Leave and monitor
Asbestos in good condition that is unlikely to be damaged is often best left in place and checked from time to time.
Licensed and non-licensed work explained
Professional Asbestos Removal
Not all asbestos needs removing, and not all removal needs a licensed contractor. Here's how HSE splits the work, and what to expect.
Your options
Removal isn't always the answer
Seal or enclose
Slightly damaged material can sometimes be sealed or enclosed by a trained person. Sealing material in good condition is non-licensed work.
Remove
Badly damaged material that can't be protected, or material in the way of refurbishment or demolition, should be removed by the right kind of contractor.
Who can do the work
Three categories of asbestos work
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which are still in force as of September 2026.
Licensed work
An HSE-licensed contractor
Sprayed coatings, pipe and boiler lagging, loose-fill insulation, asbestos millboard, most work on asbestos insulating board (AIB), and cleaning up significant amounts of asbestos debris.
The contractor must notify the enforcing authority at least 14 days before starting. Afterwards an accredited analyst carries out a four-stage clearance and issues a certificate for reoccupation.
Notifiable non-licensed work
A trained contractor, who must notify the work in advance
For example large-scale removal of textured coatings by steaming or gelling, removing floor tiles with an asbestos-paper backing, or asbestos cement that is badly damaged or broken up during removal.
The work is notified online before it starts. Workers need regular medical examinations and records are kept.
Non-licensed work
A worker trained for non-licensed asbestos work
For example removing asbestos cement sheets or gutters without breaking them, removing a small area of textured coating to fit a light or smoke alarm, or maintenance of vinyl floor tiles.
HSE's Asbestos essentials task sheets set out how to do these jobs safely.
Textured coating that covers asbestos insulating board needs a licensed contractor. If you're not sure which category a job falls into, the contractor's risk assessment should say.
What to expect from a contractor
- A written quote that says what will be removed, how the area will be protected, and how waste will be disposed of.
- A risk assessment and plan of work before the job starts.
- Asbestos waste double-bagged or wrapped, labelled and taken away as hazardous waste by a registered waste carrier.
- For licensed work in an enclosure: a certificate for reoccupation from an accredited analyst before you use the area again.
Can I do it myself?
HSE advises homeowners not to repair or remove asbestos without training for non-licensed work, and strongly encourages using trained professionals. Your council's environmental health team can give advice.
Asbestos waste is hazardous waste and must not go in household bins. Some council tips accept small amounts of bonded asbestos from householders, usually for a charge; rules vary, so check with your council via GOV.UK.
Costs vary a lot with the material, quantity and access. See typical cost ranges.
Sources: HSE: licensable work, HSE: notifiable non-licensed work, HSE: non-licensed work, HSE asbestos FAQs, HSE EM9: disposal of asbestos waste. Last reviewed September 2026.
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More asbestos guidance
What is asbestos?Types of asbestos and where it was used in UK buildingsIdentifying asbestos and staying safeWhy you can't tell by looking, and what to do if something is damagedAsbestos health risksThe diseases asbestos can cause and when to speak to a doctorAsbestos surveysManagement and refurbishment and demolition surveys explainedTesting and samplingHow samples are taken and analysedAsbestos removal costsTypical price ranges and what affects them