The short answer
If you own your home and are working on it yourself, HSE doesn’t say it’s illegal for you to remove small amounts of lower-risk asbestos, such as a cement sheet. But HSE’s advice is “Do not try to repair or remove any asbestos materials yourself” and it “strongly encourages the use of trained professionals” (HSE FAQs). Higher-risk materials should only be removed by a contractor holding an HSE licence. The waste rules apply to everyone.
What the law says
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 mainly place duties on employers and the self-employed. If you’re paid to do the work, employ anyone to help, or do it as part of a business, the regulations apply in full: identifying asbestos first, a risk assessment, a plan of work, training, the right equipment and correct waste handling.
The duty to manage asbestos “does not apply to domestic premises such as owner-occupied homes” (HSE). Landlords and anyone hiring trades should read asbestos for landlords.
Never DIY licensed materials
HSE says sprayed coatings, lagging and insulation, and asbestos insulating board “should only be removed by a contractor licensed by HSE”. These materials release fibres far more easily. Even if you could physically get them out, you can’t safely contain the contamination at home.
If you’re not sure what a material is, test it first. See licensed vs non-licensed asbestos work.
HSE’s Asbestos essentials sheets
HSE’s Asbestos essentials task sheets show how small non-licensed jobs should be done. They’re written for employers, managers and sole traders, and the introduction sheet, A0 says workers need the right information, instruction and training first. It also says the sheets “do not apply to licensed work”.
For a homeowner, the sheets are the best guide to what a safe job looks like: the equipment, the method, the protective clothing and the waste handling. If the job looks harder than you expected after reading them, that’s a good sign to bring in a professional.
Why a professional is usually safer
- Equipment: fit-tested masks, disposable Type 5 overalls, Class H vacuums and the right sheeting, which most households don’t have (see EM6).
- Training: knowing how to remove material without breaking it, and how to avoid spreading fibres to clothes, cars and the house.
- Working at height: garage roofs and soffits mean ladders and fragile sheets. Falls are a serious risk in themselves.
- Waste: a contractor is registered to carry the waste and handles the consignment note.
The waste rules still apply
Asbestos is hazardous waste and must not go in household bins or skips. It must be double-wrapped and labelled, and taken to a site that accepts it. Some councils accept small amounts of bonded asbestos from householders by arrangement, so check your own council’s rules before you start. HSE advises contacting your local authority. See asbestos waste disposal.
If you decide to go ahead
- Test the material first, and only consider low-risk materials such as intact cement.
- Read the relevant Asbestos essentials sheet and follow it.
- Keep it wet, keep it whole, use hand tools only and never sand, grind or power-wash.
- Keep others and pets away, and arrange disposal before you begin.
If you’re worried you’ve been exposed, speak to your GP. See exposed to asbestos: what to do.
If you’d rather not take it on, ask us for a quote for testing or removal.
Quick answers
Is it illegal to remove asbestos from my own house?
HSE doesn’t say it is illegal for a homeowner working alone on their own home, but it advises against it, and the waste rules still apply.
Can I remove an asbestos garage roof myself?
It is not prohibited for a homeowner, but it involves working at height and handling fragile sheets. HSE strongly encourages using trained professionals.
Can I remove asbestos lagging or insulating board myself?
No. HSE says these should only be removed by a contractor licensed by HSE.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. For the law itself, see the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and HSE’s asbestos pages. Not sure what you’re dealing with? Ask us.