![PP Construction Safety logo and link to home page [1]](http://www.ppconstructionsafety.com/wp-content/themes/ppcs960/images/ppcslogo.jpg)
Cornwall development company fined for survey failings
Norwegian Homes Ltd has been ordered to pay over £15 in fines and prosecution costs after failing to undertake a survey for the presence of asbestos at a demolition site in Perranporth in July 2006.
The former Cellar Cover Hotel was being converted into guesthouses and holiday apartments.
HSE Inspection visit found asbestos on a bonfire
During a visit to the site HSE inspectors discovered suspected asbestos insulation boards underneath a caravan, in polythene sacks and in the ashes of a bonfire. The samples were later confirmed as containing asbestos.
Truro Magistrates Court heard how there were no measures in place to properly remove the asbestos-containing material, nor were there any protections in place for staff working on the site.
Norwegian Homes pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 15 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002.
Incident entirely preventable by carrying out survey
HSE inspector, Martin Lee, said: “asbestos is extremely harmful to human health and is the most serious occupational health issue in the country. More than 4,000 people die every year from asbestos-related diseases.
“Norwegian Homes should have carried out a survey for the presence and quantity of asbestos in the building, prior to demolition.
“This incident was entirely preventable and the clean-up costs far outstripped the costs of a survey and safe removal of the asbestos material.”