New asbestos regulations – how to comply with the requirements of AFS 2025:6

Asbestos remains one of the most serious occupational health and safety risks in Sweden. Although the use of asbestos was banned as early as the 1980s, the material is still present in many older buildings and installations. During renovation, demolition, and maintenance, asbestos fibers can be released and cause serious illnesses. For this reason, the Swedish Work Environment Authority has clear requirements for how work where asbestos may be present should be handled.

Under the new regulations set forth in AFS 2025:6, the requirements regarding training, responsibility, and documentation have been clarified. It is crucial for employers and professionals to ensure that the proper asbestos training is completed before work begins.

What do the new asbestos regulations under AFS 2025:6 entail?

AFS 2025:6 is an amendment to AFS 2023:13 and aims to clarify how to prevent risks when working with or near asbestos. A key component of the regulations is the requirement for asbestos training.

Among other things, the new rules mean that:

• Training must be completed before work where asbestos may be present

• The training must be tailored to the job duties

• The employer is responsible for ensuring that knowledge is put into practice

• Completed training and practical supplementary training must be documented

When is asbestos training required?

Asbestos training is required for anyone who may come into contact with asbestos in the course of their work, for example when:

• Work in Older Buildings

• Property Management and Technical Maintenance

• Construction, Demolition, and Installation Work

• Industrial environments where older materials are present

Supervisors and managers who plan or lead such work are also subject to this requirement.

What is a basic course on asbestos?

A basic asbestos course, also known as general asbestos training, provides participants with the theoretical knowledge required under the Swedish Work Environment Authority’s regulations. The course covers, among other things:

• What Asbestos Is and Where It Can Be Found

• Health Risks and Routes of Exposure

• Regulations and Responsibilities

• Basic Risk Identification

• How to Prevent Exposure

This training is a basic requirement and does not replace specialized training in asbestos removal.

Digital Asbestos Training—What Is It Good For?

A digital introductory course on asbestos is an effective and flexible solution. The digital training may include practical elements, such as how to identify asbestos risks and how to avoid improper handling.

At the same time, it is important to note that the employer is always responsible for supplementing digital training with practical components tailored to the workplace, such as by reviewing actual work environments, procedures, and safety measures.

How to Ensure Compliance with the Requirements

To comply with the requirements of AFS 2025:6, the employer should ensure that:

1. Employees are taking a basic course on asbestos

2. Practical training takes place at the workplace

3. Responsibilities and procedures are clearly defined

4. Training and practical experience are documented

Sign Up for the Basic Asbestos Course

APV Utbildarna i Sverige AB (Kravkompetens) offers a general introductory course on asbestos that is up to date with current regulations and tailored to today’s workplace safety and documentation requirements.

👉 Sign up for the general asbestos training course here