Hiring an Asbestos Removal Contractor in Ireland? What You Need to Check in 2026

28 Oct 2026

If you're planning refurbishment or demolition work in an older building, discovering asbestos can quickly complicate the job. But once you've established that removal is necessary, how do you know whether the contractor you're appointing is properly qualified?

It's an important question, particularly following the changes to Ireland's asbestos regulations at the end of 2025.

The updated requirements cover worker training, exposure monitoring, health surveillance and notification of asbestos work. For building owners, employers and facilities managers, checking a contractor's competence before work begins is particularly important.

Is Your Asbestos Contractor Properly Trained?

Not everyone who has completed an asbestos training course is qualified to remove asbestos.

Asbestos awareness training helps workers recognise potential hazards and understand what to do if they encounter suspected asbestos-containing materials. It's particularly relevant to tradespeople who may come across asbestos during maintenance or renovation work.

Removal is different.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) requires asbestos removal to be carried out by competent people with appropriate practical training, experience and knowledge.

The level of training needed depends on the materials involved and the work being undertaken.

Under the updated regulations, some workers may need additional training to meet the current requirements, even if they've completed asbestos courses previously.

Before appointing a contractor, it's worth asking about their experience with similar projects and checking that their employees have the appropriate training.

What About HSA Notification?

Another important area affected by the updated regulations is the notification of asbestos work.

Asbestos removal work must be notified to the HSA, and the revised requirements have expanded the range of activities requiring notification.

Once the HSA has received and processed a notification, a unique permit number is issued. This must be obtained before the relevant work begins.

However, there's an important distinction.

The HSA does not issue licences to asbestos removal contractors in Ireland. A notification permit number is not proof that the HSA has independently assessed or approved a contractor's competence.

For anyone appointing a contractor, it's important to check both that the notification requirements have been followed and that the contractor can demonstrate the necessary training and experience.

Surveys and Air Monitoring Still Matter

Knowing exactly what asbestos is present should come before making decisions about removing it.

A suitable asbestos survey helps identify the materials involved and informs the precautions needed. This is particularly important before refurbishment or demolition, when previously undisturbed materials may be damaged.

Ireland's occupational exposure limit for asbestos fibres was reduced to 0.01 fibres per cubic centimetre of air under the updated regulations.

This places greater emphasis on effective exposure controls and monitoring.

The monitoring and clearance procedures required will depend on the type of asbestos work being carried out and the relevant risk assessment.

Before appointing a contractor, it's worth establishing what monitoring is planned, who will carry it out and what documentation will be provided when the job is completed.

Get the Right Advice Before Work Starts

Asbestos removal isn't something to leave to chance.

Choosing a competent contractor, understanding the survey findings and checking that the correct procedures are in place can help prevent serious problems later.

At OHSS, we've been helping Irish businesses manage asbestos risks since 2001.

Our services include asbestos surveying, risk assessments, fibre monitoring and specialist asbestos training. We can also provide advice on managing asbestos removal safely.

If you're planning work in an older building and aren't sure what needs to happen first, contact the OHSS team on 01 6905907 or visit www.ohss.ie.

Further information:

• HSA – Asbestos Removal

• HSA – Asbestos Notifications

• HSA – Asbestos Training Requirements

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