Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) identified in a management survey must be reinspected annually to assess any change in condition. HSE guidance MDHS100 sets out the reinspection methodology. The reinspection can be carried out by a competent in-house person with appropriate training, or by a specialist contractor.
Why this matters
An ACM register with no reinspection entries since the original survey is treated by HSE as an unmanaged register. Annual reinspection is the mechanism for identifying deterioration early before fibres are released and before a contractor disturbs a material assumed to be stable.
What to do
- 1Review your ACM register and check the date of the last reinspection for each entry any material not reinspected within 12 months is overdue.
- 2For each reinspection, record: unique material reference, location, date, inspector name, current condition score, and any change from the previous inspection.
- 3Where condition has deteriorated, trigger a formal review commission encapsulation, repair or removal, and update the register with the outcome and date.
- 4High-priority ACMs (damaged, friable or in high-traffic areas) should be reinspected quarterly or 6-monthly rather than annually.
Primary source
HSE MDHS100 Surveying, Sampling and Assessment of Asbestos-Containing Materials
Get the full picture every morning.
Briefing is updated daily. Join early access to unlock every article.