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Demolition firm fined for illegal asbestos removal
A Cheltenham demolition company has been prosecuted after
exposing its own workers to dangerous asbestos fibres and illegally
removing asbestos waste from a property in Gloucester.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted DA
Environmental Services Ltd at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court today
(5 Nov) for three breaches of regulations relating to asbestos
removal.
The court heard HSE found the firm undertook an asbestos survey
before demolishing the building showing it contained a quantity of
Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB). The report identified that this
would have to be safely removed in a controlled manner before
demolition went ahead.
Speaking after the prosecution, HSE Inspector Andrew Kingscott
said:
"Where material such as asbestos insulating board is identified,
it should only be removed by a contractor who holds the necessary
licence, in a safe manner and with the necessary control measures.
DA Environmental should have appointed an appropriately licensed
contractor to remove the materials.
"By undertaking the work themselves they unnecessarily exposed
their own workers to the risks associated with significant levels
of airborne asbestos fibres and failed to adequately contain their
spread.
"Unfortunately, those working in the construction industry are
regularly exposed to asbestos materials and the legacy of past
exposures is evident in the high numbers of people in the UK who
are suffering the fatal effects of uncontrolled exposures to
asbestos fibres during their working lives."
Over 3000 people a year die from asbestos related illnesses in
the UK. For further information, visit www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos
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