Licensed work involves the highest-risk forms of asbestos, where fibres can be released most easily into the air. Examples include most work with asbestos coatings, asbestos insulation and asbestos insulating board. If you or your workforce carry out licensed asbestos work, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) require medical surveillance by a doctor appointed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
CAR 2012 applies to self-employed people in the same way it applies to employers and employees, so a self-employed licensed asbestos worker has the same duty to arrange their own medical surveillance.
Who this is for
- Workers carrying out licensable work with asbestos coatings, asbestos insulation or asbestos insulating board
- Employees of HSE-licensed asbestos removal contractors
- Self-employed licensed asbestos workers
- Employers arranging medical surveillance for their licensed workforce
What's included
Your examination is carried out by an HSE-appointed doctor and includes a medical and occupational history (with particular reference to respiratory conditions, smoking, and previous exposure to asbestos or other dusts), a respiratory symptom questionnaire, a clinical examination focused on the respiratory system, and measurement of lung function (FEV1 and FVC). HSE guidance is clear that a routine chest X-ray is not automatically part of this examination; one is only requested where the doctor can justify it on individual clinical grounds. At the end of the examination, the doctor issues a certificate of medical examination to you and, where applicable, your employer.