Air Monitoring After Asbestos Removal — Why It Matters

So, the asbestos is gone. The risk is over… right?

Well, not quite. The job doesn’t end when the last bit of asbestos material is removed. One of the most critical steps — and one many people overlook — is what comes next:

👉 Air monitoring.

At WestCross Environmental Services, we’ve seen countless clients breathe a sigh of relief (literally and figuratively) once they get the all-clear from their air test. It’s the reassurance that the air is clean, safe, and fibre-free — and it’s a legal and ethical must-have.

What Is Air Monitoring After Asbestos Removal?

Air monitoring involves testing the air in and around an area where asbestos was disturbed or removed. It detects whether any airborne asbestos fibres remain.

There are two main types:

Background / reassurance testing – done before and during removal to ensure fibres aren’t spreading
Clearance air testing – carried out after removal to ensure it’s safe to reoccupy the area

📢 Fun fact: If you’re having licensed asbestos work done, UK regulations require clearance testing by an independent UKAS-accredited analyst.

Why It’s So Important

Even the most careful asbestos removal can release microscopic fibres into the air. These can linger — unseen and odourless — long after the physical material is gone.

Without proper testing, you’re gambling with the safety of:

Employees or tenants
Contractors working on the next phase
Anyone using the space afterwards

How It Works

A trained analyst sets up air sampling pumps with filters to trap airborne particles. These are then analysed under a microscope to check for asbestos fibres.

The HSE’s clearance indicator for reoccupation is < 0.01 fibres per cm³. If levels are above this, the area remains off-limits until further cleaning and testing.

When Should You Use Air Monitoring?

Before, during, and after licensed asbestos removal
After non-licensed removal in high-risk areas
In sensitive environments like schools or hospitals
When required for reassurance (e.g. for landlords or housing associations)

Even for non-licensed work, many clients opt for reassurance testing just to cover all bases.

Think About It:

Would you move straight back into a house that’s just had asbestos removed — without checking the air first?

Would you re-open a school classroom without knowing for sure it’s fibre-free?

Air monitoring gives you the peace of mind (and paperwork) that it’s safe to re-enter.

How WestCross Supports You

We can arrange:

UKAS-accredited air monitoring and clearance testing
Reassurance testing where needed
Coordination with your project schedule for minimal delays
Advice on what’s required legally vs. best practice

FAQs: Air Testing After Asbestos Work

1. Is air monitoring always required after asbestos removal?
It’s mandatory for licensed asbestos work and strongly advised for any removal where fibre release is possible — especially in homes, schools, and workplaces.

2. Who performs asbestos air monitoring in the UK?
Only independent, UKAS-accredited analysts should perform and report on air monitoring and clearance testing.

3. How long does air testing take?
The process varies depending on room size and air volume but typically takes a few hours, with lab results available same-day or next-day.

4. What happens if asbestos fibres are found in the air?
The area cannot be reoccupied. Additional cleaning and containment measures are required before retesting.

5. Can I skip air testing for minor asbestos work?
Not recommended. Even for non-licensed work, reassurance testing protects you legally and helps you sleep at night — especially in public or rented spaces.