Latest asbestos industry news
Roofers told to smash up asbestos sheets
Roofers were told to smash up insulation sheets containing asbestos and sweep up the dangerous fibres, without any protective measures.
For 12 weeks staff working for A&T Roofing in Enfield removed the sheets. Two weeks into the operation, employees discovered the potentially fatal Amosite, or “brown” asbestos, was present.
It is one of the two most deadly forms of the mineral
But managers ignored complaints from their staff and allowed work to continue.
It means the potentially deadly fibres were carried on their clothes and into their homes, vehicles, and public transport.
The attitude of A & T Roofing has been described as “cavalier” by a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector as the worst he had come across in his 15 year career.
A & T Roofing Ltd pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to charges brought under the asbestos regulation legislation. It was fined £25,000 and ordered to pay costs of £33,844.30.
The work was carried out at the premises of Noble Gift Packaging Ltd. It was fined £40,000 for employing A & T and was ordered to pay costs of £19,223.65.
Kershaw Contracting Services is a member of the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA), and can advise on all aspects of asbestos surveys and removal.
