An asbestos reinspection is a key part of the ongoing management of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in any property, especially in commercial buildings. It ensures that any previously identified asbestos materials are being properly managed, monitored, and maintained. Asbestos that is damaged is a concern in many older buildings across the UK, but if it’s undisturbed and in good condition, it can be safely managed.
Whether you’re a property manager, landlord, or business owner, understanding the reinspection process is essential for maintaining safety and compliance. In this blog, we’ll explain what happens during an asbestos reinspection, why these surveys are crucial, and what you can expect when one is carried out.
What is an asbestos reinspection?
An asbestos reinspection is essentially a follow-up inspection that is carried out after an initial asbestos management survey to monitor the ongoing condition of ACMs in a building.
Unlike an initial survey, which aims to identify asbestos in a property and assess the risks associated with it, a reinspection focuses on checking whether the materials have deteriorated, been disturbed, or developed any issues since the previous inspection.
It’s an integral part of asbestos management, especially for non-domestic premises. Asbestos reinspections ensure that the materials are still in good condition and have not changed in a way that would pose a risk to the health and safety of anyone in the building.
Why are asbestos reinspections important?
Asbestos reinspections are essential for several reasons, mainly to ensure ACMs remain safe over time. Asbestos fibres, if disturbed, can be harmful to health. That’s why regular reinspections are key for:
Legal compliance
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, property owners and managers have a legal obligation to manage asbestos risks. This includes ensuring the condition of ACMs is regularly checked to prevent exposure. If asbestos materials are found to be deteriorating or damaged, it’s the duty of the property owner to act immediately, either by removing or safely managing the materials.
Preventing health risks
Asbestos itself is not dangerous if it remains intact. However, if ACMs become damaged or deteriorate, the fibres can be released into the air, posing a serious health risk. Asbestos reinspections help identify key issues early and prevent accidental exposure to asbestos fibres.
Managing asbestos in place
Not all asbestos needs to be removed. In many cases, if the materials are in good condition and undisturbed, they can be safely managed in place. A reinspection ensures that these materials remain stable, and monitoring continues, so the risk is minimised. Only when deterioration or damage occurs does the material need to be safely removed.
When would you need an asbestos reinspection survey?
Asbestos reinspection surveys are required at regular intervals to ensure ongoing safety and compliance. Here’s when you’d need a reinspection:
- Annually – for most commercial and high-risk properties, reinspections should occur at least once a year. This is required by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and provides a routine check on the condition of ACMs.
- Before refurbishment or construction work – when any building work is planned, including renovation, maintenance, or demolition, a reinspection can be used as a baseline alongside an asbestos refurbishment survey.
- After damage or disturbance – if ACMs are damaged (e.g. from water leaks, impact, or wear), a reinspection is needed immediately to determine whether fibres have been released.
- Change of use – if the building’s usage changes (e.g. converting office space to storage or increasing foot traffic in certain areas), a reinspection should be done to ensure the materials remain safe under the new conditions.
Asbestos reinspections should be scheduled as part of a management plan to ensure any potential hazards are identified and addressed in a timely manner.
What to expect during an asbestos reinspection
When an asbestos reinspection is scheduled, a trained asbestos surveyor will perform a thorough visual check of the current condition of all previously identified ACMs. They will typically:
Check the condition of the ACM
The surveyor will examine each ACM to identify any signs of damage, wear, or deterioration. This includes checking for cracks, loose pieces, or signs that the material may have been disturbed.
Monitor changes
If there are any changes in the condition of the asbestos materials, these will be noted and compared to previous inspections. This allows the surveyor to track how the materials have evolved over time and determine whether further action is required.
Take samples for analysis if required
In some cases, the surveyor may take additional samples of the material for laboratory testing, especially if there are signs of damage or if the material is in a high-risk area. This step ensures that the asbestos is properly assessed and that any risks are accurately identified.
Update records
After the reinspection, the results will be documented and included in an asbestos register and your asbestos management plan can also be updated. This ensures that all relevant parties are aware of the current condition of materials and any recommended actions moving forward.
What happens after a reinspection?
After an asbestos reinspection survey is completed, the findings will be compiled into a detailed report which will include a condition report of the ACMs, along with any recommendations for actions needed. Updates will then be made to the asbestos register and your management plan can be completed.
If the materials are still in good condition, the recommendation may simply be to continue monitoring them. If damage or deterioration is found, a course of action will be proposed to manage the risk, whether it’s further encapsulation, overboarding, or removal by a licensed contractor, like Midlands Asbestos Solutions (MAS).
Need to book an asbestos reinspection survey?
With the right monitoring and management, asbestos can be safely handled if it’s in good condition and undisturbed. Regular asbestos reinspections are just one part of a comprehensive asbestos management plan. Whether you need an initial management survey, reinspection, or advice on managing asbestos safely, we’re to help.
At Midlands Asbestos Solutions, we have over 30 years of expertise in asbestos surveys and our fully licensed team provides reliable and professional services to ensure your property remains safe and fully compliant with all regulations. We pride ourselves on offering clear, straightforward advice and practical solutions tailored to your needs.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experts today to book a comprehensive survey or for further advice.
Asbestos reinspection FAQs
How often should an asbestos reinspection be done?
Asbestos reinspections are generally recommended at least once a year for properties with known asbestos risks, particularly in commercial and high-traffic buildings. However, reinspections may need to be conducted more frequently if the materials are in poor condition, are in a high risk area, following any damage, or before significant building work such as renovation or refurbishment.
What happens if deterioration is found during an asbestos reinspection?
If deterioration or damage is found during an asbestos reinspection survey, the surveyor will recommend the necessary actions to manage the risk. This may include further monitoring, encapsulation, or, in some cases, the safe removal of the ACM. All findings will be documented and you can then update your asbestos management plan.
Do I need to remove asbestos after a reinspection?
Not always. If ACMs are in good condition and pose no immediate risk, they can be safely managed in place. Asbestos reinspections primarily focus on monitoring the condition of ACMs and removal is only recommended if the materials are damaged, degraded, or at risk of disturbing asbestos fibres.
What’s included in an asbestos reinspection report?
After an asbestos reinspection, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining the conditions of the materials, any findings of deterioration or damage, and the recommended next steps. This includes updates to the asbestos register and your asbestos management plan to ensure your property remains compliant with health and safety regulations.
