As of 21 December 2025, updated requirements for working with asbestos came into force, clarifying employers' obligations and providing stricter protection for workers from dangerous asbestos fibres.
The Norwegian Labour Inspectorate stresses that the changes are aimed at reducing the risk of serious diseases related to asbestos exposure and ensuring that exposure is kept as low as possible.
What is important for companies to know?
???? Mandatory pre-work screening - When planning demolition, repair or renovation work, it is essential to assess in advance whether a building or structure may contain asbestos. This is particularly relevant for buildings constructed before 1985, but asbestos has been found in later buildings.
???? Strengthened duty to stop work - employers must stop work immediately if the permitted concentration of asbestos fibres is exceeded or if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that previously undetected asbestos-containing materials have been disturbed during the course of work.
???? The permissible exposure limit has been lowered considerably, with the maximum average concentration of asbestos fibres per 8 hours reduced from 0.1 to 0.01 fibres/cm³ - ten times stricter than before.
???? New requirements for protection and controls - the obligation to plan work in such a way that workers can take breaks while wearing respiratory protective equipment has been made clear. The requirements for post-work inspections, air tests and their documentation have also been strengthened.
???? More focus on training and information for workers - the rules on asbestos training have been updated and detailed, and employers must inform workers about accidental exposure and provide health checks in cases of long-term exposure.
???? Prohibition of the installation of asbestos-containing materials - it is clearly stated that it is prohibited to install or leave asbestos-containing materials in buildings or structures.
If your company is carrying out demolition, renovation or maintenance work and you have questions about whether asbestos risks are being managed in accordance with current regulations, Nord HMS can help you assess the situation and prepare for the work safely.