New EU Guide: Asbestos Management at Work

The European Commission has adopted new measures to strengthen the protection of workers against asbestos. The package includes practical guidelines for applying the revised Directive and an updated European list of occupational diseases.

In a context where 75% of occupational cancers in the European Union are related to asbestos, the Commission is taking concrete steps to mitigate this risk. These measures follow the revision of the “Asbestos at Work” Directive in 2023 and aim to support companies—from building renovation to waste management—in complying with new, stricter exposure limits.

New Recognized Diseases

Based on the latest scientific evidence, the Commission has updated its Recommendation on occupational diseases. Companies must be aware of the official recognition of the following conditions caused by exposure to asbestos:

Cancer of the larynx;
Cancer of the ovary;
Pleural plaques with lung impairment;
Non-malignant pleural effusion.

Navigation Guide: Where to find critical information?

To support employers, H&S officers, and waste managers, the Commission has published an extensive and detailed guide. To facilitate consultation of this technical document (available for download below), we have mapped the essential chapters for operational compliance:

Chapter 2: Legal framework (pages 19 to 22);
Chapter 3: Information, communication, and consultation of workers (pages 23 to 32);
Chapter 6: Air monitoring (pages 73 to 84) – mandatory whenever asbestos exposure is identified;
Chapter 10: Health surveillance (pages 141 to 156);
Chapter 12: Waste management (pages 165 to 182);
Chapter 13: Buildings (pages 183 to 200) – focus on renovation and maintenance;
Chapter 15: Applicable to mining and quarrying industries;
Annex 4: Materials containing asbestos (pages 292 to 295);
Annex 10: Non-exhaustive list of vulnerable professions (pages 310 to 318);
Annex 12: Examples of warning signs (pages 320 and 321).

Obligations and Training

The new guidelines reinforce the need for specialized training, the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and strict decontamination procedures. Demolition, maintenance, and waste treatment companies must review their internal protocols in light of these recommendations.

Visit our news page to keep up to date with all legislative updates.