Asbestos may be banned but it’s far from gone, especially in older buildings across Ireland and Europe. With long-term exposure linked to serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, managing asbestos risks remains a critical responsibility for employers, particularly in the construction and maintenance sectors.
In recognition of these continuing risks, the European Union has adopted Directive (EU) 2023/2668, introducing updated measures to enhance worker protection and improve how asbestos is detected, handled, and removed.
These new regulations represent a significant step forward in occupational health, and they come with important responsibilities for employers, contractors, and safety professionals.
What’s Changing? Key Provisions of the Directive
1. Lower Exposure Limits
From 21 December 2025, the occupational exposure limit (OEL) will drop to 0.01 fibres per cm³, reflecting growing scientific consensus that even minimal exposure can be harmful over time.
2. More Accurate Detection Methods
By 2029, electron microscopy will replace phase-contrast microscopy as the standard method for detecting asbestos. This shift enables the identification of thinner, more hazardous fibers that were previously missed by older methods.
3. Mandatory Pre-Work Asbestos Assessments
Before any construction, demolition, or renovation work is carried out, employers will be legally required to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present in the structure and assess the associated exposure risk.
4. Permit-to-Work Requirement
A new permit system is being introduced. No asbestos-related work can commence without prior approval from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). A register of all approved permits will be publicly available.
5. Strengthened Worker Protection
Training standards are being raised. Some existing asbestos workers may need additional training to comply with the new framework.
6. Medical Surveillance and Disease Register
Employers must provide regular medical monitoring for workers exposed to asbestos. The HSA will also maintain a more comprehensive register of asbestos-related diseases to track long-term health outcomes.
What This Means in Practice
These changes will have a broad impact across industries, especially construction, facilities management, and refurbishment.
More Activities Will Require Notification
Expect a significant increase in the number of asbestos-related tasks that require prior notification to the HSA. Employers must also submit training records and demonstrate compliance before receiving a permit.
Tighter On-Site Controls
Stricter measures will be needed to prevent both direct and passive exposure. This includes improved containment, dust suppression, and better ventilation during works.
Regular Exposure Monitoring
Personal exposure levels must now be monitored throughout the duration of any asbestos-related work. Workers must be equipped with suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE) if there is any risk of exceeding the OEL.
Record-Keeping and Health Monitoring
Employers must maintain accurate exposure records and ensure that all affected workers are enrolled in medical surveillance programes, even if exposure appears minimal.
Expanded Training Requirements
Refresher training and role-specific asbestos awareness will be required for many existing workers. This ensures everyone on site understands the updated risks and procedures.
What’s Happening Now?
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has conducted a public consultation, inviting stakeholders to provide feedback on the Directive. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is working closely with the Department to develop national regulations, which will form a key part of the new permit system.
Once enacted, undertaking notifiable work without a valid permit will be an offence, and permits must be available on-site at all times.
Guidance documents, training materials, and further updates are expected throughout 2025, as transposition into Irish law progresses.
Preparing for Compliance
With these changes on the horizon, early preparation is key. Employers and duty-holders should consider:
- Reviewing and updating asbestos management plans
- Reassessing current training programmes
- Engaging licensed professionals for site surveys and risk assessments
- Auditing historical asbestos records and medical surveillance systems
- Planning budgets for new detection methods and equipment
If your organization regularly works on older buildings or in environments where asbestos may be present, now is the time to strengthen internal procedures and seek external guidance where needed.
Where to Get Support
Managing asbestos under the new regulatory framework may seem daunting, but support is available. Independent asbestos consultants can assist with:
- Risk assessments and site surveys
- Laboratory testing and material sampling
- Remediation project management
- Air monitoring and clearance testing
- Staff training and awareness programes
Ayrton Group offers end-to-end asbestos safety consultancy services, helping businesses meet their obligations from initial assessment through to post-remediation certification. Their team works closely with clients to ensure projects are completed safely, compliantly, and with minimal disruption.
Conclusion
Directive (EU) 2023/2668 reflects a broader shift in occupational safety, one that places greater emphasis on prevention, early detection, and proactive management. Whether you’re an employer, contractor, or safety consultant, staying ahead of these changes is not just a matter of compliance — it’s about protecting lives.
Now is the time to act: review your asbestos protocols, engage your workforce, and prepare for a safer future.
Stay informed. Stay compliant. Stay safe.
