Information on Asbestos
Updates on Demolition Work Involving Asbestos in Low- or Medium-Risk Areas
What has changed?
The legislature has made amendments to the Hazardous Substances Ordinance regarding the handling of asbestos during demolition, renovation, and maintenance work, which will take effect as early as 2026.
Businesses that perform demolition work in areas classified as low or medium asbestos risk must obtain a permit in accordance with Section 11a(4a) of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV) by December 19, 2026, at the latest. For businesses located in the Ludwigsburg district, the permit is issued by Department 24, Trade Inspection.
Commencing demolition work without a valid permit constitutes an administrative offense.
Businesses that already hold a license for high-asbestos-risk activities (licenses are issued by the regional councils) do not require a separate permit under the new regulations, as this is covered by their existing license.
How do I obtain my permit?
You must submit an informal application to the Ludwigsburg District Office:
Department 24, Trade and Industry Supervision
P.O. Box 760
71607 Ludwigsburg
or email gewerbeaufsicht[at]landkreis-ludwigsburg.de
Only businesses located within the Ludwigsburg district may submit an application to the Ludwigsburg District Office. Businesses not located in the Ludwigsburg district must contact their respective county or city office.
What documents do I need for my application?
- The company’s name and address, as well as the name of the business owner, managing director, general partner, or board member.
- You must submit a new company-specific notification in accordance with Appendix 1.1 of TRGS 519. This applies even if you have previously submitted a company-specific notification.
- You must designate your qualified and responsible person or persons who are in charge of all asbestos-related tasks at your company.
- You must designate the expert who will conduct on-site supervision at the construction site (supervising person).
- You must designate your qualified employees who handle asbestos.
- Proof of training and, if applicable, proof of refresher training in accordance with TRGS 519, Annexes 3, 4, and 5, for the responsible person and the supervising person (both of whom are qualified individuals) must be included.
- Proof of expertise or of the basic knowledge acquired in handling asbestos for the employees must be included.
- Your operating instructions, prepared in accordance with the principles of TRGS 555, must be included.
- Your general risk assessment and your general work plan must be included.
- The employees’ occupational health examination records must be included.
Once you have compiled all the documents, you can send them to the Labor Inspectorate with a request for approval.
Is there anything else to keep in mind regarding technical and professional expertise?
Yes, there are also changes in this area.
Certificate of Professional Competence
Under the new Hazardous Substances Ordinance, proof of professional competence (see TRGS 519 No. 2.16) is mandatory for all employees who handle asbestos. This certification can be obtained through a recognized training course offered by a certified training provider or as part of an in-house training program. In-house training for professional competence may only be conducted by a person who themselves holds full, officially recognized expertise in accordance with TRGS 519. The content and scope of the in-house training must comply with the official guidelines for “Basic Knowledge of Asbestos.” The content and scope of the in-house training must be documented and form part of the certification.
Some workers’ compensation associations also offer an e-learning course for acquiring specialized knowledge. If e-learning is a suitable option for your employees, you should check with your workers’ compensation association regarding the conditions for participation.
There is a transition period until December 5, 2027, for providing proof of specialized knowledge or basic knowledge.
If your employees do not yet have proof of qualification, you must indicate in your application that you will submit the documents by December 5, 2027. If the documents are not submitted on time, your authorization will automatically expire.
Responsible Person
The term “responsible person” is a relatively new concept in the context of asbestos management.
The responsible person (see TRGS 519 No. 2.14) has the responsibility and authority to plan protective measures, procure the necessary equipment, and ensure it is in working order, as well as to provide instructions for implementing protective measures during the performance of work activities and to prepare the risk assessment.
The responsible person may also supervise operations on-site and may coordinate efforts when working with other employees. The responsible person must be employed by the respective company. The responsible person may also simultaneously serve as the supervisor. The responsible person must possess the expertise specified in Annex 4 of TRGS 519.
A transition period applies until December 5, 2027.
If you still need to train your responsible person, please indicate this in your application. If the documents are not submitted by the end of the transition period, your permit will automatically expire.
Supervising Person
The supervising person (TRGS No. 2.15) supervises the performance of asbestos-related activities on-site with the authority to issue instructions and must be present on-site at all times while the activities are being carried out. This person must be familiar with the work, the hazards involved, and the necessary protective measures. The supervising person must possess the expertise required under Annex 4 of TRGS 519. In this context, the previously obtained certificate of expertise—commonly referred to as the “small asbestos certificate”—remains valid. The 6-year mandatory refresher training requirement must be observed by all holders of the “small asbestos certificate.”
As before, no work involving asbestos may take place on the construction site without the presence of a qualified person (holder of the “small asbestos certificate”).
Is the permit free of charge?
Unfortunately, no. We charge a processing fee for the permit, which will range from €400 to €600, depending on the amount of work involved.
