Legislation, Audits & Inspections14 min read•Published 17 August 2026

Asbestos Abatement Regulations 2020: Inventory & Removal in South Africa

Comprehensive compliance guide to the Asbestos Abatement Regulations (2020), detailing mandatory asbestos building inventories, Registered Asbestos Contractors (RAC), and disposal manifests.

Diba Environmental & Building PracticeSenior Asbestos & Environmental Auditors

Commercial building roof and partition walls undergoing certified asbestos inventory and abatement inspection

Mandatory asbestos inventory audits and Registered Asbestos Contractor oversight under the 2020 Regulations.

Direct Answer

Promulgated under the OHS Act, the Asbestos Abatement Regulations (2020) mandate that every building owner in South Africa must possess an Asbestos Inventory (Regulation 4) identifying all asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and review it every 24 months. All removal work (Type 2 and Type 3) must be performed by a registered contractor under an Approved Inspection Authority plan of work.

Mandatory Building Inventory: Every commercial, educational, and industrial facility must have a documented asbestos register.

24-Month Re-Inspection Cycle: Asbestos inventories must be updated every 2 years by a competent asbestos assessor.

Registered Asbestos Contractors (RAC): Only DoEL-registered RACs may perform structural asbestos demolition and roof sheeting removal.

Cradle-to-Grave Waste Tracking: Asbestos waste must be double-bagged in 200-micron plastic and disposed of at a licensed Class A landfill.

1. Scope of the Asbestos Abatement Regulations 2020

In May 2020, South Africa enacted the Asbestos Abatement Regulations, repealing legacy 2001 rules. The regulations place strict liability on property owners and employers to identify, label, and manage all asbestos materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to leave asbestos roof sheeting intact on a building?

No. If undamaged, asbestos can remain in place provided it is catalogued in a formal Asbestos Inventory and maintained in safe condition.

Written by Diba Environmental & Building PracticeVerified by Orlinda Pieterson

Senior Asbestos & Environmental Auditors • Registered Asbestos Assessor, SAIOH

Diba BES is a 100% Black Women-Owned, Level 1 B-BBEE provider delivering occupational health & safety consulting, accredited workplace training, and commercial workplace services across South Africa since 2003.

1. Scope of the Asbestos Abatement Regulations 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

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