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
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
| 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
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.
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.