Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, HSE sorts asbestos work into three categories (HSE licensing; HSE non-licensed work).
Licensed work
Most work with the higher-risk materials must be done by a contractor holding a licence from HSE. This typically includes work on sprayed coatings, pipe and boiler lagging, and most work on asbestos insulating board (HSE).
Notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW)
Some lower-risk work doesn't need a licence but must be notified to the relevant enforcing authority before it starts, with medical surveillance and records kept for workers (HSE).
Non-licensed work
Short, low-risk tasks on materials such as asbestos cement or textured coatings, done with the right controls. HSE's Asbestos Essentials task sheets show how (HSE).
What it means for you
If you're hiring someone, check whether your job is licensed work and, if so, that the contractor holds a current HSE licence. HSE publishes a list of licence holders. If in doubt, ask a surveyor to advise.