Shall I remove asbestos containing materials if they are present in my premises?

Intact and undisturbed asbestos materials generally do not pose a health risk.

However, if you need to carry out maintenance, renovation, demolition or any other work in your premises, and the work will disturb asbestos containing materials, you must, before you start the work, remove the affected asbestos containing materials in accordance with the requirements of the Air Pollution Control Ordinance.

How can I comply with the Air Pollution Control Ordinance if I need to remove asbestos containing materials in my premises?

If you need to remove asbestos containing materials in your premises, or if you need to carry out any work which involves the use or handling of asbestos containing materials, you must:

1. employ a registered asbestos consultant to conduct an asbestos investigation and prepare an asbestos investigation report and an asbestos abatement plan for you;
   
   
2. submit the asbestos investigation report and the asbestos abatement plan to the Environmental Protection Department at least 28 days before you start work on the asbestos containing materials;
   
   
3. notify the Environmental Protection Department of the date of commencement of work on asbestos containing materials at least 28 days in advance;
   
   
4. employ a registered asbestos contractor to carry out the asbestos work in accordance with the asbestos abatement plan;
   
   
5. employ a registered asbestos consultant to supervise the implementation of the asbestos abatement plan and the work of the registered asbestos contractor; and
   
   
6. employ a registered asbestos laboratory to conduct sampling and analysis for the asbestos work.

Where can I find the registered asbestos consultants, contractors, supervisors and laboratories?

You can browse the registers of asbestos consultants, contractors, supervisors and laboratories at our website.  You can also inspect the registers at our Regional Offices and the Territorial Control Office free of charge during business hours.

Enquiries

Territorial Control Office

Environmental Protection Department

24th Floor, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Telephone: 2755 3554