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Arcoservices > Health and Safety News > ‘Inadequate’ refurbishment and demolition survey failed to identify asbestos

‘Inadequate’ refurbishment and demolition survey failed to identify asbestos

A property management consultancy and an asbestos surveying company have been fined a total of £13,200 after an inadequate refurbishment and demolition survey was provided for a major refurbishment project that included partial demolition.

 

Dudley Magistrates’ Court was told how the survey undertaken by Home Inspectors Southern Limited failed to identify asbestos cement and asbestos insulating board (AIB) containing Chrysotile and Amosite asbestos.

 

The HSE’s investigation revealed that the surveyor had no training in asbestos surveying or previous work experience with a suitably qualified person or accredited organisation. The survey also incorrectly advised that a non-licensed contractor could be engaged to remove the large quantity of AIB identified.

 

Home Inspectors Southern Limited was not asked for any information by facilities management company Vital Property Solutions Limited to demonstrate their skills, knowledge, experience and training relating to asbestos surveying prior to the job.

 

The charges and fines were as follows:

 

Vital Property Solutions Limited of Desborough Street, High Wycombe pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined £8,400 and ordered to pay costs of £929.67.

 

Home Inspectors Southern Limited of Hawthorn Close, Brighton pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined £4,800 and ordered to pay costs of £929.67.

 

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Edward Fryer said:

“Asbestos surveyors have a duty of care to those persons who use the information they provide. The survey missed a significant amount of asbestos contaminated materials (ACMs) thus increasing the risk to workers, who would be disturbing the fabric of the buildings during the refurbishment/demolition project.

“The risk arises from workers unknowingly working on ACM, and not taking effective precautions to prevent exposure and spread of asbestos fibres. Where surveyors fall well short of the standard then HSE will take robust action.”

 

Asbestos Awareness online
  • Venue: Online
  • Course code: OLAA
  • Course duration: 1 – 2 hours
  • Course Audience: All levels of employees who may undertake or plan work that may be carried out in buildings and premises. This will also be beneficial for personnel responsible for the management of buildings and premises.
  • Instructor student ratio: N/A

Course Aim

This course is specifically designed to help organisations and individuals meet their legal obligation to train employees whose work could lead to exposure to asbestos containing materials (ACMs). The regulations require that employers must ensure employees have undergone suitable asbestos awareness training so that they are aware of the potential dangers they may face and the procedures they must follow regarding ACMs.