Asbestos exposure not just limited to buildings

Identifying and handling asbestos correctly in building renovations and demolitions is a prerequisite part of any job. But asbestos isn't just found in landlocked structures.

The HSE has just prosecuted two companies for exposing workers to asbestos on board a cruise ship. The ship in question is the Hebridean Princess and was undergoing refurbishment work to remove combustible materials. Two labourers were exposed to asbestos due to an asbestos survey not being carried out where they were working.

The Princess is owned by All Leisure Holidays Ltd. and managed by Andrew Weir Shipping Ltd. The exposure happened while the ship was docked in Middlesborough when the labourers removed ceiling and wall panels.

It seems Weir Shipping Ltd. had carried out an asbestos survey for another part of the ship and found asbestos, but did not do so for the area the labourers were working in.

Both companies have been held accountable as they both saw the asbestos survey covering another section of the Princess. All Leisure Holidays Ltd. was fined £6,000 and a further £5,640.85 in costs. Andrew Weir Shipping Ltd. was fined £12,000 and a further £5,829.15 in costs.

If nothing else, this incident acts as a reminder that it doesn't matter what the job entails, an asbestos survey is essential before work begins, and covering every area of the location.

C&D Consultancy carry out asbestos training and can help ensure the correct surveys and health and safety precautions are being carried out. Get in touch if you'd like to discuss our work or our training.

Source: HSE