Self-employed

When dealing with asbestos self-employed persons (and employers) must eliminate, so far as reasonably practicable, the exposure of persons at the workplace to airborne asbestos fibres arising from the work they are undertaking. This includes any member of the public or other person accessing the workplace. If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate that exposure, they must reduce the exposure, so far as is reasonably practicable.

In many cases, a self-employed person must meet the same requirements as employers, for example with regard to the:

  • removal of asbestos from a workplace
  • removal of contaminated clothing
  • use of certain tools or instruments
  • disposal of asbestos waste

If you are a self-employed builder or tradesperson, see builders and trades for information about performing refurbishment or demolition work at domestic or commercial premises.

Updated