In Flanders, private individuals are allowed to remove asbestos under certain conditions
Here are the key rules and requirements you must follow:
Only Bonded Asbestos
You are only permitted to remove bonded asbestos yourself. This means the asbestos fibers are firmly embedded in another material, such as corrugated roofing sheets or old slate tiles. This type of asbestos releases fewer fibers when handled properly.
Loose (non-bonded) asbestos—like asbestos rope or certain insulation materials—must not be removed by individuals. This type releases fibers very easily and must be handled by a certified asbestos removal company.
Maximum Quantity
You can only remove a limited amount of asbestos yourself—usually a few hundred kilograms per year. This limit may vary by municipality, so it’s essential to check with your local authorities for specific regulations.
Use of Protective Equipment
Proper protection is critical to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers. This includes:
Wearing an FFP3 respirator mask
Using disposable overalls and gloves
Avoiding any actions that create dust, such as cutting or breaking asbestos materials
Packaging and Transport
Asbestos waste must be correctly packaged:
It must be double-wrapped in thick, airtight asbestos plastic or bags
Packages must be clearly labeled with “asbestos”
You can then bring the waste to a certified recycling center that accepts asbestos
Be sure to contact the center in advance to check whether they accept your type of asbestos waste and if there are specific procedures to follow.
Notify Your Municipality
In some cases, you may be required to inform your local municipality before starting removal work. This requirement can vary, so always check with your local government.
Be Aware of the Health Risks
Even if you are allowed to remove certain types of asbestos, you must remain extremely cautious. Asbestos fibers are highly dangerous and can cause serious health conditions like asbestosis and lung cancer.
Subsidies and Support
Flanders offers financial support and subsidies for asbestos removal—especially when using certified contractors. One example is the asbestos removal grant (asbestafbouwpremie), available in specific situations. Check with your municipality or the Flemish government for more details.
Conclusion
By meeting all these conditions, private individuals in Flanders can remove certain types of asbestos safely and legally.
In the attached OVAM video, you'll see how the world-famous Roger removes asbestos-containing corrugated sheets.
Keep in mind: not all corrugated sheets or suspicious materials actually contain asbestos!
Asbestspotter can help you identify asbestos-containing materials—saving you unnecessary costs and effort.
Asbestspotter can help you identify asbestos-containing materials—saving you unnecessary costs and effort.
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