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Is Non Licensed Cat B Training Sufficient for Asbestos Removal?

Home » Is Non Licensed Cat B Training Sufficient for Asbestos Removal?
is cat b sufficient for asbestos removal

Is Non Licensed Cat B Training Sufficient for Asbestos Removal?

When it comes to asbestos, knowing what training is needed for different types of work is critical – both for legal compliance and for keeping workers safe. One of the most common questions we hear is:

“Does Non Licensed Cat B training allow me to remove asbestos?”

The answer depends on the type of asbestos work being carried out.

Understanding Asbestos Work Categories

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, asbestos work is divided into two main categories:

1. Licensed Work

  • High-risk asbestos (e.g., pipe lagging, sprayed coatings, large-scale asbestos insulating board).
  • Must only be carried out by an HSE-licensed contractor.
  • Cat B training is not sufficient for this category.

2. Non-Licensed Work

  • Lower-risk asbestos (e.g., asbestos cement sheets, floor tiles, textured coatings).
  • Some of these tasks are classed as Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW), depending on the risk and level of disturbance.

What Does Non Licensed Cat B Cover?

Category B (Non-Licensed Asbestos Work) training is specifically designed for those carrying out:

  • Non-notifiable non-licensed asbestos works
  • Notifiable non-licensed asbestos works (NNLW)

The training includes:

  • Identifying different types of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)
  • Risk assessments and method statements
  • Safe removal and handling techniques
  • PPE and RPE requirements
  • Decontamination procedures
  • Waste management and disposal
  • Notification requirements for NNLW

When Non Licensed Cat B Is Sufficient

Cat B training is sufficient for:

  • Small-scale removal of asbestos cement products
  • Removing asbestos-containing floor tiles
  • Drilling through textured coatings
  • Small quantities of asbestos insulating board (AIB) where risk is lower

In these cases, the work may still need to be notified to the HSE or local authority if it meets NNLW thresholds – but Cat B training remains the right qualification.

When Non Licensed Cat B Is Not Enough

If the asbestos is friable, in poor condition, or involves large-scale disturbance (e.g., pipe lagging, loose insulation, sprayed coatings, extensive AIB removal), the work becomes licensed.

For licensed work, you must use a contractor with an HSE asbestos licence.

Competence and Proving Skills

While Cat B training gives operatives the knowledge to carry out non-licensed asbestos work safely, the HSE also expects employers to demonstrate competence.

This means workers must be able to show they can:

  • Apply their training in practice
  • Follow safe systems of work
  • Correctly use PPE/RPE
  • Handle and dispose of asbestos waste properly

For operatives regularly involved in asbestos removal and disposal, the recommended route is to undertake a qualification that proves competence, not just training.

NVQ in Removal of Hazardous Waste (Construction) – Hazardous Waste Pathway

This qualification:

  • Confirms skills through on-site assessment
  • Demonstrates formal competence to clients and regulators
  • Covers removal, transport, and disposal of asbestos-containing waste
  • Supports career progression and recognition under industry card schemes

Quick Reference Table

Type of WorkExamplesTraining RequiredCompetence Evidence
Licensed WorkPipe lagging, sprayed coatings, large AIB removalLicensed Contractor onlyLicense + specialist training
Non-Notifiable Non-Licensed WorkCement sheets, vinyl floor tiles, gasketsCat BTraining record + optional NVQ
Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW)Some AIB, damaged textured coatings, prolonged disturbance of ACMsCat BTraining record + NVQ strongly recommended

Key Takeaway

  • Cat B training is sufficient for all non-licensed asbestos removal, including both notifiable and non-notifiable works.
  • It does not permit work that falls into the licensed category.
  • To prove competence – particularly for notifiable work – completing the NVQ in Removal of Hazardous Waste (Construction) – Asbestos Pathway is the industry-recognised standard.
Book Your Training & NVQ Assessment

At Workforce Skills Support, we deliver:

Get in touch today to book your Cat B course or arrange an NVQ assessment and keep your workforce safe and compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cat B training be used to remove asbestos?

Yes, but only for non-licensed asbestos work, including both non-notifiable and notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW).

How do I know if the job is licensed or non-licensed?

Licensed work involves higher risk asbestos materials like loose fill, pipe lagging, sprayed coatings, Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB), or any large-scale removal project involving asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in poor condition. Non-licensed work is lower risk, such as cement sheets, floor tiles, textured coatings (Artex), or Small-scale maintenance tasks on ACMs in good condition.

How do I know if its Notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW)?

Some jobs that don’t require a full license and fall under NNLW but must be reported to the regulator before starting. This includes, larger amounts of asbestos cement removal, removal of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) that are slightly deteriorated, and certain tasks on textured coatings, the full requirements of this will be covered on the Cat B course.

What does Cat B training cover?

It covers asbestos identification, safe removal, PPE use, decontamination, waste disposal, and notification for NNLW.

When is Cat B training not enough?

If the asbestos is friable, in poor condition, or involves large-scale disturbance, the work must be done by a licensed contract

Do I need additional qualifications beyond Cat B?

For proving competence, especially on notifiable work, an NVQ in Removal of Hazardous Waste (Construction) – Asbestos Pathway is recommended.

How can I book Cat B training or an NVQ assessment?

Through Workforce Skills Support, offering IATP-approved Cat B courses and NVQ assessments.

You might also be interested in

CITB Short Qualification Grant – Find out how you can claim funding support for approved short qualifications to reduce training costs.

Statement – Clarification on course duration for the Level 2 Award in Asbestos Awareness – Clear guidance on course delivery timescales, funding, and why this regulated qualification stands above CPD alternatives.

ARCA AMI Skills Card – Industry-recognised card for asbestos professionals, proving competence and access to asbestos removal sites.

ACAD Skills Card – The official asbestos card from ACAD, supporting competence recognition and site access for asbestos workers.