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 emphasises that the changes are intended to reduce the risk of developing serious illnesses linked to exposure to asbestos and to ensure that such exposure is kept to a minimum.

What is important for businesses to know?

???? Mandatory pre-work inspection – when planning demolition, repair or renovation work, it is essential to assess in advance whether the building or its structures may contain asbestos. This is particularly relevant for buildings constructed before 1985, although asbestos has also been found in later structures.

???? Stricter obligation to suspend work – the employer must immediately suspend work if the permissible 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 work.

???? The permissible exposure limit has been significantly reduced – the maximum average concentration of asbestos fibres over an 8-hour period has been reduced from 0.1 to 0.01 fibres/cm³ – a limit ten times stricter than before.

???? New requirements for protection and monitoring – a clear obligation has been established to organise work in such a way that employees can take breaks whilst wearing respiratory protective equipment. Requirements for post-work checks, air sampling and the documentation of these have also been tightened.

???? Greater focus on training and information for employees – updated and more detailed rules on training for working with asbestos, and employers must inform employees about accidental exposure and ensure health checks are carried out in cases of long-term exposure.

???? Prohibition on the installation of materials containing asbestos – it is clearly stipulated that it is prohibited to install or leave materials containing asbestos in buildings or structures.

If your company carries out demolition, renovation or maintenance work and you have any questions about whether asbestos risks are being managed in accordance with current regulations, Nord HMS can help you assess the situation and prepare to carry out the work safely.