How Often Are Asbestos Medicals Required?
The interval depends on the category of work: at least every two years for licensable work, and at least every three years for notifiable non-licensed work. Here is how to keep everyone in date.
Two years or three years?
The routine examination interval is set by the type of asbestos work:
- Licensable work, a routine examination at least every 2 years, carried out by an HSE-appointed doctor.
- Notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW), a routine examination at least every 3 years.
These are maximum intervals for routine surveillance. A worker should also have an initial examination before starting the relevant work, and the examining doctor can ask for an earlier review if they consider it necessary.
- Licensed, routine
- at least every 2 years
- NNLW, routine
- at least every 3 years
- Before work starts
- Initial examination
- Doctor's discretion
- Earlier review if needed
From first medical to renewal
Initial examination
Before the worker begins licensable or notifiable non-licensed work.
Routine examinations
At the interval for the work: at least every 2 years for licensed work, or at least every 3 years for NNLW.
Earlier reviews if needed
The examining doctor may request an earlier examination based on their clinical judgement.
Keep records in date
Track renewal dates so certificates and health records stay current while the work continues.
Keeping a workforce in date
Across a team, renewal dates can quickly become hard to track, especially when workers join at different times. Planning surveillance around these dates avoids last-minute gaps that could hold up work.
- Record each worker's examination date and renewal due date
- Plan group bookings ahead of renewals where possible
- Confirm whether each role needs a licensed or NNLW medical
Frequency FAQs
For licensable work, routine medical examinations are required at least every 2 years, and must be carried out by an HSE-appointed doctor (a “relevant doctor” under the regulations).
For notifiable non-licensed work, routine medical examinations are required at least every 3 years. They may be carried out by a relevant doctor, which, for non-licensed work, can be a suitably registered medical practitioner holding a licence to practise, as well as an HSE-appointed doctor.
The difference follows the type of work. Licensable work requires a medical at least every 2 years by an HSE-appointed doctor. Notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW) requires a medical at least every 3 years, which a wider group of registered doctors can perform. A licensed-work medical is accepted for non-licensed work, but not the other way around.
Employers and contractors can arrange individual or group examinations through a corporate enquiry. Group surveillance can be planned around work schedules and renewal dates. Send the number of workers and the type of work involved and we can advise on the right type of medical.
Need to arrange an asbestos medical?
Tell us the type of work and how many people need examining. We will help you arrange the right medical surveillance and send a clear quotation.
Important: This page is general guidance about occupational asbestos medicals in the UK and is not medical or legal advice. It does not diagnose or treat any condition. Confirm your specific duties with a qualified occupational health professional or by consulting HSE guidance.