ASB5 Notification: What Is It & Do You Need One?

When asbestos needs to be removed in the UK, strict legal procedures must be followed before any work begins. One of the most important steps is submitting an ASB5 notification to the regulatory body, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

If you’re a property owner, duty holder, facilities manager or contractor, here’s everything you need to know.

What is an ASB5 notification?

An ASB5 notification is a legally required notice submitted to the HSE before licensed asbestos removal work begins. It notifies the regulator that high-risk asbestos work is planned and details how the work will be carried out safely and according to legislation.

It includes details such as:

• Location of the work
• Type of asbestos involved
• Control measures being used
• Decontamination procedures
• Waste disposal arrangements
• Contractor licence details

This is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012).

When is an ASB5 required?

An ASB5 is required whenever work involves licensable asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). These are typically higher-risk materials.

• Asbestos insulation
• Asbestos insulation board (AIB)
• Sprayed coatings
• Large-scale removal of higher-risk materials

Lower-risk work may fall under non-licensed or notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW), which follows different procedures, see below for further information.

What is licensable asbestos work?

Work is classed as licensable when the risk of fibre release is high or when the material can easily break up and release fibres into the air. This often depends on:

• The type of asbestos material
• Its condition
• How much disturbance the work will cause

Materials that are friable, meaning they can crumble easily, are more likely to require a licence. The Health and Safety Executive sets out clear criteria under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 to determine this.

How many days’ notice must be given for an ASB5?

The ASB5 must be submitted at least 14 days before any licensed work begins. This gives the HSE time to review the plan of work and instigate intervention if necessary.

Can an ASB5 notification be waived?

In exceptional circumstances this is possible, but waivers are rare and only granted by the HSE in genuine emergencies, such as when structural damage has occurred or urgent repairs cannot wait. They are not granted for convenience.

To qualify, a strong justification must be provided and the HSE must approve the waiver before work begins. Even with a waiver in place, full safety procedures still apply throughout the entire project.

Who is responsible for submitting the ASB5?

It is the legal responsibility of the licensed asbestos contractor to submit the ASB5 notification. However, duty holders and property owners should always verify that notification has been made before work begins.

What happens if ASB5 is not submitted?

If a contractor proceeds without submitting an ASB5, it puts everyone on site at risk and exposes both the contractor and the client to serious consequences. These can include substantial fines, legal penalties and the potential shutdown of the project.

When appointing a licensed asbestos contractor, always confirm that notification has been submitted to the HSE before any work starts.

What should you check before appointing a licensed asbestos removal contractor?

Before appointing a licensed asbestos contractor, you should confirm that they hold a valid HSE licence and appropriate insurance including specific asbestos cover. You'll also want to see training certification, a clear plan of work, and waste carrier registration.

It's also worth looking into their previous experience with similar projects and checking reviews. You can take a look at our recent projects to get a sense of the work we carry out. Choosing a reputable contractor ensures compliance and safety, and most importantly, protects the occupants of the building. 

What is notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW)?

Not all asbestos work requires a full licence. Notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW) sits in the middle ground, involving lower-risk asbestos-containing materials that don't require a licensed contractor, but still must be notified to the relevant enforcing authority before work begins.

Whether work falls under licensed, NNLW, or non-licensed categories depends on several factors including the type of asbestos, the condition it's in, and the nature of the work being carried out. Common examples of NNLW include work with asbestos cement, textured coatings such as Artex, and floor tiles in good condition.

Unlike licensed work, NNLW notification is not submitted via an ASB5 to the HSE. Instead, it is notified to the relevant enforcing authority, which is typically the HSE for construction-related work or the local authority for other premises. Employers carrying out NNLW are also required to maintain records of the work and ensure workers undergo medical surveillance.

If you are unsure whether your project falls under licensed or notifiable non-licensed work, the HSE provides a full list of example scenarios on their website.

How H&S Asbestos can help

The rules around asbestos work can feel confusing. Many people are unsure whether they need to submit an ASB5 notification, register the work as Notifiable Non-Licensed Work, or take a different approach. The right answer depends on the type of material, its condition, and how the work will be carried out.

At H&S Asbestos, we make this straightforward. As a fully licensed contractor based on the South Coast, with over 50 years of combined management experience, we check the survey details, assess the risks, and confirm the correct legal route before anything starts. If an ASB5 notification is required, we prepare and submit it to the Health and Safety Executive within the required timeframe. If the work falls under NNLW, we ensure the correct notification and records are completed properly.

We do not just focus on paperwork. We plan the work carefully, use controlled removal methods, and make sure all asbestos waste is transported and disposed of safely and legally.

If you are unsure what applies to your site, contact our team for clear advice and we will manage the process properly from start to finish.