Asbestos -

Asbestos Roofing Laws in South Africa Summary of Key Regulations (As of 2026)

1. Background and Ban

South Africa banned the use, manufacture, import, and export of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in 2008.

Existing asbestos roofing (typically asbestos cement sheets) is not banned and can remain in place if it is in good, stable condition and properly maintained.
There is no mandatory nationwide removal deadline for existing roofs, but the National Asbestos Management Strategy aims for an asbestos-risk-free environment by 2030.
The primary legislation is the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) 85 of 1993 and the Asbestos Abatement Regulations, 2020 (as amended in 2024).

2. Types of Asbestos Work (Relevant to Roofing)

The regulations define three types of work:

Type 1 (Low risk, no registration needed): Painting asbestos cement products without surface preparation (no sanding, scraping, or power tools) or removal of less than 10 m² of asbestos cement products (e.g., small repairs), provided it is not repeated on the same site within 6 months.
Type 2: Repair or encapsulation of asbestos cement products; removal of larger amounts of asbestos cement sheets.
Type 3: Any higher-risk removal, repair, or work on friable (easily crumbled) asbestos materials.

Only registered asbestos contractors may perform Type 2 and Type 3 work.

3. What You MAY Do

Leave existing stable asbestos roofs in place — if undamaged and well-maintained. This is explicitly permitted.
Encapsulate the roof – this process is done by encapsulation companies – specialist service.
Sell or transfer property with asbestos roofs — disclosure is mandatory in the mandatory disclosure form for residential properties.

4. What You MAY NOT Do (Prohibitions)

Recent amendments (2024) have tightened rules significantly:

No DIY removal or major work by homeowners or unlicensed persons. Only registered contractors for anything beyond very minor Type 1 work.
No drilling, cutting, grinding, sawing, attaching or modifying asbestos roofing sheets (increases fibre release dramatically).
No use of electrical power tools (angle grinders, drills, etc.) on asbestos materials. Slow-moving tools are restricted and generally only allowed as part of licensed removal.
No installing fittings, solar panels, over-roofing sheets, or any structures directly onto asbestos roofs if it involves drilling, screwing, or disturbing the material.
No cleaning/preparing surfaces by brushing, washing, water-jetting, or abrading before painting or encapsulation.
No demolition of buildings containing asbestos without first safely removing the asbestos.
No sale, reuse, recycling, or reinstallation of removed asbestos materials.
No improper disposal — asbestos waste is hazardous and must go to approved sites following strict packaging, labelling, and transport rules.

Penalties for non-compliance can include fines (up to R100,000+ mentioned in some sources) and potential imprisonment.

5. Responsibilities for Property Owners / Employers

Identify and inventory all asbestos in buildings (especially if it’s a workplace).
Conduct risk assessments to assess roof quality
Maintain materials in good condition or replace with metal.
For workplaces: Full Asbestos Management Plan required.

6. Best Practice Recommendations

Leave intact, stable asbestos roofs alone wherever possible — disturbance is the main risk.
For encapsulation, replacement : Always hire a registered asbestos contractor (Type 2/3).
Get professional inspection and clearance certificates where required.
When selling: Fully disclose the presence of asbestos roofing.

Important Note: This is a summary for general information. Laws can be complex and situation-specific (residential vs commercial, scale of work). Always consult the official Asbestos Abatement Regulations 2020 (Department of Employment and Labour) and engage a registered professional or legal advisor for your specific case.

For official documents, visit the Department of Employment and Labour website (labour.gov.za).