A contractor friend of mine is undertaking a refurb of old building and has come across approx. 40 raw plugs, in situ in the walls that are confirmed Amosite. However they have been given advice that the removal of these plugs is NOT notifiable which has made him a little worried. The task to remove these from the walls will take a lot longer than an hour and in my opinion would be notifiable and licenced asbestos removal needed. However he is being told different. Any Thoughts?

There is other HSE guidance relating to the removal of asbestos cement roofing sheets. The guidance gives an example of one typical household garage which is non-licensed work assuming the sheets are not overly damaged. However the guidance continues if there are several garages it now becomes licensed work. So, the issue is about quantity as well as the potential for friable fibres. If you said removing half a dozen raw plugs was non-licensed work, would that also apply to 40 or 400? Your guess is a good as mine but, by virtue the raw plugs will likely disturb the fabric of the wall I would be inclined to say these should be removed by a licensed contractor.