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
Showing posts with label asbestos survey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label asbestos survey. Show all posts
August 2, 2012
May 11, 2012
Builder fined £12,500 for disregarding asbestos risk
A Surrey builder has been handed a £12,500 fine and costs demand after demolishing a house known to contain "high risk" asbestos.
Before the house was set to be demolished a plumber had previously carried out a partial survey of the building and deemed it unsafe to work within. The builder in question, Stuart Pearson, knew of the survey, which said the area was unfit for work and required a licensed asbestos contractor for removal of the material to make it safe. This information was ignored, the house was demolsihed, and the surrounding environment was subsequently contaminated.
Pearson was found guilty of breaching Regulation 5 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations in the Guildford Magistrates Court. He received a fine of £5,000 and must pay costs of £7,500.
It is imperative that the relevant surveys and actions be taken to ensure the safety of workers and the general public on any site. C&D Consultancy offer a range of courses to ensure the proper procedures are known about, therefore avoiding any issues. Please get in touch or visit our training pages if you'd like to know more.
Source: HSW
Before the house was set to be demolished a plumber had previously carried out a partial survey of the building and deemed it unsafe to work within. The builder in question, Stuart Pearson, knew of the survey, which said the area was unfit for work and required a licensed asbestos contractor for removal of the material to make it safe. This information was ignored, the house was demolsihed, and the surrounding environment was subsequently contaminated.
Pearson was found guilty of breaching Regulation 5 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations in the Guildford Magistrates Court. He received a fine of £5,000 and must pay costs of £7,500.
It is imperative that the relevant surveys and actions be taken to ensure the safety of workers and the general public on any site. C&D Consultancy offer a range of courses to ensure the proper procedures are known about, therefore avoiding any issues. Please get in touch or visit our training pages if you'd like to know more.
Source: HSW
Labels:
asbestos,
asbestos survey,
health and safety,
HSE,
Stuart Pearson
November 24, 2011
Lincoln University fined for asbestos failings
We all know that there are many buildings across the UK containing asbestos. Many of them will not be checked until either renovations are carried out or demolition occurs. In the case of universities, regular inspections are done to ensure that buildings remain safe for students and staff.
In the case of Lincoln University, it seems asbestos surveys were carried out at regular intervals, but approrpriate action was never taken based on their findings. Now the university is facing a bill of £22,759 after being prosecuted for breaching Regulation 5(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
The threat of asbestos was discovered when a lecturer became trapped in a room due to a lock breaking. While breaking the door open it was discovered that asbestos insulation board surrounded it. Further checks were done and found similar boarding was used in other doors. An investigation carried out by the HSE discovered the surveys had been carried out, but their findings didn't result in any action.
Edward Walker, HSE Inspector, commented:
"The university had an asbestos management plan but had failed to follow it and failed to take appropriate steps to manage the risks associated with asbestos over a number of years, putting staff, students and contractors at risk of potential exposure."
It just goes to show that carrying out the checks is not enough. Any problems discovered during a survey must be dealt with immediately so as to stop prosecution. Now Lincoln University not only faces a large bill from the prosecution, they still have to pay for the work to make the university buildings safe again.
Source: HSE
In the case of Lincoln University, it seems asbestos surveys were carried out at regular intervals, but approrpriate action was never taken based on their findings. Now the university is facing a bill of £22,759 after being prosecuted for breaching Regulation 5(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
The threat of asbestos was discovered when a lecturer became trapped in a room due to a lock breaking. While breaking the door open it was discovered that asbestos insulation board surrounded it. Further checks were done and found similar boarding was used in other doors. An investigation carried out by the HSE discovered the surveys had been carried out, but their findings didn't result in any action.
Edward Walker, HSE Inspector, commented:
"The university had an asbestos management plan but had failed to follow it and failed to take appropriate steps to manage the risks associated with asbestos over a number of years, putting staff, students and contractors at risk of potential exposure."
It just goes to show that carrying out the checks is not enough. Any problems discovered during a survey must be dealt with immediately so as to stop prosecution. Now Lincoln University not only faces a large bill from the prosecution, they still have to pay for the work to make the university buildings safe again.
Source: HSE
Labels:
asbestos,
asbestos survey,
HSE,
Lincoln University,
prosecution
October 28, 2011
Lack of asbestos survey leads to prosecution
Building contractor J C Irvine Limited has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive for exposing workers to asbestos fibres during refurbishment work at the old Ace Electrics building in The Strand, Swansea.
Before work commenced, no asbestos survey was carried out, meaning the team of workers entered the building blind to the danger. They ended up working with asbestos and subsequently an environment with airbourne asbestos fibers--something we all know can lead to death.
The HSE was informed of what was going on, visited to asses the situation, and issued a Prohibition Notice. That was back in April/May 2010. Now, J C Irvine has pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 23(1)(a) of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 and Regulation 5 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. The total payout for the company is £14,148.50. Unfortunately the workers can't really have their exposure taken back and must now hope they don't suffer because of it.
HSE inspector, Hayley Healey said:
"This prosecution should act as a reminder to those in the construction industry of the importance of ensuring that an asbestos survey, and its findings, are available prior to work being carried out and that the correct control measures are in place to ensure that exposure to asbestos is prevented, so far as is reasonably practicable."
The health risks to workers and the cost to the company could have been completely avoided by carrying out an asbestos survey. Unfortunately, it seems some companies are still either unwilling, or lack the knowledge to do or request such surveys, and ultimately multiple people suffer because of it.
We offer both asbestos and demolition awareness, and asbestos awareness courses, both of which aim to educate personnel and their employers as to the dangers of exposure to asbestos. A little knowledge can help to cut the number of people who die from asbestos-related diseases every year.
Source: HSE
Before work commenced, no asbestos survey was carried out, meaning the team of workers entered the building blind to the danger. They ended up working with asbestos and subsequently an environment with airbourne asbestos fibers--something we all know can lead to death.
The HSE was informed of what was going on, visited to asses the situation, and issued a Prohibition Notice. That was back in April/May 2010. Now, J C Irvine has pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 23(1)(a) of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 and Regulation 5 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. The total payout for the company is £14,148.50. Unfortunately the workers can't really have their exposure taken back and must now hope they don't suffer because of it.
HSE inspector, Hayley Healey said:
"This prosecution should act as a reminder to those in the construction industry of the importance of ensuring that an asbestos survey, and its findings, are available prior to work being carried out and that the correct control measures are in place to ensure that exposure to asbestos is prevented, so far as is reasonably practicable."
The health risks to workers and the cost to the company could have been completely avoided by carrying out an asbestos survey. Unfortunately, it seems some companies are still either unwilling, or lack the knowledge to do or request such surveys, and ultimately multiple people suffer because of it.
We offer both asbestos and demolition awareness, and asbestos awareness courses, both of which aim to educate personnel and their employers as to the dangers of exposure to asbestos. A little knowledge can help to cut the number of people who die from asbestos-related diseases every year.
Source: HSE
Labels:
asbestos,
asbestos survey,
asvestos awareness,
Demolition,
HSE,
J C Irvine
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