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Client escapes with low fine after contractor disturbs crocidolite asbestos
Formac Electronics Ltd has been prosecuted after a workman fitting pipework for a new central heating system was exposed to high levels of ‘blue’ asbestos (crocidolite). Of the three main asbestos types, crocidolite is associated with the highest risk of developing mesothelioma.
An HSE Specialist Inspector visited the site and under controlled conditions found loose fill blue asbestos insulation material in the area where the work took place on the 3 and 4 August 2010.
HSE investigators found that the company failed to:
- carry out a suitable survey regarding presence and condition of asbestos in the building; and
- provide suitable information to contractors prior to the start of the refurbishment works.
Bath Magistrates heard that the asbestos was disturbed and spread within the building during refurbishment work. For a five-hour period the workman was estimated to have been exposed to a high concentration of airborne asbestos fibres many times over the control limit.
Clients should carry out appropriate investigations
Formac Electronics Ltd, of Oxford House, Combe Down, Bath, admitted breaching Regulation 10 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and was fined £600 with £6,013.45 in costs.
HSE inspector Helena Tinton said:
“Asbestos is a potent carcinogen and is especially common in buildings constructed between 1950 and 1980. As Oxford House was built in the 1960s, Formac Electronics Ltd should have been aware of the risk of asbestos being present in the building and should have carried out an appropriate level of investigation to prevent any workers from being exposed to the substance.
The damage to Mr Arnold’s health after being exposed to such a high concentration of this potent carcinogen could be very serious and he now has to wait to find out what the long-term effects of this exposure will be.”