David Broadhurst – (BSc(Hons), CertEd, COCA), Managing Director, AIB Solutions
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davebroadhurst/
January 21, 2026
Yes — asbestos removal companies are strictly regulated in the United Kingdom. Due to the serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure, UK law places clear legal responsibilities on asbestos contractors, property owners, landlords, and dutyholders.
This regulation ensures that asbestos removal is carried out safely, legally, and professionally, protecting workers, occupants, and the wider public.
This article explains how asbestos removal companies are regulated, what licences and accreditations are required, and how to check whether a contractor is compliant.
Asbestos fibres are microscopic, invisible, and extremely hazardous when inhaled. Exposure can lead to life-threatening diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis — often decades after exposure.
Because there is no safe level of asbestos exposure, asbestos removal is one of the most tightly controlled activities in the UK construction and demolition sector. Any company offering licensed asbestos removal services must operate within strict legal frameworks:
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestosremoval
The primary legislation governing asbestos removal in the UK is the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012).
These regulations apply to:
Under CAR 2012, asbestos must be:
Failure to comply can result in prosecution, unlimited fines, and imprisonment.
Yes — for many types of asbestos work.
Certain high-risk asbestos materials can only be removed by companies licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
These include:
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestos-insulating-board-aib-removal
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestos-pipe-lagging-removal-aib-solutions
Licensed contractors must:
Some lower-risk materials may be removed under strict controls, including:
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestos-cement-products-removal-disposal
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestos-floor-tile-removal-disposal
Even in these cases, contractors must still comply with UK regulations and safe working practices.
Yes. Regulated asbestos contractors are subject to inspection and enforcement by:
Inspections can include:
Non-compliant companies may face:
UK regulations require asbestos workers to be properly trained, competent, and medically monitored.
Many reputable contractors also invest heavily in ongoing training and accreditation through recognised industry bodies. You can view AIB’s professional accreditations here:
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/accreditationscertificates
Yes.
Before any refurbishment or demolition work, an asbestos survey must be carried out to identify asbestos-containing materials and assess risk.
Professional asbestos surveys are essential for compliance:
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestossurveys
If asbestos is suspected, laboratory testing and analysis is required before removal decisions are made:
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestostesting
Regulation doesn’t just apply to contractors.
Homeowners must not allow unlicensed removal of high-risk asbestos. DIY removal can be illegal and unsafe.
AIB supports homeowners with safe, compliant domestic asbestos removal:
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestosremoval-domestic
Landlords, managing agents, and commercial dutyholders must:
Support for homeowners and private landlords is available here:
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/homeowners-private-landlords
Regulation is especially strict in:
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/commercial-asbestos-removal
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/industrial-asbestos-services
AIB also works with public authorities and large organisations to ensure full legal compliance.
Before appointing a contractor, you should check that they:
You can also review independent feedback from previous clients:
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/our-reviews
Yes — asbestos removal companies in the UK are highly regulated under strict health and safety laws. Licensing, training, inspections, and enforcement ensure that asbestos is handled safely and legally.
Using a regulated contractor is not just best practice — it is often a legal requirement.
👉 View AIB’s accreditations and compliance
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/accreditationscertificates
👉 Contact our licensed asbestos specialists
https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/contactus
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Respectful & Mindful - Our goal is not only to remove hazardous materials but to foster a safer, healthier environment through respectful and mindful practices.
Reliable & Safe - Safety is at the core of what we do - always prioritising the health and safety of our clients, employees, the public and the environment.
Professional & Quality - We strive to keep exceeding expectations every day, with every client we work with, always working above standards and to the highest quality.
From our centrally based location in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire; we have helped thousands of customers throughout the UK including Manchester to solve their asbestos removal and management problems with our fast, efficient and professional service since 2003.
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