Asbestos incident could inspire firms to adopt facilities management health and safety process
August 3rd 15:56 Health and Safety
A number of businesses based in the UK could be encouraged to adopt facilities management health and safety process following an incident in Pontypool.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has successfully prosecuted Ron Couch Building Contractors after the firm allowed unlicensed carpenters to remove a cupboard door clad with asbestos insulation board (AIB).
Caerphilly Magistrates fined the company £2,500 and ordered it to pay costs of £1,250 after it pleaded guilty to two charges under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006.
HSE inspector Steve Richardson said: "The company was well aware of its legal duties in terms of asbestos work as, prior to this incident, it carried out removal of the asbestos boiler flue in a safe manner using qualified personnel.
"AIB possesses less of a risk if not damaged, but this work exposed the edges of the board increasing the risk of releasing asbestos fibres which could be inhaled by the workers and anyone else using the premises."
