Dursley Does It - Fine For School Unlicensed Asbestos Removal

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21 March 2018

A company has been fined following an unlicensed asbestos removal from a school. The unsafe and unlicensed removal occurred during refurbishment works at Dursley Junior.

Cheltenham Magistrates Court heard how, in October 2016, R F Gardiner Limited removed asbestos in an unsafe manner and did not have the appropriate licence to carry out the work. Operatives working for the company were exposed to high levels of airborne asbestos fibres during the removal work as no water suppression was used and they had not been face-fit tested for the face mask they were wearing.

An enclosure under negative pressure was not set up to contain the asbestos fibres released during the removal and as such asbestos fibres were spread to the surrounding area. Workers also had no way of decontaminating onsite on completion of the work.

The investigation was undertaken by the Health and Safety Executive.

R F Gardiner Limited pleaded guilty to breaching the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and was fined £28,000  and ordered to pay costs of £1,141.80.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector James Lucas said: “The company in this case should have ensured appropriate measures were identified during the planning process to include the engagement of a licensed asbestos contractor to carry out correct control measures and safe working practices for the removal of the asbestos.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”

Picture: Dursley Junior School did not face a prosecution.

Article written by Brian Shillibeer | Published 21 March 2018

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