Licensed vs non-licensed asbestos work: which category is your job?
CAR 2012 divides asbestos work into three categories: licensed, notifiable non-licensed (NNLW), and non-licensed. The category determines what training, notification, and licensing is required. This guide helps you identify which applies to your job.
The three categories
Understanding licensed, NNLW, and non-licensed work
The category of asbestos work is determined by the risk of fibre release — which depends on the type of material, its condition, and the method of removal. The HSE's decision criteria provide a structured approach to classification, but in practice, the most important factor is the material type.
The three categories are not a simple hierarchy of risk. NNLW was introduced in 2012 to create an intermediate category for work that is lower risk than licensed work but higher risk than standard non-licensed work. It applies primarily to short-duration work on asbestos insulating board (AIB) in good condition.
Side-by-side comparison
What each category requires
| Requirement | Licensed work | NNLW | Non-licensed |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSE licence required | Yes — employer must hold current HSE asbestos licence | No | No |
| Notification required | Yes — at least 14 days before work starts | Yes — to HSE or local authority | No |
| Health surveillance | Yes — by appointed doctor | Yes — by appointed doctor | No |
| UKATA training | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Designated supervisor | Yes | No | No |
| Air monitoring | Yes | Recommended | Not required |
| Records retention | 40 years | 40 years | Not specified |
| Waste disposal | Licensed hazardous waste site | Licensed hazardous waste site | Licensed hazardous waste site |
What Diamond Asbestos does
We carry out non-licensed work — and refer everything else
Diamond Asbestos carries out non-licensed asbestos work only. This covers the vast majority of domestic and commercial asbestos removal: garage roofs, Artex, floor tiles, soffits, flue pipes, water tanks, cement sheeting, and similar materials. We do not carry out licensed or NNLW work.
If we identify licensable materials during a survey — sprayed coatings, pipe lagging, or AIB in poor condition — we will tell you clearly, explain what is required, and refer you to an HSE-licensed contractor. We will not attempt to carry out work that is outside our scope.
This is not a limitation — it is a compliance position. A contractor who offers to remove licensed materials without an HSE licence is operating illegally. If you are quoted for the removal of sprayed coatings or lagging by a contractor who does not hold an HSE licence, walk away.
How to check a contractor's licence: You can verify whether a contractor holds a current HSE asbestos licence on the HSE's licensed contractor register. Always check before engaging a contractor for licensed work.
Frequently asked questions
Not sure which category your job falls into?
Call us or request a survey. We will assess the material, confirm the category, and advise on the right contractor — including a referral if licensed work is required.