Asbestos is still present in many buildings and infrastructures across Europe, putting workers at risk during demolition, refurbishment, maintenance and waste management. The European Commission’s Guidelines for managing asbestos-related health and safety risks at work, published in December 2025, offer practical advice on how to identify and manage these risks.
Although asbestos use is banned in the EU, materials containing it remain widespread in older buildings and infrastructure. When disturbed, they can release fibres into the air that, if inhaled, may cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. Symptoms can take decades to develop, making it essential to prevent exposure before work begins.
The guidelines explain how employers, workers and occupational safety professionals can manage asbestos-related risks and apply EU health and safety requirements. They address different workplace situations, including activities in which asbestos may be encountered unexpectedly, and provide practical examples to support safer working practices.
The document also reflects developments in scientific knowledge and EU legislation, including the revision of the Asbestos at Work Directive in 2023. It serves as a reference for organisations working with asbestos-containing materials and those responsible for protecting workers from exposure.
Read and download the full guidelines: Guidelines for managing asbestos-related health and safety risks at work and read the EDI Guide about Asbestos.