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A man from Hartlepool has been handed a community order after he admitted to removing asbestos from a school when he wasn’t licenced to do so.
The accused also confessed to falsifying clearance documents after removing asbestos-containing materials from Our Lady Lourdes School in Shotton Colliery in March 2021. He had previously conducted similar work at a residential property on Park Road in Middlesbrough in November 2020.
Teesside Magistrates Court heard that the plaintiff failed to possess the necessary licence to safely remove asbestos and failed to ensure a four-stage clearance was carried out on both jobs, putting people at serious risk. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently updated its guidelines on asbestos safety and launched the Asbestos: Your Duty campaign to enhance awareness of legal responsibilities regarding asbestos management.
During an HSE investigation, it was discovered that he had received training on proper asbestos removal procedures, indicating his awareness of the legal requirement for a license. He pleaded guilty to six charges, three at each location, including violations of Regulations 8(1) and 20(3) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and breaching Section 33 (1)(m) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
The plaintiff was sentenced to an 18-month community order. The order mandates 15 days of rehabilitation, 90 days of monitored alcohol abstinence, and 150 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £1000 in costs.
HSE inspector Stuart Whitesmith said: “Asbestos-related disease still kills around 5,000 workers each year in Great Britain. It can be present today in any building or industrial process plant built or refurbished before the year 2000.
“In this case, the accused intentionally falsified paperwork necessary to ensure the safety of both workers, other staff and vulnerable members of the public.
“We will not hesitate to take action where individuals disregard health and safety law such as can be seen in this case.”
This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Karen Park.
Risk consultants specialising in asbestos management play a crucial role in preventing incidents like this. With our expertise in identifying, assessing and managing asbestos-related risk in various environments, we can ensure proper practices are carried out. By working closely with businesses and individuals, we can ensure compliance with regulations, proper training, and safe handling practices. PV Environmental provide asbestos services to clients across the UK. We conduct asbestos surveys, audits and training nationwide.
PV Environmental Surveys is a team of fully accredited asbestos consultants. We assist our clients in staying compliant with government regulations and provide safe working environments for their employees.
Asbestos can be present in any building constructed before the year 2000. The ‘duty to manage’ asbestos in non-domestic premises falls to those responsible for the property. As such, it is necessary to follow strict procedures before beginning any work that might disturb asbestos. If you suspect your property has asbestos-containing material please get in contact with our experienced professionals who will organise a survey. on 0845 226 5061 or email info@pves.co.uk.