Everything you need to know
Latest regulations for asbestos
Here are the key points about the current and upcoming regulations for handling asbestos:
- Authorisation is required: From 1 January 2025, companies working with demolition of asbestos-containing materials will require authorisation.
- Small jobs for private customers: Private individuals may continue to carry out small, short-term tasks that do not pose a significant risk of spreading asbestos dust, such as removing individual roof panels.
- Safety above all: Work with asbestos must be carried out with appropriate protective equipment and training is required for people working with asbestos professionally.
- Planning and review: All major asbestos work requires a detailed work plan and notification to the Danish Working Environment Authority at least eight days before the work begins.
- High fines for offences: Non-compliance can result in significant fines for both businesses and individuals.
Who can handle asbestos?
Handling asbestos-containing materials requires specific qualifications and, for companies, authorisation from the Danish Safety Technology Authority. The regulations require:
- Authorisation for businesses: Only authorised companies are allowed to carry out major demolition work.
- Restriction for private individuals: Private individuals are only allowed to carry out minor tasks, such as removing individual asbestos-containing roof tiles, if it can be done safely.
- Training requirements: All employees who work with asbestos must have completed relevant occupational health and safety training.
Work must always be carried out in accordance with the applicable asbestos ordinanceissued by the Danish Working Environment Authority.
Requirements for businesses
Companies that want to work with asbestos must fulfil the following requirements:
- Pre-authorisation of Quality management system (KLS): The company must document how asbestos work is carried out safely and in accordance with regulations.
The system must be authorised by an independent control body. - Approval of the responsible professionalAn authorised employee must supervise the work and ensure that all tasks are carried out according to the rules. They must have completed a 4-day AMU course and a supplementary training for professional managers.
- Reporting work to the Danish Working Environment AuthorityAll work with asbestos must be reported no later than eight days before it begins, unless it is work with low dust levels.
How to ensure proper handling of asbestos
PreventionAsbestos dust is harmful to health and work must be planned and carried out to minimise the risk of exposure. This includes:
- Use of appropriate technical aids, such as process extraction and closed systems.
- Use of personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection and dust-repellent workwear.
- Asbestos work areas must be cordoned off and clearly labelled with warning signs.
Handling asbestos-containing waste: All waste must be stored and transported in closed, dust-proof packaging labelled with asbestos content warnings.
Employer responsibility: The workplace assessment must include a risk analysis and describe preventive measures to protect both employees and the environment.
A comprehensive overview of
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to be authorised?
The answer is yes. From 1 January 2025, only authorised companies are allowed to handle asbestos.
When should asbestos be removed?
Asbestos must be removed when the material is damaged or if it poses a health risk during renovation or demolition.
Who can work with asbestos?
Only authorised companies and qualified employees with the right training can carry out major asbestos work as of 1 January 2025.
Is it legal for private individuals to remove asbestos?
Private individuals are only allowed to carry out small tasks such as removing individual roofing sheets or tiles - always taking into account safety and applicable regulations.
What are the most important requirements for businesses?
Companies must have authorisation, a pre-approved quality management system and trained employees.