Are There Any Exemptions To The Asbestos Ban In Ireland?

1 Oct 2024

Since 2004, the use of asbestos has been banned under the European Communities Dangerous Substances & Preparations regulations. This prohibits the sale, supply, or reuse of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), but the question is, are there any exemptions?

Well, a primary exception applies to asbestos products installed or in service before the 2004 ban which are legally permitted to remain in place until they reach the end of their lifespan or are otherwise disposed of. This means that the material can still be present in older buildings, and can pose exposure risks during renovation or demolition work. 

Other Exemptions To The Asbestos Ban In Ireland

In addition to this, the 2011 Chemicals (Asbestos Articles) Regulations allow asbestos-containing items to be sold under a specific Health & Safety Authority (HSA) exemption. This certificate is necessary for items like second-hand acetylene cylinders, historical artefacts, and classic or vintage vehicles that may contain asbestos components. 

Without this certificate, these items cannot be legally sold or placed on the market in Ireland and these controlled exemptions aim to ensure that handling or exposure to asbestos in these cases is minimised and managed safely.

Internationally, efforts to restrict asbestos further face challenges, as some non-EU countries continue to produce and use asbestos, notably chrysotile asbestos, which is yet to be banned around the world. Hence, the EU remains active in advocating for tighter international asbestos regulations through conventions such as the Rotterdam Convention.

Protecting Ireland from the Dangers of Asbestos 

Despite being banned more than 20 years ago, asbestos remains an ongoing threat to life, particularly during renovation and demolition work in affected buildings. As such, it’s important to follow all asbestos regulations and defer to the experts if you’re ever in doubt.

If you’d like to know more about the work we do in protecting Ireland from the dangers of exposure to deadly asbestos fibres, you should take a look around our website www.ohss.ie where you’ll also find details of our occupational hygiene services. 

Alternatively, if you suspect the material to be present in your home or business premises, be sure to call our team on 01 6905907 for assistance.

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