OHSS

06/05/2026

Ireland’s asbestos regulatory framework has undergone its most significant overhaul in nearly two decades.

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 2006–2025, together with new EU-level guidance and the HSA 2025 Code of Practice, introduce a far more stringent and preventative regime for managing asbestos risk.

These changes materially affect employers, building owners, managing agents, designers, contractors and asbestos removal companies. In short: the tolerance for unknown or unmanaged asbestos risk is gone.

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 2006–2025, together with new EU-level guidance and the HSA 2025 Code of Practice, introduce a far more stringent and preventative regime for managing asbestos risk.

30/04/2026

Asbestos regulations were tightened in 2023, with a significant reduction in the allowable level of airborne fibres coming fully into force at the end of 2025. The change reflects a growing body of evidence that even low-level exposure carries serious long-term health risks.

It wasn't an arbitrary policy shift; rather, the setting of a new standard for how asbestos gets handled on-site. The problem is that some Irish workplaces haven't fully caught up.

Asbestos Lurks in Older Buildings

Older buildings still contain asbestos, and routine work like maintenance or refurbishment can disturb it, putting everyone at risk of major health issues like asbestosis and mesothelioma. The current rules have brought down the acceptable levels by a great deal.

Asbestos regulations were tightened in 2023, with a significant reduction in the allowable level of airborne fibres coming fully into force at the end of 2025. The change reflects a growing body of evidence that even low-level exposure carries serious long-term health risks.

20/04/2026

In 2023, changes to asbestos regulations were agreed at the EU level, including a tenfold reduction in the allowable level of airborne fibres. Those changes are now in force following the December 2025 implementation deadline, which means the standard employers are expected to meet has officially changed.

In 2023, changes to asbestos regulations were agreed at the EU level, including a tenfold reduction in the allowable level of airborne fibres. Those changes are now in force following the December 2025 implementation deadline, which means the standard employers are expected to meet has officially ch...

15/04/2026

Although asbestos has been banned in Ireland since 2000, it remains widespread in buildings constructed or refurbished before 2004. Asbestos-related diseases have long latency periods and continue to cause significant mortality in Ireland. Asbestos is frequently encountered during refurbishment, retrofit, demolition, and brownfield redevelopment works, creating exposure, delay, and liability risks if not correctly identified and managed.

Although asbestos has been banned in Ireland since 2000, it remains widespread in buildings constructed or refurbished before 2004. Asbestos-related diseases have long latency periods and continue to cause significant mortality in Ireland. Asbestos is frequently encountered during refurbishment, ret...

13/04/2026

Asbestos is still a serious problem in Ireland. It's not being used in new housing today, but it's sitting in thousands of older buildings - in roofs, floor tiles, pipe lagging, insulation and cement sheets. The problems start when anyone starts drilling, cutting or demolishing the material.

Disturbed asbestos releases fibres you can't see. Breathe them in, and they stay there permanently, potentially leading to mesothelioma and asbestosis later on in life.

In 2023, the EPA published best practice guidance covering how the material should be handled during asbestos removal and disposal.

Asbestos is still a serious problem in Ireland. It's not being used in new housing today, but it's sitting in thousands of older buildings - in roofs, floor tiles, pipe lagging, insulation and cement sheets. The problems start when anyone starts drilling, cutting or demolishing the material.

04/04/2026

🌸🐣 Happy Easter! 🐣🌸
As we welcome the season of renewal and fresh beginnings, we’d like to take a moment to wish everyone a joyful and peaceful Easter.
May this time bring you and your loved ones happiness, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose—both personally and professionally.

At OHSS Safety Consultants, we’re grateful for the continued trust and collaboration of our clients, partners, and community. Here’s to growth, positivity, and success in the months ahead.
Wishing you a serene and joyful Easter! 🌼

29/03/2026

We are supporting Asbestos – Your Duty, a new campaign launched by Health and Safety Executive to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos and the legal duty to manage asbestos in buildings.

This video explains the steps to the duty to manage asbestos in buildings.https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/duty/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=referral&utm_ca...

23/03/2026

Asbestos is still a serious problem in Ireland. It's not being used in new housing today, but it's sitting in thousands of older buildings - in roofs, floor tiles, pipe lagging, insulation and cement sheets. The problems start when anyone starts drilling, cutting or demolishing the material.

Disturbed asbestos releases fibres you can't see. Breathe them in, and they stay there permanently, potentially leading to mesothelioma and asbestosis later on in life.

In 2023, the EPA published best practice guidance covering how the material should be handled during asbestos removal and disposal.

The Key Principles of Safe Asbestos Handling

Asbestos is still a serious problem in Ireland. It's not being used in new housing today, but it's sitting in thousands of older buildings - in roofs, floor tiles, pipe lagging, insulation and cement sheets. The problems start when anyone starts drilling, cutting or demolishing the material.

23/03/2026

Tesco Superstore in Ireland has recalled a number of toys sold across its stores after safety checks raised concerns that some products may contain asbestos. Customers who bought the affected items have been told to return them for a full refund.

While asbestos recalls are rare, they do happen, and they are typically implemented very quickly. Even a suspicion of contamination is enough to pull products from shelves - and rightly so, given what's at stake.

Tesco Superstore in Ireland has recalled a number of toys sold across its stores after safety checks raised concerns that some products may contain asbestos. Customers who bought the affected items have been told to return them for a full refund.

16/03/2026

Happy Saint Patrik's Day everyone!
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