Asbestos is a material widely used in construction and shipbuilding until 1994. Since then it has been illegal in the Netherlands to trade and use asbestos because working with it is dangerous and unhealthy and poses an increased risk of cancer and asbestosis (a form of pulmonary fibrosis).
Read more about the properties and risks of asbestos
Despite the ban on asbestos use it is still found in buildings and objects before 1994 and sometimes in ships which were constructed after 1994 as well. Asbestos is dangerous when its fibres are released. This can happen due to sawing, sanding, drilling or breaking, as well as through ageing or the weathering of materials, such as corrugated sheets. There is an increased risk of hazardous asbestos fibres being released during renovation, demolition and installation work. Companies that intend to remove asbestos are required to notify the Netherlands Labour Authority in advance. The Authority also checks whether the certified company has removed the asbestos safely.
Report asbestos removal at least 2 days before work starts
An asbestos survey (checking for the presence of asbestos) is always mandatory when working on buildings and objects dating from before 1994, and on ships. The party that commissions the work is primarily responsible for arranging this. However, employers also bear a responsibility for the safety of the workers involved.
An asbestos survey must be carried out by a certified asbestos survey company that will produce a report stating whether, how much and what kind of asbestos is present.
If asbestos is found, it must be removed before other work can proceed. The removal of asbestos is subject to strict regulations and the removal or demolition company must report the asbestos removal operation to the Netherlands Labour Authority at least 2 days before it starts, using an online reporting form (Dutch). This notification to the Labour Authority is slightly different from the demolition notification made to the competent (environmental) authority.
Strict controls
Despite the dangers asbestos is still frequently removed in a way which is unsafe, even by certified asbestos removal companies. This is a problem which the Netherlands Labour Authority is actively tackling, for example by deploying special inspectors to make daily unannounced inspections at demolition or renovation sites. These inspectors have the power to stop demolition or removal work immediately if necessary.
High fines and heavy penalties
The Authority is cracking down on unsafe asbestos removal and companies that remove asbestos without the necessary safety measures in place can face hefty fines. As a consequence, non-compliance with the asbestos-related rules could put a company out of business. The Netherlands Labour Authority also publishes the details of companies that have committed a severe or serious asbestos violation (Dutch).
More information
Overview of asbestos offenders
Health risks facing asbestos workers (Dutch - video)
Information about asbestos can be found at arboportaal.nl (Dutch).
Dutch Institute for Asbestos Victims: compensation for asbestos victims.
Knowledge platform - Municipal Health Service (GGD) guidelines on asbestos in buildings (Dutch).