As a self-employed person running a sole proprietorship, you fall under regional environmental legislation. You are not required to comply with the employer obligations of the federal Workplace Wellbeing Codex, but you must follow certain precautionary measures, which may vary by region.

  • When working in the presence of asbestos, strict prohibitions apply.

    It is forbidden to:

    • Reuse asbestos-containing materials

    • Encapsulate them again

    • Create dust by sanding, breaking, or throwing

    Installing solar panels or additional roofing on an asbestos-cement roof or facade is also not allowed.

    To prevent asbestos fibers from being released, you cannot use high-speed mechanical tools such as drills, grinders, or saws. The same applies to high-pressure washers, compressors, or dry blasting equipment.

    Furthermore, work that carries a risk of asbestos fiber exposure cannot be outsourced to temporary workers, young workers, student workers, or interns.

  • If you see that asbestos-containing material is damaged, brittle, or crumbling, removal is mandatory.

    Until it is actually removed, you may temporarily secure or encapsulate it to reduce risks. However, this is not a permanent solution—long-term encapsulation is prohibited.

    Asbestos that is in good condition does not need to be removed immediately, but prevention is better than cure. The worse the condition of the material, the more expensive and complicated removal becomes.

    Check here for the specific rules per region.

     

  • The Public Waste Agency of Flanders (OVAM) provides specific guidelines for professionals who regularly work with asbestos.

    Under the campaign “Be alert for asbestos”, clear professional brochures have been developed for installers, roofers, and painters, among others.
    These guides provide practical tips and safety rules for those working in the field.

  • An asbestos inventory is a document that specifies exactly where asbestos-containing materials are located in a building, their condition, and how to handle them safely.

    Since 1995, every employer is required to have such an inventory for buildings where employees are active. This inventory must be updated annually.

    When a private individual hires you to carry out work, they do not need to provide an asbestos inventory—it is your responsibility as the employer. Before starting work, it is crucial to determine whether asbestos may be present and which precautionary measures are needed.