Choosing the right asbestos removal company is a matter of legal compliance and safety. The UK asbestos removal industry is strictly regulated, and using an unlicensed or under-qualified contractor can expose you to criminal liability, enforcement action and serious health risk. This guide explains exactly what credentials to look for.
1. A Valid HSE Asbestos Removal Licence
The most critical credential is a valid HSE Asbestos Removal Licence, issued under CAR 2012 for any contractor carrying out licensable removal work — AIB, pipe lagging, sprayed coatings and other high-risk materials. Licences are granted for a maximum of three years and require demonstrated competency and compliance. You can verify any contractor's licence status on the HSE licensed contractor register at hse.gov.uk. AIB Solutions has held its HSE licence continuously since 2005 — details are on our accreditations page.
2. ARCA Membership
The Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) is the UK's leading trade body for licensed removal contractors. Membership requires regular audits of safety management systems, training records and work quality. ARCA's annual Training Award scheme — Gold, Silver and Bronze — recognises exceptional training commitment. AIB Solutions was awarded the ARCA Gold Training Award 2024/25 — the highest level available.
3. Appropriate Insurance
Any licensed contractor should hold public liability insurance (minimum £5m; £10m+ for larger commercial projects), employers' liability insurance (a legal requirement), and professional indemnity insurance where advisory services are provided. Always request proof of insurance certificates before committing.
4. Written Method Statements and Risk Assessments
Before any licensed removal, a CAR 2012-compliant contractor must provide a written plan of work and site-specific risk assessment. These set out exactly how the work will be carried out, what controls are in place, and how waste will be disposed of. If a contractor cannot provide these documents, do not proceed.
5. Independent Four-Stage Clearance
On completion of licensed works, a mandatory four-stage clearance procedure must be carried out by an independent UKAS-accredited analyst — not the removing contractor. The analyst issues a Certificate of Reoccupation only when fibre levels meet legal limits. AIB Solutions coordinates independent clearance analysts on every licensed project. For more on the clearance process, see our removal service page and our testing page.