Updated EKAS Guideline 6503
The revised FCOS Guideline 6503 contains significant innovations. It incorporates new findings. The explanations are adapted to current legal requirements and take account of technical progress.
Even 36 years after the introduction of the asbestos ban, the asbestos risk remains relevant. Switzerland still records over 150 asbestos-related deaths per year. This figure remains stable at a high level. As asbestos was widely used before the ban in 1990, asbestos must still be expected in all buildings constructed before that year. As the majority of buildings in Switzerland were constructed before 1990, a potential asbestos risk must always be assumed when converting, demolishing or renovating buildings. The hazards must therefore be systematically identified and assessed before work begins.
Work planning becomes the central instrument
EKAS Guideline 6503 was drawn up in 1991 in order to achieve the protection targets for asbestos removal. The first edition was limited to weakly bound asbestos. After the guideline was fundamentally revised in 2008, the third version is now available. One of the most important innovations in the revised directive is the role of the work plan. The revision strengthens its importance. The guideline now clearly states that before starting an asbestos removal project, those responsible must draw up a project-related, site-specific work plan. This strengthens the systematic risk assessment. The work plan is not just for documentation purposes. It is the central control instrument for safe processes on the construction site. The document provides information on work steps and equipment. The necessary health and safety measures are derived on the basis of the risk identification and assessment. The guideline thus establishes a practical and binding basis that meets the requirements of the Construction Work Ordinance (BauAV Art. 4).
«More than 150 people still die every year in Switzerland from the effects of asbestos - 36 years after it was banned.»
Binding traffic light model for the first time
Another significant innovation concerns the integration of the so-called traffic light model into the directive. This model, which Suva in particular has already established in various publications, evaluates activities based on their hazard potential according to the familiar traffic light principle. The assessment ranges from green, for no immediate risk from asbestos fibers, to orange, for increased risk, to red. If there is a high risk of significant asbestos fiber release, the traffic light shows red. The necessary protective measures can be derived from this assessment. By formally anchoring the traffic light model, it now has a binding character. In practice, this means a clearer, more uniform risk assessment. The guideline also responds to legal changes: Since 2022, asbestos removal companies have been obliged to employ their own specialists. The new directive further strengthens their position. Their role is clearly defined and upgraded. This applies in particular to the planning, monitoring and quality assurance of the work. This measure takes account of the increasing complexity of remediation work.
Technical clarifications and new topics
In addition to the legal framework and the latest developments, the revision responds to technical progress. Corrections have been made to the monitoring of ventilation, for example. Partial refurbishments are now also clearly regulated, as is the handling of asbestos waste and contaminated equipment. There are also changes to the removal of protective measures and the correct decommissioning of remediation zones. These additions close important gaps.
Broad-based further development
The directive was revised by the FCOS Expert Commission 13, in which the various stakeholders are represented: The Federal Office of Public Health FOPH and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs Seco were represented, as were the implementing bodies Suva and the Intercantonal Association for Employee Protection IVA, as well as social partners and professional associations from the construction and renovation sector. This broad support is reflected in the practical relevance of the new guidelines. This takes account of today's reality with its diverse materials, complex renovation situations and increased safety and organizational requirements.
The FCOS Directive and further documents:
- EKAS Guideline Asbestos - 6503
- Work plan and risk assessment as key elements of planning and implementation, Factsheet 33 105
- Changes to the recognition and de-recognition procedure, Publication 88 318
- Inspection of asbestos removal construction sites, checklist 88 319
These documents and further information: suva.ch/asbest
You can find this and other articles in our issue 2/2026. here one copy.
