials should be managed safely.
HSE continues to strongly recommend that organisations responsible for managing buildings use accredited surveying organisations when commissioning asbestos surveys.
Further guidance and interventions will be developed to help building owners, employers and other dutyholders better understand their responsibilities and the importance of appointing competent asbestos surveyors.
Improving the quality of asbestos surveys is particularly important in older buildings, where asbestos-containing materials may remain present despite the ban on asbestos use in Great Britain in 1999.
Clarifying Notifiable Non-Licensed Work
Following consideration of consultation responses, HSE has confirmed that the existing category of Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW) will be retained.
NNLW covers certain types of asbestos work that do not require a licence but are subject to additional legal requirements, including notification, medical surveillance and record keeping, where applicable.
Rather than removing or substantially changing the category, HSE will work with industry stakeholders to develop clearer guidance to support its consistent and appropriate application.
The aim is to improve understanding of when work falls within this category and help businesses comply with their legal responsibilities.
Further Guidance Expected
Alongside the regulatory amendment, HSE has confirmed that updates to key asbestos guidance documents will follow later in 2026.
These include:
- Managing and Working with Asbestos (L143) – the Approved Code of Practice supporting the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
- Asbestos: The Analysts' Guide (HSG248) – guidance covering analytical procedures, including air monitoring and site clearance certification.
Additional guidance will also support those responsible for commissioning asbestos-related services, helping them understand how to appoint competent and independent providers.
UKATA Highlights the Importance of Competence and Training
As a leading authority in asbestos training standards, UKATA recognises the importance of ensuring that regulatory developments are supported by appropriate training, clear guidance and continued professional competence.
The changes reinforce the responsibilities of employers, contractors, building owners and others involved in managing asbestos risks.
Effective asbestos management depends not only on legislation but also on individuals understanding their responsibilities and having the necessary knowledge and skills to carry them out safely.
UKATA encourages organisations involved in asbestos-related activities to review the HSE's announcement, understand how the changes may affect their operations and ensure that their personnel receive appropriate asbestos training.
UKATA will continue to monitor regulatory developments and work with its members to support awareness and understanding of the requirements as further guidance becomes available.
Why Asbestos Safety Remains Important
Although asbestos was banned in Great Britain in 1999, it remains present in many buildings constructed or refurbished before the ban.
Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious and potentially fatal diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.
The latest developments demonstrate the continuing importance of effective asbestos management, competent professionals and robust safety procedures in protecting workers, building occupants and the wider public.
Further Information
The full HSE announcement and consultation response are available below:
HSE Announcement:
https://press.hse.gov.uk/2026/11/03/hse-takes-action-to-strengthen-asbestos-safety-standards-following-consultation/
HSE Consultation Response:
https://consultations.hse.gov.uk/hse/proposals-control-of-asbestos-regs-2012/
For further information about UKATA-approved asbestos training, visit www.ukata.org.uk.
Published on Wednesday 4th November 2026