On the 18th of May 2026, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed that Great Britain’s asbestos control limit will remain at 0.1 fibres per millilitre (f/ml), measured as a 4-hour time-weighted average (TWA).
Learn why this review happened, how the HSE reached their conclusion and more detail on its findings below.
Why Did the HSE Review the Asbestos Control Limit?
The HSE’s review was undertaken in response to the European Union’s (EU) decision to reduce its occupational exposure limit (OEL) for asbestos, and the 2022 Work and Pensions Committee report on the ‘HSE’s approach to asbestos management’.
How Did the HSE Reach their Conclusion?
After thoroughly reviewing the latest international scientific, technical and workplace evidence on Great Britain’s asbestos control limit, the HSE concluded that, currently, there is no clear evidence that lowering it would reduce current or future exposures and improve health outcomes.
What Else Did the HSE Discover?
The HSE’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Professor Andrew Curran, said:
“We have thoroughly examined the available science and consulted extensively with experts across the sector, and […] we found that lowering the Great Britain control limit would in practice bring most asbestos-related work into the scope of licensable activity, imposing significant costs on businesses without a corresponding reduction in exposure risk.”
Additionally, with a lower control limit comes practical difficulties regarding measurement, as well as new barriers and risks. Based on the HSE’s findings, most asbestos work is already designed to minimise exposure to well below the control limit through effective control measures (when requirements are followed).
Their review also concludes that the following has greater influence on reducing asbestos exposure risks than changing numerical limits:
– Asbestos training
– Competence
– Site discipline
– Regulatory enforcement
Next Steps?
The HSE says they will continue to monitor evidence as and when it emerges, as well as any international developments, including the EU’s review which is planned for 2029.
They remain dedicated to ensuring health and safety standards are being met in practice, and think that competency in the workplace is key to minimising the risk of asbestos exposure.
Our Thoughts on the Unchanged Control Limit:
Personally, we’re not surprised by the HSE’s decision. People across the industry will have different views on whether the control limit should be lowered, but for us the priority has always been preventing exposure in the first place.
Over the years of working in the industry, we’ve found that what really makes the difference is well-trained, competent people, good supervision, proper planning and management systems that are actually followed on site. Those are the things that keep exposure to a minimum day in, day out.
Whether you’re a contractor, consultant or dutyholder, the goal should always be the same – stop exposure wherever possible, maintain high standards of competence and make sure the right controls are consistently applied to every project. If we continue to focus on those fundamentals, we’ll do far more to protect people than simply changing a numerical limit.
Support Compliance with Phoenix Asbestos Software
Following legislation isn’t optional. As the industry continues to evolve, asbestos contractors need reliable tools to streamline their operations and support their compliance.
That’s where Phoenix Asbestos Software comes in. With automated asbestos abatement reports, highly detailed personal air monitoring dashboards, and document management features that help you fulfil your statutory obligations – our site management app makes compliance easy.
Book a free demonstration with a member of our expert team today:
– Phone: Call 01253 228 746
– Email: Send your enquiry to info@phoenixapp.co.uk
– Website: Fill in our online form and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
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