석면안전관리법

Article 1Purpose

The purpose of this Act is to protect citizens from harm to their health by asbestos and enable citizens to live in a healthier and more comfortable environment by ensuring the safe management of asbestos.

Article 2Definitions

The terms used in this Act are defined as follows: <Amended on May 29, 2016; May 26, 2020; Oct. 1, 2025>1. "Asbestos" means a substance prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, among naturally occurring silicate minerals in a fibrous form;2. "Asbestos-containing product" means a product that contains asbestos, excluding products made by processing and transforming materials suspected of containing asbestos under Article 11 (1);3. "Development project" means any of the following projects that is executed with approval, a permit, license, or similar disposition by the central government or a local government (including acceptance of a report; hereinafter referred to as "approval, etc.") and that is specified by Presidential Decree as one in which asbestos is scattered or is likely to be scattered:a. A project subject to environmental impact assessment under Article 22 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act;b. A project subject to mini environmental impact assessment under Article 43 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act;c. Other project in which the management of asbestos is required in the construction of a building or the collection of soil and rocks;4. "Approval authority" means an authority that has the power to grant approval, etc. for a development project;5. "Building asbestos map" means a map that indicates the location, area, and state of asbestos-containing materials in the ceiling, floor, walls, pipes, and fences of a building;6. "Asbestos building materials" means building materials containing asbestos as specified by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.

Article 3Responsibilities of the State and other entities

(1) The central government and each local government shall formulate and implement policies necessary for the safety management of asbestos in order to prevent harms caused by asbestos to the environment and the health of citizens.

(2) A business entity shall take measures necessary for preventing harms causable by asbestos to the environment and the health of citizens in the course of its business activities and shall participate and cooperate actively in policies of the central government and each local government.

(3) All citizens shall cooperate actively with the central government and each local government so that policies formulated and implemented thereby can be carried out smoothly.

Article 4Relationship to other statutes

(1) Except as otherwise provided for in this Act, the management of asbestos shall be governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Food Sanitation Act, the Wastes Control Act, the Electrical Appliances and Consumer Products Safety Control Act, the School Health Act, and other relevant Acts. <Amended on Jan. 27, 2016; May 26, 2020>(2) Where it is intended to enact or amend any Act in regard to the management of asbestos, such Act shall be made consistent with this Act.

Article 5Formulation of master plans for asbestos management

(1) The Government shall formulate and implement a master plan for asbestos management (hereinafter referred to as "master plan") every five years and may hear opinions from the Special Metropolitan City Mayor, Metropolitan City Mayor, Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Do Governor, Special Self-Governing Province Governor (hereinafter referred to as "Mayor/Do Governor") or relevant experts, when formulating a master plan. <Amended on Nov. 28, 2017>(2) A master plan shall include the following:

1. The basic objectives and direction-setting for the management of asbestos;

2. Major action plans for the management of asbestos;

3. The current status and future prospects of the management of asbestos;

4. A scheme for financing various projects for the management of asbestos;

5. Other matters specified by Presidential Decree for the management of asbestos.

(3) The procedure for the establishment of master plans and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 6Formulation of implementation plans

(1) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, the head of each related central administrative agency, and each Mayor/Do Governor shall establish and execute a detailed plan for each sector or each region (hereinafter referred to as "implementation plan") every year in order to execute a master plan. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(2) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may request the head of a related central administrative agency to submit its implementation plan for the relevant year and data about the results of execution of the implementation plan for the previous year. In such cases, the head of a related central administrative agency shall comply with such request, unless there exists an exceptional circumstance. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(3) Each Mayor/Do Governor shall submit its implementation plan for the relevant year and data about the results of execution of the implementation plan for the previous year to the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(4) The procedure for the establishment of implementation plans, the time frames for submitting data under paragraphs (2) and (3), the method for submission of such documents, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 7Fact-finding survey

(1) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, the head of a related central administrative agency, or a Mayor/Do Governor shall conduct a fact-finding survey on the use and management of asbestos in order to formulate and execute master plans and implementation plans efficiently. <Amended on Jan. 27, 2016; Oct. 1, 2025>(2) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, the head of a related central administrative agency, or a Mayor/Do Governor shall make public the result of a fact-finding survey under paragraph (1). <Added on Jan. 27, 2016; Oct. 1, 2025>(3) When the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, the head of a related central administrative agency, or a Mayor/Do Governor conducts a fact-finding survey under paragraph (1), he or she may request the head of a related central administrative agency or the head of a public institution under Article 4 of the Act on the Management of Public Institutions to submit data or present his or her opinion. In such cases, those so requested shall comply therewith in the absence of good cause to the contrary. <Amended on Jan. 27, 2016; Oct. 1, 2025>(4) If deeming it necessary for enhancing the objectiveness and efficiency of a fact-finding survey under paragraph (1), the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment shall conduct a fact-finding survey jointly with the head of a related administrative agency and private organizations, etc. <Amended on Jan. 27, 2016; Oct. 1, 2025>(5) The scope and method of fact-finding surveys under paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) and matters necessary for publishing the result of such surveys shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 27, 2016>

Article 8Prohibition of use of asbestos

(1) No one shall manufacture, import, transfer, provide, or use (hereinafter referred to as "use, etc.") asbestos or an asbestos-containing product (hereinafter referred to as "asbestos, etc."); provided, cases in which the use of asbestos, etc. is prohibited or permitted by an Act or a subordinate statute specified in the Appendix shall be governed by the relevant statutes or regulations.

(2) In order to inspect the actual status of use, etc. of asbestos, etc., the head of a related central administrative agency or a Mayor/Do Governor may collect and examine the asbestos, etc.

(3) Where the head of a related central administrative agency or a Mayor/Do Governor discovers as a result of examination under paragraph (2) that a person has made use, etc. of asbestos, etc. in violation of paragraph (1), he or she may order the person to recall the relevant product or to discontinue the sale of the product, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(4) The head of a related central administrative agency or a Mayor/Do Governor may disclose the results of examination under paragraph (2) to the public, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(5) Matters subject to examination under paragraph (2), the method of examination, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 9Self-measurement

(1) Any person who intends to import asbestos, etc. pursuant to statutes or regulations specified in the Appendix shall directly verify and examine whether the relevant asbestos contains asbestos before filing an import declaration; a person who intends to manufacture or sell asbestos, etc. shall directly verify and examine whether the relevant asbestos contains asbestos before starting the use or sale of the asbestos, etc.; or a person who intends to import, manufacture or sell asbestos, etc. shall request asbestos inspection institution (hereinafter referred to as "asbestos inspection institution") prescribed in the main sentence, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 119(2) of the Industrial Safety and Health Act to verify and examine whether the relevant asbestos contains asbestos, and record and keep the results thereof. <Amended on Nov. 28, 2017; Jan. 15, 2019; May 26, 2020>(2) Matters subject to inspection, the method of examination, the method of keeping and preserving records under paragraph (1), and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 10Designation of materials suspected of containing asbestos

(1) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may examine talc or other minerals known as one that potentially contains asbestos naturally as a consequence of a geological process, in order to find whether it contains asbestos and whether it is likely to harm the human body. <Amended on May 26, 2020; Oct. 1, 2025>(2) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may consult with the head of a related central administrative agency on minerals that are likely to harm the human body as a result of examination under paragraph (1) and designate and give public notice of them as materials suspected of containing asbestos. <Amended on May 26, 2020; Oct. 1, 2025>(3) The guidelines and procedure for the designation and public notification under paragraph (2) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.[Title Amended on May 26, 2020]

Article 11Management of materials likely to contain asbestos

(1) A person who intends to import or manufacture materials designated and publicly notified as a mineral suspected of containing asbestos pursuant to Article 10(2) (hereinafter referred to as "materials suspected of containing asbestos") in the form of raw material for products shall obtain approval from the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment therefor, as prescribed by Presidential Decree; provided, the foregoing shall not apply where a person has obtained approval or a permit from another administrative agency with regard to the import or manufacturing of materials suspected of containing asbestos in accordance with statutes or regulations specified in the Appendix. <Amended on May 26, 2020; Oct. 1, 2025>(2) Upon receipt of an application for approval pursuant to paragraph (1), the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment shall not approve materials suspected of containing asbestos that contain asbestos in excess of the standards prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(3) Where any person who has obtained approval pursuant to paragraph (1) intends to process or transform materials likely to contain asbestos, he or she shall report a work plan or work process etc. to the Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Special Self-Governing Province Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu (referring to the head of an autonomous Gu; hereinafter the same shall apply), as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Nov. 28, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>(4) The Special Self-Governing City Mayor, the Special Self-Governing Province Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall, upon receipt of a report under paragraph (3), review the details of the report and accept it if it complies with this Act. <Added on Jun. 10, 2022>(5) Where a person who has filed a report in accordance with paragraph (3) processes and transforms materials suspected of containing asbestos, he or she shall observe the permissible emission levels of asbestos around the job site under Article 28 (1) in order to prevent air pollution caused by scattered asbestos in the course of processing and transforming the materials. <Amended on Jun. 10, 2022>(6) If a person who has filed a report in accordance with paragraph (3) fails to observe the permissible emission levels of asbestos around the job site under paragraph (5), the Self-Governing City Mayor, the Special Self-Governing Province Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may order the relevant person to suspend work, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Nov. 28, 2017; Jun. 10, 2022>(7) No materials suspected of containing asbestos that are processed and transformed under paragraph (3) shall contain asbestos in excess of the permissible asbestos levels prescribed and publicly notified jointly by the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment and the Minister of Employment and Labor in consideration of its purpose of use and its impact on the human body. <Amended on Jun. 10, 2022; Oct. 1, 2025>(8) If the materials suspected of containing asbestos that are imported or manufactured without approval under paragraph (1) or the materials suspected of containing asbestos in excess of the permissible asbestos levels prescribed in paragraph (7) are sold or stored and displayed for sale (hereinafter referred to as "distribution"), the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may order the importers, manufacturers, or distributors of the materials suspected of containing asbestos to recall the materials or discontinue the distribution of the materials, or request the head of the competent administrative agency to order a recall of the materials or the prohibition of distribution of the materials. <Amended on Jun. 10, 2022; Oct. 1, 2025>(9) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may disclose the type, volume, etc. of materials suspected of containing asbestos that he or she orders a recall or prohibition of distribution pursuant to paragraph (8), as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Jun. 10, 2022; Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 12Preparation of geological maps

(1) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment shall prepare geological maps of areas in which naturally produced asbestos are distributed (hereinafter referred to as "geological maps") in order to ascertain and manage the current status of distribution of asbestos attached to land (hereinafter referred to as "naturally produced asbestos") as a consequence of a geological process or other natural phenomena and shall announce the details thereof to the public. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(2) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may request the head of a related central administrative agency or the head of a local government to cooperate in preparing geological maps by providing necessary data and professional human resources. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(3) The guidelines and methodologies for preparing and publicly announcing geological maps and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 13Impact assessment of naturally produced asbestos

(1) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment or a Mayor/Do Governor may conduct impact assessment of the concentration of asbestos in the air and soil, and harms and hazards caused by asbestos to the health of local residents (hereinafter referred to as "impact assessment of naturally produced asbestos") in an area where naturally produced asbestos exists or is likely to exist, based on geological maps, and may announce the outcomes thereof to the public. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(2) When a Mayor/Do Governor conducts impact assessment of naturally produced asbestos pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall report a plan for the assessment and the outcomes thereof to the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(3) The institution to conduct the impact assessment of naturally produced asbestos, the details, method, and public announcement of the assessment, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 14Designation of areas subject to management of naturally produced asbestos

(1) If it is anticipated that harms and hazards caused by asbestos to the health of local residents are likely to be severe, after the impact assessment of naturally produced asbestos, the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may designate the relevant area as an area subject to management of naturally produced asbestos (hereinafter referred to as "area subject to management") and give public notice thereof. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(2) When the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment designates an area subject to management pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall in advance seek opinions from local residents in the area and shall consult with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport thereon. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Oct. 1, 2025>(3) When the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment designates an area subject to management, he or she shall give public notice of the name, location, and size of the area and other necessary matters. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(4) The guidelines and procedure for the designation and public notification of an area subject to management and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 15Establishment and execution of management plan

(1) A Mayor/Do Governor shall establish and execute a plan for the safety management of asbestos, which shall include the following matters, (hereinafter referred to as "management plan") with regard to an area subject to management:

1. The current status of development projects in the area subject to management;

2. Measures for removing asbestos, covering it up with earth, and preventing harms caused by exposure to asbestos;

3. Measures for the health of residents care and preventing harms;

4. Other matters specified by Presidential Decree for managing naturally produced asbestos.

(2) When a Mayor/Do Governor establishes a management plan, he or she shall report it to the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(3) The methodologies and procedures for establishing a management plan and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 16Support to areas subject to management

(1) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may provide administrative and financial support to a Mayor/Do Governor as necessary for the execution of a management plan. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(2) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may request the head of a related central administrative agency to take measures necessary for executing a management plan. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(3) The guidelines, procedures, and methodologies for providing support under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 17Submission of plan to prevent scattering of asbestos

(1) A person who intends to execute a development project (hereinafter referred to as "developer") in an area subject to management shall prepare a project plan stating the following matters (hereinafter referred to as "plan to prevent scattering of asbestos") in order to prevent scattering of asbestos and protect the health of residents and shall obtain approval from the approval authority: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>1. The current status of geological distribution of the development project area and its surrounding area;

2. Results of analysis of the concentration of asbestos contained in the soil of the development project area and its surrounding area;

3. Forecast of possible scattering of asbestos as a consequence of the execution of the development project and a scheme for reducing scattered asbestos;

4. Other matters prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.

(2) If a development project for which a developer files an application for approval under paragraph (1) is a project subject to environmental impact assessment or mini environmental impact assessment under Article 22 or Article 43 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, a plan to prevent scattering of asbestos may be included in documents regarding the environmental impact assessment or mini environmental impact assessment. <Amended on May 29, 2016>(3) When a person to whom approval has been granted pursuant to paragraph (1) intends to revise any approved matter specified by Presidential Decree, he or she shall obtain approval for such revision from the approval authority.

(4) When the approval authority approves a plan to prevent scattering of asbestos or any revision to such a plan pursuant to paragraph (1) or (3), it shall notify the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment of the results thereof, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(5) The methodologies for preparing plans to prevent scattering of asbestos, the time frames for submitting such plans, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 18Installation of facilities to prevent scattering of asbestos

(1) When a developer executes a development project, he or she shall install facilities to control scattering of asbestos (hereinafter referred to as "facilities to prevent scattering of asbestos") and take other necessary measures.

(2) If the approval authority finds that a developer fails to install facilities to prevent scattering of asbestos or take other necessary measures or that such facilities installed or measures taken are not appropriate, it may order the developer to take necessary measures or make improvements.

(3) If a developer fails to comply with an order issued pursuant to paragraph (2), the approval authority may suspend the development project or order the developer to discontinue the use of such facilities or to use such facilities for a limited purpose.

(4) The standards for installing facilities to prevent scattering of asbestos and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 19Cancellation of designation

(1) If the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment finds that harms caused by asbestos to the health of residents in an area subject to management have been significantly lessened, he or she may cancel the designation of the area or reduce the scope of the area subject to management. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(2) If a Mayor/Do Governor finds that harms caused by asbestos to the health of residents in an area subject to management have been significantly lessened, he or she may request the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment to cancel the designation of the area subject to management or to reduce the scope of the area. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(3) As to the cancellation of designation of an area subject to management and the reduction of the scope of such an area, Article 14(2) through (4) shall apply mutatis mutandis.

Article 20Management of areas with naturally produced asbestos distributed under municipal ordinances

(1) In order to prevent harms caused by asbestos in an area not designated as an area subject to management, among areas in which naturally produced asbestos are distributed under Article 12(1), the competent Mayor/Do Governor may order a person who intends to execute a development project in such an area (hereinafter referred to as "local developer") to take the following measures, as prescribed by Municipal Ordinance, in consideration of local conditions:

1. Submission of a plan to prevent scattering of asbestos;

2. Installation of facilities to prevent scattering of asbestos;

3. Other matters specified by Presidential Decree for the prevention of harms caused by asbestos.

(2) The scope of development projects regarding which a Mayor/Do Governor may order developers to take measures pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(3) As to a developer who fails to take measures under paragraph (1) or who takes such measures inadequately, Article 18 (2) and (3) shall apply mutatis mutandis. In such cases, "approval authority" shall be construed as "Mayor/Do Governor".

Article 21Building asbestos inspection

(1) The owner of buildings prescribed by Presidential Decree (in cases of kindergartens prescribed in Article 7 of the Early Childhood Education Act and schools prescribed in Article 2 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (hereinafter referred to as "schools, etc."), the owner refers to a person who manages buildings of schools, etc.; hereinafter referred to as "owner of buildings") shall request an asbestos inspection institution to inspect asbestos (hereinafter referred to as "building asbestos inspection") within one year from the date specified in any of the following subparagraph, and shall record and keep the results thereof: <Amended on Nov. 28, 2017; Jan. 15, 2019; May 26, 2020; Jun. 10, 2022>1. As for buildings subject to approval for use under Article 22 of the Building Act (including cases where it is applied mutatis mutandis under Article 19(5) of the same Act): Date of receipt of a written approval for use under Article 22(2) of the Building Act;

2. As for buildings subject to consultation under Article 29(1) of the Building Act: Date of notification to the competent permitting authority under the proviso of Article 29(3) of the Building Act;

3. As for buildings not categorized in subparagraph 1 or 2, such as modification of the purpose of use under Article 19(3) of the Building Act: Date on which it becomes possible to use the relevant buildings after reporting, registration, authorization, permission, etc. of the business of using the relevant building are completed, as prescribed by other statutes and regulations.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), any of the following buildings shall be excluded from a building asbestos inspection: <Added on Jun. 10, 2022>1. Buildings verified to use asbestos-free building materials, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, which have been certified as green buildings pursuant to Article 16 of the Green Buildings Construction Support Act;

2. Buildings which have undergone or are undergoing an asbestos inspection by a designated institution pursuant to the main clause, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 119(2) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (when only a part of a building is inspected, referring to the relevant part) and buildings which are exempted from an asbestos inspection by a designated institution pursuant to the proviso of the same paragraph;

3. Buildings which correspond to the grounds prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as where it is obvious that buildings or building materials do not contain asbestos.

(3) An asbestos inspection institution shall comply with the methods of building asbestos inspection referred to in Article 119(5) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act in conducting an building asbestos inspection. <Amended on Nov. 28, 2017; Jan. 15, 2019; Jun. 10, 2022>(4) Matters necessary to record and preserve the results of a building asbestos inspection shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Jun. 10, 2022; Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 22Measures following results of building asbestos inspection

(1) The owner of a building shall submit results of building asbestos inspection to the Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Special Self-Governing Province Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu (referring to the superintendent or head of a district office of education in cases of schools, etc.; hereafter in this Chapter and Articles 39, 40 and 49(5), the same shall apply) within one month from the date when the building asbestos inspection is completed. In such cases, the owner of a building shall request asbestos inspection institution to prepare a map on asbestos in buildings, indicating the location, area or status, etc. of asbestos materials used for buildings, with regard to buildings using asbestos materials (hereinafter referred to as "asbestos buildings"), exceeding standards prescribed by Presidential Decree and submit the map, along with the results, and shall notify persons related to buildings, including tenants and managers, as well as transferees of buildings thereof, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Nov. 28, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>(2) Asbestos inspection institution, which prepare a map on asbestos in buildings pursuant to the latter part of paragraph (1), shall comply with standards and methods for preparing a map on asbestos in buildings prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Added on Nov. 28, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>(3) The owner of asbestos buildings shall observe the management standards for asbestos buildings prescribed by Presidential Decree to prevent harm to the human body inflicted by asbestos, and record the asbestos building management ledger through an integrated information network for the management of asbestos referred to in Article 35; provided, the places prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as the job site where only employees regularly work, shall be governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Act. <Newly Inserted on Nov. 28, 2017; Jun. 10, 2022>(4) The Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Special Self-Governing Province Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may order the owner of asbestos buildings to take measures necessary for preventing scattering of asbestos, such as dismantling or removal of asbestos, when he or she deems that scattering, etc. of asbestos is likely to cause harm to the human body. <Amended on Nov. 28, 2017>(5) The Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Special Self-Governing Province Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may order the suspension of using the relevant building, when a person who has received an order prescribed in paragraph (4) fails to comply with such order. <Amended on Nov. 28, 2017>(6) The owner of asbestos buildings who has complied with an order prescribed in paragraphs (4) and (5) shall report the progress of complying with such order to the Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Special Self-Governing Province Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, and the Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Special Self-Governing Province Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu, who has received such report, shall order the relevant pubic official to check the status of complying with such order without delay. <Amended on Nov. 28, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>(7) When the owner of asbestos buildings, who has received an order to suspend using asbestos pursuant to paragraph (5), intends to use the relevant buildings again, he or she shall submit an implementation plan necessary for complying with an order prescribed in paragraph (4) to the Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Special Self-Governing Province Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu and obtain approval from them. <Amended on Nov. 28, 2017>(8) Timing and methods of submitting the inspection results of building asbestos, records in the management ledger of asbestos buildings under paragraph (3), matters to be included in an implementation plan under paragraph (7), procedures for approval and other necessary measures shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Nov. 28, 2017; Jun. 10, 2022; Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 23Designation of safety manager for asbestos building

(1) The owner of asbestos buildings shall designate at least one safety manager of asbestos buildings (hereinafter referred to as "safety manager of asbestos buildings), from among the principal or occupant or manager of the relevant building, and shall report such designation to the Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Special Self-Governing Province Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu. The same shall apply to change of a safety manager of asbestos buildings. <Amended on Nov. 28, 2017>(2) Each safety manager for an asbestos building shall perform the obligations prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment for the safe management of the asbestos building. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(3) The criteria for the designation of safety managers for an asbestos building, the time limit for reporting the designation or a change in the designation, the reporting methods, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 24Education for safety managers of asbestos buildings

(1) Safety managers of asbestos buildings shall undergo education on asbestos safety management provided by the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment (referring to the Minister of Education, in cases of schools; hereafter the same shall apply in this Article), as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment; provided, the same shall not apply to cases where they have received the education prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as education on safety and health prescribed in Article 29(1) or the main sentence, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 32(1) of the Industrial Safety and Health Act. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Nov. 28, 2017; Jan. 15, 2019; Oct. 1, 2025>(2) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may collect all or some of the expenses incurred in education under paragraph (1) from the owner of the relevant asbestos building. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(3) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may entrust the education under paragraph (1) to a relevant specialized institution, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(4) The timing, frequency and hours of education on the safety management of asbestos under paragraph (1) and the collection of expenses for the education under paragraph (2), and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 25Asbestos inspection on structures with asbestos slate

(1) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, the head of a related central administrative agency, or the head of a local government may inspect structures in which asbestos slate is used and structures specified by Presidential Decree to find out the current status of the use of asbestos and hazards caused to the human body, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(2) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, the head of a related central administrative agency, or the head of a local government may fully or partially subsidize expenses incurred in dismantling, removing or disposing of asbestos used for structures prescribed in paragraph (1) or improving structures following dismantlement, removal or disposal of asbestos. <Amended on Nov. 28, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 26Special cases concerning disposal of asbestos slate

A person who intends to dismantle, remove, collect, transport, store, or dispose of asbestos slate used in structures under Article 25 (1) may dismantle, remove, collect, transport, store, or dispose of the slate, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, notwithstanding Articles 119, 120, and 123 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and Article 13 of the Wastes Control Act. <Amended on Jan. 15, 2019>

Article 27Disclosure of projects for dismantlement or removal of asbestos

Where a project for dismantling or removing asbestos from buildings or facilities (hereinafter referred to as "project for dismantling or removing asbestos") pursuant to Article 122(1) of the Industrial Safety and Health Act is to be implemented in an area, the Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Special Self-Governing Province Governor or the head of Si/Gun/Gu who has jurisdiction over such area shall disclose such fact, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Nov. 28, 2017; Jan. 15, 2019; Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 28Compliance with permissible emission levels of asbestos around job sites

(1) A person who carries out works for dismantling or removing asbestos (hereinafter referred to as "business entity engaged in dismantling or removing asbestos") shall comply with the standards specified by Presidential Decree for permissible emission levels around the job site (hereinafter referred to as "permissible emission levels of asbestos around the job site")(2) A person who places an order for construction works requiring dismantlement or removal of asbestos or dismantlement or removal of asbestos (hereinafter referred to as "person placing an order") shall have a measuring institution prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment measure the degree of scattering of asbestos and submit the result thereof to the Special Self-Governing City Mayor, the Special Self-Governing Province Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu; provided, this shall not apply to small buildings and cases prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Nov. 28, 2017; Nov. 26, 2019; Oct. 1, 2025>(3) The Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Special Self-Governing Province Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu who has received results of measuring the degree of scattering of asbestos pursuant to paragraph (2), shall disclose such results. <Amended on Nov. 28, 2017>(4) In an effort to verify whether the permissible emission levels of asbestos around the job site are complied with in job sites of a business prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as re-development business or re-construction business prescribed in subparagraph 2 of Article 2 of the Act on Improvement of Urban Areas and Residential Environments, the Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Special Self-Governing Province Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall measure the level of scattering of asbestos around the job site and disclose results thereof. <Amended on Feb. 8, 2017; Nov. 28, 2017>(5) The methodologies, points, and time frames for the measurement of scattered asbestos under paragraphs (2) through (4), the methodologies for submitting and disclosing the results of the measurement, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 29Suspension of works

(1) Where the Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Special Self-Governing Province Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu finds that the permissible emission levels of asbestos around the job site are not observed by a business operator engaging in dismantling or removing asbestos as a result of measuring the degree of scattering of asbestos pursuant to Article 28 (2) or (4) of the Act, he or she shall order the suspension of projects for dismantling or removing asbestos without delay. <Amended on Nov. 28, 2017>(2) Where a business operator engaging in dismantling or removing asbestos who has received an order of suspension prescribed in paragraph (1) intends to engage in a project for dismantling or removing asbestos again, he or she shall submit improvement plans necessary for observing the permissible emission levels around the job site to the Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Special Self-Governing Province Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu and obtain approval from them. <Amended on Nov. 28, 2017>(3) Matters to be included in plans for improvements under paragraph (2), the procedures for approval of such plans, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

Article 30Designation of supervisors of projects for dismantling or removing asbestos

(1) To ensure the safe management of asbestos dismantling or removal work, a person placing an order shall designate a supervisor of the asbestos dismantling or removal work (hereinafter referred to as "supervisor of a project for dismantling asbestos") before commencing the dismantling or removal of asbestos. <Amended on Nov. 26, 2019>(2) Where a person placing an order has designated a supervisor of a project for dismantling asbestos, he or she shall report such fact to the Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Special Self-Governing Province Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Added on Nov. 28, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>(3) Where a person placing an order has changed matters prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment in the report submitted under paragraph (2), he or she shall report such change to the Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Special Self-Governing Province Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu. <Added on Nov. 28, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>(4) The Special Self-Governing City Mayor, the Special Self-Governing Province Governor, or the head of the Si/Gun/Gu shall, upon receipt of a report under paragraph (2) or a report on modification under paragraph (3), review the details of such report and accept it if it complies with this Act. <Added on Jun. 10, 2022>(5) Necessary matters concerning the standards and methods of designation of the supervisors of projects of dismantling asbestos shall be publicly notified jointly by the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, the Minister of Employment and Labor, and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport through consultation. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Nov. 28, 2017; Dec. 24, 2018; Jun. 10, 2022; Oct. 1, 2025>

Article 30-2Registration of supervisors of projects for dismantling asbestos

(1) A person who wants to be a supervisor of a project for dismantling asbestos shall be registered with a Mayor/Do Governor. The foregoing also applies to modifications of important matters prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(2) No supervisor of a project for dismantling asbestos shall lend his or her registration certificate to any other person.

(3) Registration requirements and procedure under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.[This Article Added on Dec. 24, 2018][Previous Article 30-2 moved to Article 30-4 <Dec. 24, 2018>]

Article 30-3Grounds for disqualification from registration

None of the following persons shall be registered as a supervisor of a project for dismantling asbestos:

1. A person who is under adult guardianship or limited guardianship;

2. A person declared bankrupt and not yet reinstated;

3. A person for whom two years have not passed since his or her registration as a supervisor of a project for dismantling asbestos was revoked under Article 30-6 (excluding revocation of registration for the reason prescribed in subparagraph 1 or 2);

4. A corporation with an official falling under any of subparagraphs 1 through 3.[This Article Added on Dec. 24, 2018]

Article 30-4Duties of supervisors of projects for dismantling asbestos

(1) Duties of supervisors of projects for dismantling asbestos shall be as follows: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>1. Managing whether permissible emission levels of asbestos around the job site are observed;

2. Managing whether standards for asbestos density pursuant to Article 38-5(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (hereafter referred to as "standards for asbestos density" in this Article) are observed;

3. Reviewing appropriateness of project plans for dismantling or removing asbestos or checking whether such plans are complied with;

4. Reviewing measures to prevent residents in neighboring areas from being exposed to asbestos;

5. Verifying whether a business operator engaging in dismantlement or removal of asbestos complies with relevant statutes or regulations;

6. Other duties prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.

(2) Where the supervisor of a project for dismantling asbestos deems it impracticable to observe permissible emission levels of asbestos around the job site or standards for asbestos density, he or she shall request a business operator engaging in dismantlement or removal of asbestos to take the following measures:

1. Rectifying the project for dismantling or removing asbestos (limited to cases where permissible emission levels of asbestos around the job site are exceeded);

2. Suspending the project for dismantling or removing asbestos (limited to cases where permissible emission levels of asbestos around the job site are exceeded);

3. Suspending removal or dismantlement of buildings or equipment pursuant to Article 38-5 (3) of the Industrial Safety and Health Act (limited to cases where standards for asbestos density are exceeded).

(3) Where a business operator engaging in dismantlement or removal of asbestos continues a project for dismantling or removing asbestos even after he or she is requested to take measures falling under paragraph (2), the project supervisor shall report such fact to the head of an environmental local government office, a Special Self-Governing City Mayor, a Special Self-Governing Province Governor, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu or the head of a regional employment and labor government office, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Labor. In such cases, the Special Self-Governing City Mayor, Special Self-Governing Province Governor, the head of the Si/Gun/Gu or the head of the regional employment and labor government office, in receipt of the report shall order suspension of the work without delay. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(4) Where a business operator engaging in dismantlement or removal of asbestos who has complied with a request to take measures prescribed in paragraph (2) or who has received an order to suspend work prescribed in the latter part of paragraph (3) intends to resume a project for dismantlement or removal of asbestos, he or she shall submit an improvement plan necessary for observing permissible emission levels of asbestos around the job site or standards for asbestos density to a Special Self-Governing City Mayor, a Special Self-Governing Province Governor, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu or the head of a regional employment and labor government office and obtain approval of the improvement plan. In such cases, the supervisor of the project for dismantling asbestos shall review the improvement plan in advance.

(5) Matters to be included in an improvement plan prescribed in paragraph (4) and procedures for obtaining approval, etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.[This Article Added on Nov. 28, 2017][Moved from Article 30-2 <Dec. 24, 2018>]

Article 30-5Evaluation of supervisors of projects for dismantling asbestos

(1) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment shall evaluate supervisors of projects for dismantling asbestos registered under Article 30-2(1) and publish the results thereof. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(2) The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may build a database that contains matters necessary for evaluations under paragraph (1), including the status of personnel and equipment held by each supervisor of projects for dismantling asbestos, supervision work records, and administrative disposition records. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>(3) Evaluation criteria and methods and how to publish evaluation results under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>[This Article Added on Dec. 24, 2018]

Article 30-6Revocation of registration of supervisors of projects for dismantling asbestos

(1) A Mayor/Do Governor may revoke the registration of a supervisor of a project for dismantling asbestos or may order his or her business suspended for a period not to exceed six months in any of the following cases; provided, a Mayor/Do Governor shall revoke registration in the case of subparagraph 1, 2, 4, or 5:

1. Where the supervisor is registered by fraud or other improper means;

2. Where the supervisor lends his or her registration certificate to another person in violation of Article 30-2 (2);

3. Where the supervisor fails to meet the registration requirements prescribed under Article 30-2 (3);

4. Where the supervisor falls under subparagraph 1, 2, or 4 of Article 30-3; provided, excluded herefrom is a corporation described in subparagraph 4 of Article 30-3, if the corporation replaces a disqualified executive with a qualified executive within two months from the date on which the executive becomes disqualified;

5. Where the supervisor is subject to business suspension on three occasions over a two-year period;

6. Where the supervisor fails to comply with a corrective order issued under paragraph (2).

(2) A Mayor/Do Governor may issue a corrective order to a supervisor of a project for dismantling asbestos, specifying the period: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>1. Where the supervisor fails to meet the registration requirements prescribed under Article 30-2(3);

2. Where the supervisor's rating given by the evaluation under Article 30-5 falls below the criteria set by Decree of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.

(3) Standards for revocation of registration and for business suspension under paragraph (1) and periods for corrective orders issued under paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.[This Article Added on Dec. 24, 2018]

Article 31Responsibility of person placing an order

(1) A person placing an order shall endeavor to minimize harms and damage caused by asbestos to the health of residents and the environment.

(2) No person placing an order shall require a person who performs construction works to observe a condition that makes it difficult to comply with the permissible emission levels of asbestos around the job site in connection with the construction methods or the construction period and shall reflect the costs of dismantling or removing asbestos and disposing of waste asbestos in the project cost.

(3) No person placing an order shall give any instruction that affects the outcomes of measurement and analysis, such as the manipulation of measured values, at the time of measuring the degree of scattering asbestos under Article 28 (2). <Added on Nov. 26, 2019>