As more businesses look to reduce energy costs through solar installations, many are considering placing panels on existing asbestos cement roofing. However, this approach introduces significant legal and health risks under South Africa’s Asbestos Abatement Regulations (2020).
For organisations responsible for asbestos-containing materials, compliance is not optional. Incorrect handling can result in serious health risks, legal penalties, and long-term liability.
Through NOSA’s occupational hygiene services, delivered by Aspirata Auditing Testing and Certification (Pty) Ltd, we support businesses with compliant asbestos inventory, risk assessment, and management planning.
The Risk of Installing Solar Panels on Asbestos Roofs
The Department of Employment and Labour has raised concerns regarding building owners and contractors installing solar panels or “over-roofing” sheets onto existing asbestos cement roofs.
Any drilling, fastening, or modification of asbestos-containing materials can release hazardous fibres into the air. Even minimal disturbance – such as using existing screw holes – can increase the surface area of the material and elevate the risk of fibre release over time.
While some installation processes may attempt to control exposure during the work itself, the long-term risk remains. The asbestos material stays in place, often in a more compromised condition, increasing the likelihood of future exposure due to movement, weathering, or maintenance activities.
What the Law Says: Asbestos Abatement Regulations (2020)
The Asbestos Abatement Regulations aim to eliminate the risk to health posed by asbestos in the workplace.
Key requirements include:
- Employers must implement an asbestos management plan
- A final phase-out plan for asbestos-containing materials is required
- Certain activities involving asbestos are strictly prohibited
⚠️ Compliance Notice:
Departmental Inspectors have been instructed not to allow asbestos work that involves installing panels or sheeting onto existing asbestos roofs.
Additionally, installing solar panels or over-roofing systems over asbestos materials can restrict or completely prevent proper inspection and maintenance — further increasing non-compliance risks.
Why This Approach Is Non-Compliant
Installing solar panels on asbestos roofs goes against the intent of the regulations, which aim to progressively eliminate asbestos risks, not conceal or prolong them.
This approach can result in:
- Increased fibre release due to disturbance and abrasion
- Reduced ability to inspect and monitor asbestos condition
- Delayed or avoided asbestos removal (abatement)
- Greater long-term liability for building owners and employers
How NOSA Supports Asbestos Compliance
NOSA’s occupational hygiene services are delivered through Aspirata Auditing Testing and Certification (Pty) Ltd – a SANAS-accredited Occupational Hygiene Inspection Body (OH0246) and a Department of Employment and Labour Approved Inspection Authority.
We support businesses, property owners, and contractors with:
- Asbestos inventory, identification and registers
- Risk assessments
- Asbestos management plan guidance
- Ongoing monitoring and inspection
- Guidance on regulatory compliance and safe remediation strategies
This is particularly critical for organisations involved in roofing, solar installations, facilities management, and building maintenance where asbestos-containing materials may be present.
As one of the few SANAS-accredited providers conducting asbestos testing in South Africa, our team is equipped to guide you through every stage of compliance.
Next Steps: Start with an Asbestos Inventory
The first step in ensuring compliance is establishing a legally compliant asbestos inventory.
If your building contains – or may contain – asbestos materials, our team can assist with a comprehensive assessment and guide you through the next steps toward full compliance.
👉 Request an asbestos inventory assessment
👉 Speak to our occupational hygiene specialists
Ensuring proper asbestos management is not just about compliance — it’s about protecting your people, your business, and your future.
Updated: April 2026