The Health and Safety Executive has published its latest review of Great Britain’s asbestos control limit, and the outcome is significant for every organisation that manages, maintains, or works on buildings where asbestos may be present.
After assessing international scientific evidence, workplace data, and technical considerations, the HSE has confirmed that the current asbestos control limit will remain at 0.1 fibres per millilitre, measured as a four hour time weighted average. Although the European Union has chosen to reduce its own occupational exposure limit, the HSE concluded that lowering the limit in Great Britain would not currently improve health outcomes or reduce exposure risk.
Instead, the review emphasises something we at MBO Safety Services have long championed: training, competence, and effective site discipline are the most powerful tools for reducing asbestos exposure.
What This Means for Businesses
The HSE’s findings carry several important implications for UK businesses:
- The regulatory framework remains unchanged, but expectations around compliance and competence remain high. Organisations must continue to ensure that exposure is kept as low as reasonably practicable.
- Lowering the control limit would have pushed most asbestos related work into licensable territory, significantly increasing operational costs for many businesses. The decision not to change the limit avoids this immediate financial impact.
- Measurement challenges at lower exposure levels were highlighted. This means that businesses must rely even more on robust management systems, not just numerical thresholds.
- Training and worker behaviour are key. The HSE explicitly stated that competence and discipline have a greater influence on safety outcomes than adjusting the numerical limit.
- Asbestos management remains a long term responsibility. With the EU planning a further review in 2029, businesses should expect continued scrutiny and evolving expectations.
In short, the message is clear: the law may not be changing, but the responsibility to manage asbestos safely is as critical as ever.
How MBO Safety Services Supports You
At MBO Safety Services, we help businesses meet their asbestos responsibilities with confidence, clarity, and competence. Whether you manage a single site or a large property portfolio, our services ensure you remain compliant while protecting your workforce and contractors.
Our Asbestos Training
Our UKATA asbestos awareness course which is taking place on 11 June 2026 as well as non-licensed asbestos training courses give your teams the knowledge they need to work safely. We focus on practical understanding, real world scenarios, and the behaviours that genuinely reduce risk. This aligns directly with the HSE’s findings that competence and training are the strongest defences against exposure.
Our Asbestos Surveys
We provide professional asbestos surveys, including management surveys and refurbishment or demolition surveys. Our reports are clear, detailed, and designed to support effective decision making. Identifying asbestos accurately is the foundation of safe management, and our experienced surveyors ensure nothing is overlooked.
Moving Forward with Confidence
The HSE’s review reinforces the importance of strong asbestos management rather than changes to exposure limits. For businesses, this is an opportunity to refocus on training, competence, and proactive control measures.
MBO Safety Services is here to support you every step of the way. If you would like to strengthen your asbestos management approach, explore training options, or arrange a survey, simply get in touch with our team on 08000 842 297 or info@mbo.ltd