Permit to work · 11 precautions · 4 critical

Asbestos Works
permit to work

Any work that may disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Licensed or non-licensed removal.

These are the precautions the issuer confirms before signing. Each one says what good looks like, when it passes, the regulation it rests on and how it usually fails. Critical precautions are marked: if one cannot be confirmed, the permit is not issued.

Precautions before issue

  1. 1.
    Asbestos survey reviewed, ACMs identified
    Critical: a fail stops the work
    What to look forR&D survey to HSG264 by P402 (or P405) qualified surveyor, fully intrusive for any work likely to disturb the fabric. Reviews the actual locations of work, with sample analysis (P401 lab UKAS-accredited) confirming material type (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, mixed). Survey gives material assessment (friability, surface treatment, condition). Where any element is "presumed" without sampling, it is treated as ACM until proven otherwise.
    Acceptable whenR&D survey to HSG264. Surveyor P402 / RSPH equivalent. UKAS-accredited lab samples. Material assessment recorded. "Presumed" treated as ACM. Survey <12 months old or re-validated.
    StandardControl of Asbestos Regulations 2012 reg 5. HSG264 The survey guide. HSG248 Asbestos: the analyst guide. P402/P401/P405 schemes.
    Common defectsManagement survey used in place of R&D, non-intrusive, hidden ACMs missedSample taken from one location, generalised to whole element, local variation missedSurveyor not P402 qualified, competence challengeableLab not UKAS, analytical defensibility nilSurvey from a previous tenancy, not reflective of current building condition
  2. 2.
    Work classified: licensed / notifiable non-licensed / non-licensed
    Critical: a fail stops the work
    What to look forWork category determined by reference to CAR 2012 reg 3 + HSE A8 / HSG210: LICENSED for sprayed coatings, lagging, AIB (other than minor), and any work where exposure limit might be exceeded. NNLW for short-duration work on AIB, removal of fixings from textured coating. NON-LICENSED for clean-down, encapsulation, removal of intact gaskets, drilling small holes through cement sheet with controls. Wrong classification leads to either unlawful unlicensed work or unnecessary cost.
    Acceptable whenClassification recorded with rationale. Licensed work by HSE-licensed contractor (Reg 8 licence). NNLW notified online via HSE Notification of Non-Licensed Work portal. Non-licensed work follows HSG210 task sheets exactly.
    StandardControl of Asbestos Regulations 2012 reg 3, 8, 9. HSG210 Asbestos essentials. HSG247 Asbestos: licensed contractors guide. HSE A8 The licensing of asbestos work.
    Common defectsLagging stripped under non-licensed work category, illegal, criminal prosecutionAIB ceiling tile lift treated as non-licensed, actually NNLW or licensed depending on extentNotification sent to HSE for licensed work but no HSE-licensed contractor usedNNLW work but no notification submittedSame job classified differently by different supervisors
  3. 3.
    HSE notification submitted (if licensed/NNLW)
    Critical: a fail stops the work
    What to look forFor LICENSED work: ASB5 notification to HSE at least 14 days before work begins (CAR 2012 reg 9). For NNLW: notification online via HSE portal before work begins. Notification covers: contractor licence number, dates, location, scope, CoSHH assessment, control measures. Plan of Work also produced and held on site.
    Acceptable whenLicensed: ASB5 submitted >=14 days pre-start. NNLW: HSE online notification submitted. Plan of Work on site. Notification reference recorded on permit.
    StandardControl of Asbestos Regulations 2012 reg 9. HSE ASB5 form. HSE NNLW online portal.
    Common defectsASB5 submitted 5 days pre-start, non-compliant 14-day ruleNNLW work started without online notificationNotification scope different from actual work, material variation needs re-notificationPlan of Work not on site, operatives have no methodology
  4. 4.
    Enclosure erected and smoke-tested (if licensed)
    What to look forPolythene enclosure (1000-gauge / 250 micron polythene minimum) over rigid frame, all joints tape-sealed and double-sealed. Smoke test (smoke pellet inside enclosure with NPU off) shows no leaks at joints, doorways, ceiling line. Test passes when smoke retained for 5 minutes minimum without observable leaks. Where leak found, sealed and re-tested.
    Acceptable when1000-gauge polythene minimum. Smoke test passes (no observable leak >5 min). Re-test after any change to enclosure. Test recorded with photos.
    StandardControl of Asbestos Regulations 2012. HSG247 ch.7 (enclosures). HSG248 (analyst).
    Common defects500-gauge polythene used, tears under negative pressureSmoke test omitted, leak discovered post-clearance failureJoints tape-sealed once, not double-sealed, air bypass at cornerDoorway flap rolls open under NPU pressure, uncontrolled exhaustEnclosure modified mid-job (door cut) without re-test
  5. 5.
    Negative pressure unit operating
    What to look forNPU (H-class HEPA-filtered, e.g. HEPA H13 / EN 1822) running continuously throughout licensed work, sized for the enclosure volume to give 5-8 air changes per hour AND maintain at least 5 Pa negative pressure (HSG248). Manometer/magnehelic gauge fitted with continuous reading. NPU exhaust through pre-filter, primary HEPA, secondary HEPA. Backup NPU on standby.
    Acceptable when5-8 air changes/hour. >=5 Pa negative pressure (HSG248). HEPA H13 minimum. Continuous manometer reading. Primary + secondary HEPA stages. Backup NPU. Filters DOP-tested or pre-tested at install.
    StandardControl of Asbestos Regs 2012. HSG247 ch.7. HSG248 ch.5. EN 1822 (HEPA filter classification).
    Common defectsNPU sized for an open volume, enclosure leaks, pressure not achievedSingle HEPA stage, fibre breakthrough on first stage failureNPU off during a break, enclosure pressure neutralises, fibres escape on entryMagnehelic gauge stuck, reading appears normal, actual pressure 0 PaNPU exhausts to public area, recirculation risk
  6. 6.
    Decontamination unit in place
    What to look forThree-stage decon unit (DCU): dirty end (remove overalls, RPE on, leave kit), shower (full body wash, RPE on through shower), clean end (RPE off in clean end after shower). Hot water supply, shower run-off filtered (HEPA filter on water if recirculating). Where dirty end is far from work, baggable transit route under controlled conditions.
    Acceptable when3-stage DCU per HSG247. Hot water shower. RPE worn through shower until in clean end (HSG247 sequence). Run-off filtered/captured. Transit route baggable if remote.
    StandardControl of Asbestos Regs 2012. HSG247 ch.8.
    Common defectsSingle-stage DCU, no separation of dirty / cleanShower run cold, operatives skip the washRPE removed before shower, fibres on hair / face washed onto skinRun-off to drain unfiltered, environmental contaminationDCU >50m from enclosure with no transit control
  7. 7.
    RPE face-fit tested, minimum FFP3 or powered respirator
    What to look forFace-fit test (qualitative or quantitative) for the specific RPE model and the specific wearer, within last 12 months. Quantitative (PortaCount) preferred for licensed work. Wearer clean-shaven on the day of test AND every day of use (stubble breaks the seal, 8 hours growth measurably reduces fit factor). Pre-use seal check before each entry. RPE assigned protection factor: FFP3 = 20, half-mask P3 = 20, full-face P3 = 40, powered TH3 = 40, supplied air = 200.
    Acceptable whenFace-fit cert <12 months for the model worn. Clean-shaven at fit test and at use (Reg 6 / HSE OC282/28). Pre-use seal check. APF appropriate to anticipated exposure (FFP3 for non-licensed brief work, powered or supplied-air for licensed).
    StandardControl of Asbestos Regs 2012 reg 8 (suitable PPE). HSG247 ch.6. HSG53 Respiratory protective equipment at work. INDG479 face fit testing.
    Common defectsGeneric FFP3 dispenser used by anyone, no individual fit testBeard / stubble, fit factor below required protectionFit test cert >12 months oldPre-use seal check not done, leak undetectedFFP3 used where powered respirator required by exposure levelMask reused across days, single-use disposable beyond design life
  8. 8.
    Disposable overalls and boot covers available
    What to look forType 5/6 (BS EN ISO 13982-1 / EN 13034) disposable coveralls, Tyvek 500 / 600 grade. Hood up over RPE strap. Cuffs taped to gloves, ankles taped to boot covers (or boots inside coverall). Spare coveralls available, change after each break. Disposable boot covers OR dedicated rubber boots which stay in the dirty end.
    Acceptable whenType 5/6 coveralls. Hood over RPE strap. Cuffs and ankles sealed with tape. Change at each break (HSG247). Disposable boot covers or dedicated boots.
    StandardControl of Asbestos Regs 2012. HSG247 ch.6. EN ISO 13982-1 / EN 13034.
    Common defectsType 5 only when 5/6 needed, splash protection lackingHood under the RPE strap, airflow path along the strapCuffs not taped, fibres in via the wristCoverall reused across days, contaminated outside, fibre release on donFootwear worn outside enclosure, contamination outside
  9. 9.
    Waste bags and labelled containers provided
    What to look forAsbestos waste double-bagged: red inner bag (printed with asbestos warning) inside clear outer bag, both gooseneck-tied. Larger items wrapped in 1000-gauge polythene with hazard tape, then bagged. Sealed waste passes out of the enclosure via decon airlock and into a lockable skip / waste container labelled "Asbestos Waste" with EWC code 17 06 05* (asbestos in construction). Consignment note (EA Hazardous Waste) raised before transfer.
    Acceptable whenDouble-bag (red inner + clear outer). Both bags gooseneck-tied. EWC code 17 06 05*. Lockable waste skip. Consignment note before transfer. Carrier registered (Environment Agency CB / N category).
    StandardHazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005. Environmental Permitting Regs 2016. EA waste consignment note. EWC list.
    Common defectsSingle-bag, outer contamination on transitSkip unlocked, fly-tipping into asbestos skip / theft of contaminated materialNo consignment note, illegal waste transferCarrier not registered for asbestos, fly-tippedWrong EWC code, waste rejected at landfill
  10. 10.
    Air monitoring arranged (4-stage clearance if licensed)
    Critical: a fail stops the work
    What to look forIndependent UKAS-accredited analyst (P403 / P404) appointed for personal exposure monitoring during work AND 4-stage clearance after licensed work: Stage 1, preliminary check + visual; Stage 2, thorough visual inspection of enclosure interior; Stage 3, air monitoring test (Clearance Air Test, PCM <0.01 fibres/ml threshold); Stage 4, final assessment after enclosure dismantle. Certificate of Reoccupation issued ONLY after all 4 stages pass.
    Acceptable whenP403/P404 analyst, UKAS accredited. Personal monitoring during work (PCM measurements). 4-stage clearance per HSG248. CAT <0.01 f/ml. Certificate of Reoccupation issued before re-entry.
    StandardControl of Asbestos Regs 2012 reg 20. HSG248 The analyst guide. UKAS ISO/IEC 17025. P403/P404 schemes.
    Common defectsSame firm doing the work and the clearance, independence breachedStage 3 only (no full 4-stage), visual deficiencies missedCAT result >0.01 f/ml accepted, non-compliant clearanceNo personal monitoring, operative exposure unknownReoccupation begun before certificate issued
  11. 11.
    Analyst appointed for clearance certificate
    What to look forIndependent analyst contracted in writing, UKAS accredited (ISO/IEC 17025), P403 / P404 individual qualifications. Independence from the licensed contractor (no commercial pressure). Reports retained for 40 years (CAR 2012 reg 19, exposure record).
    Acceptable whenIndependent analyst, UKAS accredited, P403/P404 staff. Written contract. Reports retained 40 years.
    StandardControl of Asbestos Regs 2012 reg 19, 20. ISO/IEC 17025. UKAS / HSE P403/P404.
    Common defectsAnalyst employed by the asbestos contractor, conflict of interestNon-UKAS lab used, analytical chain unreliableReports retained <40 years, record-keeping breachAnalyst not P403/P404 qualified, competence challenged

Questions people ask

When is a asbestos works permit needed?

Any work that may disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Licensed or non-licensed removal. A permit is the right control when the work is high risk, time-limited and depends on specific precautions being in place before it starts and being kept in place while it runs. It does not replace the RAMS; it sits on top of it for that shift. Guidance, not legal advice.

Who issues a permit to work?

An authorised person who is competent for that type of work and is not the one doing it. They walk the job, confirm each precaution, sign the permit, and hand it to the person in charge of the work, who accepts it by signature. Two names, two signatures, a start time and an expiry.

How long is a permit valid?

One shift, or a shorter stated period. If the conditions change, the permit is suspended, not stretched. A new day is a new permit, walked and signed again, because the site is not the same site it was yesterday.

What does critical mean on a precaution?

4 of the 11 precautions here are marked critical. If a critical precaution cannot be confirmed, the permit is not issued and the work does not start. The rest can be conditioned or noted; the critical ones cannot.

How is the permit closed out?

The person in charge hands it back when the work stops, the issuer checks the area is left safe, and both sign the close-out. For hot works that includes the fire watch period after the last spark. The closed permit is kept with the job file.

Issue it on a phone, close it out on a phone

The same 11 precautions with the guidance a tap away, issuer and acceptor signatures, start and expiry times, suspension, close-out and a branded PDF in the job file. 14 days free.

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