New Legislation

These Regulations revoke and replace the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 and revoke and re-enact, with modifications, the Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983 as amended and the Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1992 as amended.

The Regulations prohibit the importation, supply and use of all forms of asbestos. They continue the ban introduced for blue and brown asbestos in 1985 and for white asbestos in 1999. They also continue the ban on second-hand use of asbestos products such as asbestos cement sheets and asbestos boards and tiles; including panels which have been covered with paint or textured plaster containing asbestos.

The ban applies to new use of asbestos. If existing asbestos containing materials are in good condition, they may be left in place; their condition monitored and managed to ensure they are not disturbed.

The Asbestos Regulations also include the 'duty to manage asbestos' in non-domestic premises.