Working with asbestos

In the Netherlands, producing, applying, and recycling asbestos is prohibited. If you are planning to renovate or demolish a structure you must check if it contains asbestos. Asbestos must be removed by a qualified professional.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a hazardous substance that was often used after 1950 in buildings, trains, ships, and industrial installations. It was also used for paving roads, paths, and yards. The use of asbestos has been banned in the Netherlands since 1 July 1993. When renovating or demolishing a building, employees may inhale asbestos fibres. This can result in serious and deadly illnesses. The Netherlands Labour Authority (Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie) strictly monitors the rules for working with asbestos. If you do not follow the rules, you can be fined up to €30,000.

The Asbestos Guide (in Dutch) shows where you can find asbestos in and around homes (in Dutch). Buildings, structures, or objects made before 1994 may contain asbestos.

Checking for asbestos

Before you begin demolition or renovation, you must check for asbestos by carrying out an asbestos inventory. The asbestos inventory must be done by a certified asbestos abatement company (in Dutch). Asbestos abatement companies with a valid certificate are listed in the Ascert Asbestos removal register (in Dutch).

The results of the asbestos inventory show the risk class of asbestos removal (class 1 is low risk, class 2 and 2a are high risk).

Removing asbestos

You must follow strict safety rules when removing asbestos. If the removal work is low risk, (class 1), the following rules apply:

• A non-certified company may remove the asbestos.
• Employees must be trained in asbestos removal.
• Employees must have the opportunity to get a physical examination before starting the removal work.
• The abatement company must report the asbestos removal work to the Netherlands Labour Authority (Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie) at least 2 days before starting demolition work. You need eHerkenning level 3 to login to the portal where you can complete the form.
• You must submit a demolition notification at least 2 days before the start of the removal work. You can submit the notification online through the online service counter Omgevingsloket(in Dutch).
• You must inform the municipality 2 days before starting the asbestos removal (in Dutch).
• You must inform the municipality 1 day after finishing the removal (in Dutch).

If the removal work is high, (class 2 or 2a) the following rules apply:

• Only certified asbestos abatement companies may do this type of removal work.
• A Professional Supervisor for the Demolition of Asbestos (Deskundig Toezichthouder Asbestsloop, DTA) has to supervise the asbestos removal.
• You must report your asbestos removal activities to the National Asbestos Tracking System (Landelijk Abestvolgsysteem, LAVS, in Dutch), who will monitor the entire asbestos removal process.

You can find a DTA or certified company through the register of the Asbestos Certification Foundation (Ascert, in Dutch).

Asbestos certification schemes

Only certified asbestos removal companies and persons are allowed to carry out an asbestos inventory and high risk (class 2 and 2a) removal. Certification is not required for the removal of low risk (class 1) asbestos.

Do you want to apply for certification for your asbestos removal company? You can apply for certification with an organisation appointed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour. When you have a certificate you will be entered in the register of the Asbestos Certification Foundation (Ascert, in Dutch).

Protect your employees from asbestos exposure

You must take precautions to protect your employees from asbestos-related illnesses. These precautions include:

• You must add the risk of asbestos exposure to your Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E) report.
• You must offer employees who work with asbestos a medical examination at least once every 3 years.
• You must fully inform your employees about the dangers of exposure to asbestos.

For more information on how to protect your employees from asbestos exposure, you can check the Netherlands Labour Authority's information page (in Dutch).

Are you being held accountable by an (ex) employee who has contracted an asbestos related illness? You might be liable for damages. The Institute for Asbestos Victims (Instituut Asbestslachtoffers) can help to mediate between you and your (ex) employee (in Dutch).