If you are planning on undertaking a renovation yourself, or using a contractor, it is essential to make sure that the correct surveys have been completed before starting the work.
The Health and Safety Executive have recently fined two companies in Richmond a total of £10,450 (including costs) for exposing a 16-year-old worker to asbestos.
The companies were working on a domestic outbuilding in Richmond, North Yorkshire. The young worker was asked to break up cement sheets and put them into a skip. Asbestos was later found in the cement sheets, meaning the worker had been exposed to asbestos fibres.
HSE Principal Inspector Chris Tilley commented: “A suitable and sufficient asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey of the building undertaken by the client and provided to the contractor before work started would have identified the presence of asbestos in the roofing materials. The contractor could have ensured that suitable controls were put in place and the asbestos removed safely before further work was undertaken.
“This incident could so easily have been avoided by the provision of suitable and sufficient pre-construction information, effective communication between the parties and the use of correct control measures and safe working practices.”
If you are unsure if you are dealing with asbestos then having a professional survey is essential. If you would like to speak to us about whether you require one, please contact us today.
photo credit: wix site files. not an image of the building in the post.
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