Understanding Non-Licensed Asbestos in the UK
- Feb 5
- 2 min read
If you are renovating an older property or managing a commercial building in the UK built pre 2000, you’ve likely heard the terms "licensed" and "non-licensed" asbestos.
But what exactly does the latter mean?
In the UK, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 categorises asbestos work based on risk. "Non-licensed" doesn't mean the asbestos is safe—it simply means the material is less likely to release dangerous fibres into the air when handled correctly.
What Makes Asbestos "Non-Licensed"?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines non-licensed work based on three main factors:
The Type of Material: The asbestos fibres are usually "tightly bound" in a matrix (like cement or plastic), making them non-friable (they don't crumble easily).
The Intensity of Work: The work must be "sporadic and of low intensity." This means air concentration levels must stay below 0.6 f/cm³ (fibres per cubic centimetre) over a 10-minute period.
Condition: The material should be in good condition and not heavily damaged or weathered.
Common Examples of Non-Licensed Materials:-
You’ll often find non-licensed asbestos in everyday building materials used before the UK's total ban in 1999:
Asbestos Cement: Often found in garage roof sheets, corrugated panels, and rainwater gutters.
Textured Coatings: Commonly known by the brand name Artex, used on ceilings and walls.
Floor Tiles: Vinyl or thermoplastic tiles and their associated bitumen adhesives.
Bitumen Products: Roofing felts and damp-proof membranes.
Plastic/Resin Composites: Old toilet cisterns, window sills, and even some light switches.
Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW)
There is a middle ground you should be aware of. If the non-licensed material is deteriorated or needs to be removed in a way that might release more fibres (like breaking up large amounts of asbestos cement), it becomes Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW).
While you still don't need a full HSE licence, you must:
Notify the HSE before starting via the ASB NNLW1 online form.
Keep a register of the work.
Ensure workers have had a medical examination.
Do You Need a Professional?
Even though a specific "licence" isn't required by law for these materials, training is still mandatory. > Important: Just because it’s "non-licensed" doesn’t mean it’s a DIY job. Anyone working with asbestos must have "Asbestos Awareness" and "Non-Licensed Work" training. They must also use correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) which is face fitted & certified & follow strict disposal laws.
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