You’ve just bought a property or are about to carry out refurbishment, and you suspect there may be asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) lurking behind old ceilings or within garage roofs. The reality: dealing with asbestos is one of the trickiest parts of refurbishment , and whether you need licensed and unlicensed asbestos removal works can make a huge difference in cost, legal compliance, and safety.
At Asbestos Management Group Limited, we’ve seen this confusion countless times. In this blog, we’ll provide a clear and educational breakdown of when removal needs to be licensed, when it doesn’t, and what that means for your site.
Call us on 01689 452 003 or email sales@amg.org.uk for more information.
When it comes to asbestos, cutting corners isn’t an option. At Asbestos Management Group Limited, we ensure every removal is safe, compliant and tailored to your site’s needs.
Understanding The Basics Of Asbestos Removal
Before diving into licensing status, let’s cover some core concepts. Asbestos was widely used until it was banned in the UK in 1999, yet it remains present in many buildings constructed before that date. Disturbing ACMs without proper controls can release harmful fibres, leading to life-threatening illnesses. At Asbestos Management Group Limited, we provide surveys, sampling & testing, consultancy, removals and more to keep you safe and compliant.
Whether you’re dealing with a domestic home, a commercial site, or an industrial building, understanding exactly what type of removal you need is crucial.
Licensed Asbestos Removal Works: What It Means And When It’s Required
What Does “Licensed Removal” Actually Mean?
Licensed asbestos removal means that a specialist contractor holds a licence issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) allowing them to carry out the removal of higher-risk ACMs. These works typically include friable asbestos (a material that can crumble easily and release fibres) or large-scale works, including demolition.
When Is A Licence Required?
You’ll need licensed removal if:
- The ACM is friable (e.g. lagging, sprayed coatings).
- The ACM is located in a demolition site or major refurbishment where disturbance is inevitable.
- The scale, risk and exposure potential are high.
In these cases, only an HSE-licensed contractor is permitted to carry out the removal legally. Using an unlicensed contractor in such cases could breach the law and put lives at risk.
Key Features Of Licensed Works
- Contractor is HSE-licensed for asbestos removal.
- Full risk assessment, method statement, and asbestos management plan in place.
- Comprehensive personal protective equipment (PPE), containment and air-testing after removal.
- Waste is handled via hazardous waste consignment notes and proper disposal methods.
At Asbestos Management Group Limited, our licensed removal team will manage the entire process from initial survey through to disposal and final sign-off.
Unlicensed Asbestos Removal Works: When It’s Allowed And Safe
What Is “Unlicensed Removal”?
Unlicensed removal refers to situations where removal is permitted under non-licensing conditions. These typically involve lower-risk ACMs, for example, asbestos cement roof sheets or textured ceilings where the material is intact and being removed in manageable sections.
When Is It Safe To Use Unlicensed Removal?
Unlicensed removal may be acceptable when:
- The ACM is non-friable and in good condition (e.g. asbestos cement)
- The size and disturbance risk are low
- The removal doesn’t create airborne fibre risk
However, just because the term “unlicensed” applies doesn’t mean it’s trivial. Proper controls still must be followed. At Asbestos Management Group Limited, we always conduct a thorough survey of refurbishment or demolition to ensure the correct category of removal is selected.
Key Requirements For Unlicensed Works
- Suitable risk assessment and method statement
- Appropriate controls, PPE, and containment air testing may still be required depending on the work
- Waste still handled as hazardous and disposed of correctly
The important takeaway: whether licensed or unlicensed, the goal remains the same – safe management and removal of ACMs.
Licensed Vs Unlicensed: Side-By-Side Comparison
| Feature | Licensed Removal | Unlicensed Removal |
| HSE licence required | Yes | Not usually required |
| ACM type impacted | Friable, high-risk materials | Non-friable, lower-risk materials |
| Scale / disturbance risk | High | Low to moderate |
| Who can perform the work | HSE-licensed contractor | Competent contractor under non-licensing rules |
| Legal risk if done wrong | Very high (legal, health, environmental) | Still significant, though somewhat lower risk |
By choosing Asbestos Management Group Limited, you benefit from our expertise in deciding whether you need licensed or unlicensed removal, and our tailored service covering surveying, sampling, testing, removal and disposal.
Why Getting The Right Type Matters
Using the wrong type of removal (eg: unlicensed when licensed is required) carries serious risks:
- Health risk from asbestos fibres
- Legal and regulatory consequences
- Invalidated insurance cover
- Entire site contamination leading to project delays
At Asbestos Management Group Limited, our consultants will identify which route you need and if licensed removal is required, we coordinate with licensed contractors and oversee the project, ensuring compliance.
How We Help You At Each Stage
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Survey & Sampling
We’ll begin with an inspection and sampling to determine the presence and condition of ACMs. Only after that do we advise whether licensed or unlicensed works are required. This aligns with our service scope of surveys and sampling & testing.
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Method Statement & Planning
Once the ACMs are identified, we prepare the removal plan, including whether a licence is required, what controls will be in place, and how waste will be handled.
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Removal & Disposal
Our team (or the licensed contractor we appoint) will complete the removal safely using proper containment, clocks-in and clocks-out procedures, and full waste consignment notes. Upon completion, we provide documentation to you for records and compliance.
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After-Care & Monitoring
For licensed removal, you may require clearance air-testing, and we can arrange that too. For unlicensed works, we still provide oversight and documentation, so you have peace of mind.
Conclusion: Make The Right Choice For Your Site
Deciding between licensed and unlicensed asbestos removal isn’t just a label, it’s about ensuring safety, meeting legal requirements, and protecting your project and occupants.
At Asbestos Management Group Limited, we bring decades of experience, a full suite of services (including surveys, sampling & testing, consultancy and removal) and a client-first approach. If you’re about to carry out refurbishment, demolition or removal where asbestos might be present, don’t take a risk, let us guide you through the correct path.
Call 01689 452 003 or email sales@amg.org.uk to arrange a free consultation and receive a quote. Ensure your site is compliant, safe, and ready for the next phase. .