Asbestos Building Demolition in Warsaw - Safe Procedures and Legal Requirements (2025)

Introduction

Demolishing buildings containing asbestos is one of the biggest challenges in the demolition industry, especially in Warsaw, where many buildings constructed between the 1960s and 1990s contain this hazardous material. In 2025, stricter regulations regarding asbestos removal are in force, introduced by the amendment to the Act on the prohibition of using products containing asbestos from late 2023.

This guide presents comprehensive procedures for safely demolishing buildings containing asbestos, in accordance with current legal and environmental requirements applicable in Warsaw and throughout Poland.

Asbestos Identification in Buildings

Mandatory Inventory

Before beginning any demolition work, it is necessary to conduct a detailed asbestos inventory. Since 2024, every inventory must be carried out by a certified specialist with qualifications from the Ministry of Development and Technology.

Building elements that most commonly contain asbestos include:

• Roofing (corrugated sheets, so-called eternit)
• Facades (flat asbestos-cement sheets)
• Pipe and duct insulation
• Partition walls (asbestos-cement boards)
• Ventilation systems
• Flooring (PVC tiles containing asbestos)
• Fire protection insulation

Laboratory Testing

In case of doubt about the asbestos content in a given material, laboratory testing is necessary. In Warsaw, accredited laboratories performing such tests include:

• Central Laboratory of Environmental Protection
• National Institute of Public Health Laboratory
• Mazovian Center for Environmental Analysis

Formal and Legal Requirements (Current for 2025)

Required Permits and Notifications

1. Notification to the Department of Architecture and Construction of the appropriate Warsaw district (minimum 21 days before planned commencement of works)
2. Building (demolition) permit - required for structures with a volume exceeding 1000 m³
3. Notification to the Voivodeship Inspectorate of Environmental Protection - minimum 7 days before commencement of works
4. Notification to the State Labor Inspectorate - minimum 7 days before commencement of works
5. Notification to the Sanitary Inspectorate - minimum 7 days before commencement of works
6. Safe Asbestos-Containing Products Removal Plan

Current Documentation

According to new regulations from 2024, the following documentation must be prepared:

1. Assessment of the condition and possibilities for safe use of products containing asbestos
2. Asbestos removal work plan
3. Hazardous waste management program
4. Employee training program
5. Detailed work schedule
6. Environmental protection plan against asbestos contamination
7. Air monitoring plan

Safe Procedures for Demolishing Buildings with Asbestos

1. Site Preparation and Safeguards

• Fencing and marking of the work zone (minimum 10-15 m from the building)
• Setting up warning signs
• Preparation of sanitary airlocks for workers
• Installation of sprinkler systems to reduce the emission of asbestos fibers
• Securing window and door openings of neighboring buildings
• Installation of foil shields to protect against dusting

2. Personal Protective Equipment for Workers

All workers must be equipped with:

• Disposable TYVEK coveralls with hood (class 3)
• Masks with HEPA P3 filters
• Nitrile gloves
• Protective footwear with shields
• Protective goggles

3. Removal of Elements Containing Asbestos

According to the latest guidelines from 2025, the recommended method is:

• Manual disassembly using slow-rotating tools
• Continuous spraying with water containing a surfactant
• Immediate packaging of dismantled elements in double foil with a thickness of at least 0.2 mm
• Labeling in accordance with hazardous waste regulations
• Securing packages against mechanical damage

4. Transport and Disposal

• Transport may only be carried out by companies authorized to transport hazardous waste
• A waste transfer card is required
• Asbestos must be transported to specialized hazardous waste landfills

In Mazovian Voivodeship, legal asbestos landfills are located in:

• Rachocin (Sierpc municipality)
• Kraśnica (Wiskitki municipality)

5. Monitoring and Cleanliness Control

After completing demolition works:

• Mandatory air cleanliness tests (measurement of asbestos fiber concentration)
• Certificate of site cleanliness is required
• Visual inspection by a supervision inspector

Financing Asbestos Removal in Warsaw (2025)

Available Grant Programs

1. Municipal Asbestos Removal Program - subsidy of up to 100% of dismantling, transport, and disposal costs (up to 40,000 PLN)
2. Voivodeship Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management - subsidy of up to 85% of eligible costs
3. "Clean Air" Program - additional bonuses for replacing asbestos roof coverings combined with thermal modernization
4. Tax relief for companies - since January 2024, possibility to deduct 120% of asbestos removal costs from the tax base

Grant Application Procedure

1. Application must be submitted before starting work
2. Inventory of asbestos products required
3. Necessity to cooperate with companies having appropriate qualifications
4. Grant settlement within 30 days of completing the work

Choosing a Contractor

Required Qualifications

Since 2024, companies performing demolition work with asbestos must meet elevated requirements:

1. Decision of the Voivodeship Marshal permitting the production of hazardous waste
2. Entry in the Database on Products and Packaging and Waste Management (BDO)
3. Minimum 5 years of experience in asbestos removal
4. Team trained in health and safety for asbestos work (training updated every 12 months)
5. ISO 14001 certificate (environmental management)
6. ISO 45001 certificate (health and safety management)

Contractor Verification

Before signing a contract with a contractor, verify:

• Validity of all qualifications and decisions
• References from similar projects
• Liability insurance (min. 1 million PLN)
• Specialized equipment owned by the company

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

1. Incomplete inventory - always commission tests for all suspicious materials
2. Insufficient safeguards - require a detailed safeguard plan from the contractor
3. Lack of air monitoring - monitoring should be conducted before, during, and after the works
4. Improper waste packaging - check if the contractor uses double packaging and proper labeling
5. Documentation problems - ensure you receive a complete set of documents after completing the works

Warsaw Special Requirements

As an urban agglomeration, Warsaw has additional requirements, introduced by the Warsaw City Council resolution from 2024:

1. Additional time restrictions - ban on work on weekends and between 6:00 PM and 8:00 AM
2. Online monitoring - obligation to install cameras with live transmission for city services
3. Increased frequency of fiber concentration measurements - minimum 3 times a day
4. Higher penalties for violations - up to 500,000 PLN for non-compliance with procedures

Summary

Demolishing buildings containing asbestos requires a professional approach, strict adherence to procedures, and cooperation with experienced specialists. It is crucial to carefully plan the entire process, obtain all required permits, and choose an appropriately qualified contractor.

Remember that non-compliance with asbestos removal procedures may result not only in high financial penalties but, above all, poses a serious threat to the health of workers, residents of neighboring buildings, and the natural environment.

If you have additional questions regarding the demolition of buildings with asbestos in Warsaw, we encourage you to contact our specialists who provide professional advice and assistance.