Building firm fined over asbestos
A building company has been fined for carrying out unlicensed asbestos removal at a property in Wales.
The company had been hired to replace a central heating boiler at the property. Carpenters were taking off a cupboard door clad with asbestos insulation board (AIB) so they could access the boiler when they were approached by a supervisor from a licensed contractor, who was working in a nearby property.
The supervisor informed them AIB was present.
Any work where AIB is present must be carried out by licensed contractors, according to the law. However, an investigation by the HSE found the workers were told to seal the walls of the cupboard with plasterboard by senior managers.
Having pleaded guilty to two charges under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 in Magistrates’ Court, the company was fined a total of £2,500 and ordered to pay £1,250 costs.
Asbestos is safe when in good condition, and is only dangerous when fibres become airborne and are inhaled, which can happen when materials are damaged. It remains the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK.
Don’t take the risk, for more information on asbestos contact:
- Andrew on 07870 777303 or
- Ian on 07853 131851
