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As non-domestic premises, commercial properties are subject to strict regulations and legal requirements surrounding the identification and monitoring of asbestos containing materials (ACMs). A key part of maintaining compliance is to have an asbestos survey, followed by regular asbestos reinspections.
At EMS Asbestos, we have been helping businesses across the UK maintain compliance with asbestos regulations since 2003. We have put together this blog post to help owners and operators of commercial properties understand what is expected of them when it comes to an asbestos reinspection, as well as what they are and why they are important.
Read on to learn more, or to speak directly to an expert, call us now on 0800 3581100.
Before it was banned in the UK in 2000, asbestos was very common in the construction industry. It was integrated into a huge range of building materials, from wall and ceiling boards to floor tiles, insulation, surface finishes and paints and much more.
As a result, any building, domestic or commercial, constructed before 2000 may contain ACMs. If these are accidentally disturbed, such as through routine maintenance or refurbishments, they can release harmful asbestos fibres. These fibres can be inhaled by building occupants and, over time, could lead to the development of serious health conditions including asbestosis and mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure still kills around 5,000 people a year in the UK, so responsible management, including asbestos reinspections, is key.
An asbestos reinspection is a much simpler process than an asbestos survey. A reinspection involves revisiting the locations of known ACMs, identified during the initial survey, and checking whether their condition has changed or deteriorated in any way. If their condition has worsened or they are beginning to present an increased risk to building occupants, asbestos removal may be required.
The contractor undertaking the reinspection does not need to be the same one that carried out the survey, but they will need access to records from the survey. If these cannot be found, a new survey will be required.
The HSE recommends that asbestos reinspections be carried out at least once a year, or after any changes that could affect the risk posed by ACMs in your property. Reinspections are part of your responsibility as the duty holder to uphold a rigid asbestos management plan.
The duty holder of a commercial property is usually the owner or operator, but can also be the tenant, depending on the terms of the rental contract. As the duty holder, it is your responsibility to manage the hazards presented by ACMs at your premises. These responsibilities are legally binding, and are laid out in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 as well as HSG264.
To protect occupants of your commercial site, you must:
The asbestos management plan will contain details of any ACMs found within the structure of your commercial property and the steps that need to be taken to manage the hazards they present. This information will also help guide your asbestos reinspections.
You should keep a record of all surveys and reinspections, as they are important for your own compliance but also the safety of any future occupants.
After your asbestos reinspection, you will be provided with a detailed report. This will include an updated asbestos register, new photographs of the ACMs within the structure of your property and any necessary management recommendations.
You will need to keep a copy of your report to demonstrate your legal compliance, and be sure to act on any recommendations made by your reinspection provider.
Accurate record keeping is a key part of maintaining compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations and HSE guidance. Non-compliance can lead to potentially unlimited fines and even imprisonment.
You should keep records of all surveys and asbestos reinspections and be sure to update your asbestos management plan if needed. The HSE will need to see proof of these documents during an inspection. Failure to produce proof of an up-to-date management plan will constitute non-compliance.
These documents are also important to ensure the safety of occupants and contractors during repairs or refurbishment to your commercial property, as they can help avoid ACMs being disturbed accidentally.
For more than 20 years, EMS has been providing expert asbestos consultancy services across the UK. We are accredited, highly experienced and can support you with everything from asbestos reinspections to management plans and asbestos removal. We employ teams of expert surveyors, working throughout the country, to help commercial property duty holders maintain compliance.
We recently won the Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2025 Herefordshire Business Awards, on account of the quality of our services.
To book your asbestos reinspection, just contact our friendly team by calling 0800 3581100, emailing info@emsgroupuk.com or filling out our contact form.
