Asbestos removal
Asbestos removal – how it works and where to start
Before asbestos is removed, you need to know where it is. Across the EU, asbestos work is governed by worker-protection rules (Directive 2009/148/EC and the national laws that implement it), and the work is done by qualified removal contractors. Semlab handles the laboratory part: material analysis with JEOL SEM-EDS to ISO 22262-1.
How asbestos removal works
- Asbestos survey – materials that may contain asbestos are inspected and sampled
- Material analysis – the laboratory (Semlab) identifies the asbestos with the JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope
- Work plan – the removal contractor plans the work based on the results
- Contact with the authorities – before work starts, the removal contractor handles whatever the national rules require
- Removal – in a sealed-off area under negative pressure, with respiratory protection and protective clothing
- Air measurements – during the work and at the final inspection
- Final cleaning and inspection – before the rooms are returned to normal use
Rules and responsibilities
Across the EU, work with asbestos is governed by Directive 2009/148/EC on the protection of workers from asbestos and the national rules that implement it. National rules differ, so check with your country's occupational safety authority. Only companies and people who meet the requirements may remove asbestos, and as the client you should check that the removal contractor has the necessary qualifications. Asbestos waste is hazardous waste – ask your local authority how to dispose of it correctly. Under the updated EU asbestos directive (Directive (EU) 2023/2668), a binding limit value of 0.01 fibres/cm³ applies to all asbestos work from 21 December 2025 at the latest.
When is asbestos removal needed?
- Renovating or altering buildings built or renovated before the asbestos ban (2005 EU-wide, earlier in many countries)
- Removing old vinyl floor tiles, PVC flooring, pipe insulation or roofing felt
- Removing asbestos-cement facade panels
- Demolishing an entire building
- Converting industrial buildings
Semlab's role in asbestos removal
Semlab handles the laboratory part. We analyse material samples with the JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope to ISO 22262-1 and email the report the day the sample arrives. The report shows which materials contain asbestos, so you and the removal contractor know what needs to be removed.
FAQ
Have materials analysed before removal
Material samples analysed with JEOL SEM-EDS, result the day the sample arrives.