Two companies have been handed fines after asbestos was disturbed, leaving workers exposed.
Two workers removed asbestos insulation board, whilst carrying out refurbishment work on a commercial premises which was being converted into flats in London.
Upon investigation, it was found that the client had previous knowledge of the asbestos, but had not passed it on to contractors.
No refurbishment and demolition survey was conducted to determine the presence of asbestos on the site. The two workers stripped out the AIB without any effective precautions and therefore received significant exposure to asbestos fibres.
Asbestos can be found in any building built before the year 2000. A refurbishment/demolition asbestos survey is required where the premises, or part of it, need upgrading, refurbishment or demolition.
Firestone Estates Limited, in Hertfordshire pleaded guilty to breaching the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations SI 2007/320 and were fined £10,000 and were ordered to pay £1020.64 in costs with a £1,000 victim surcharge.
24-Hour Maintenance Services Limited, also in Hertfordshire pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and were fined £5,000 with £974.44 in costs and a victim surcharge of £500.
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