Ireland
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The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has announced a targeted inspection initiative aimed at licensed asbestos removal contractors.
Commencing in the new year, the campaign will focus on the technical review of Plans of Work to verify that contractors are effectively assessing risks and implementing necessary safeguards for site teams and the general public.
Under current regulations, licensed contractors must submit a detailed notification and Plan of Work to the HSENI at least 14 days prior to the commencement of any licensable activity. This period allows the executive to evaluate the proposed methodology and, where necessary, conduct site inspections before or during the removal process.
The HSENI has clarified that while notification is a requirement for licensed work, proportionate risk assessments and Plans of Work are also mandatory for non-licensed and notifiable non-licensed works. These documents must be drafted by a competent person with specific expertise in asbestos control measures and current best practices.
HSENI Acting Principal Inspector Julian Richmond emphasised the critical nature of these inspections for the construction industry: "This isn't a box ticking exercise – this is a crucial, comprehensive review to save lives and keep people healthy. Once the fibres of asbestos get into your lungs the damage can be devastating and permanent so we must ensure every licenced contractor is assessing the risks comprehensively and are complying with Legislation and current guidance to protect everyone impacted by the work they are doing."
He further noted the responsibility held by those in charge of site safety: "A condition of the contractor's license is the provision of a suitable and sufficient Plan of Work which, along with all assessments, must be prepared by a competent person, who has knowledge and experience of the type of work, best practice and is familiar with all the current control measures."
The campaign serves as a reminder to the sector that asbestos remains a primary health risk for tradespeople in Northern Ireland, necessitating strict adherence to statutory safety protocols during all phases of demolition and refurbishment.
Full notification consists of:
- completed ASB5-NI form;
- a suitable and sufficient site-specific Plan of Work (including reference to the current version of the company's standard procedures), and
- a copy of the current asbestos licence.
The 14-day notification period commences only once all information has been received.
To assist companies in preparing for this initiative, they can view the following guidance links:
• Managing and working with asbestos
• Asbestos Regulation 7 plans of work – purpose and core principles
• Work with asbestos that needs a licensed contractor
• Risk assessments and plans of work
HSENI Inspectors will be reviewing Plans of Work submitted at the time of notification and where further information or clarification is required, action will be taken to address these directly with the licensed contractor.
The HSENI's Workplace Health Campaign statistics show there were 15 Asbestosis work-related deaths in 2022.
