03.09.2014
Hove-based Asbestos Damage Limitations, which trades as ADL, undertook work to take down boards including the dangerous substance from a ceiling in a property on Dyke Road in Hove in late October 2013.
The HSE became involved after a complaint was made to it suggesting the firm was operating without a licence.
An investigation found this was indeed the case, as ADL's old licence to remove asbestos had expired the previous month. It had sought to renew it and undertook an interview on October 1st 2013, only to be refused, due to poor past performances.
ADL pleaded guilty in the hearing at Brighton Magistrates' Court to a breach of Regulation 8(1) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which states: "An employer must hold a licence granted under paragraph (2) before undertaking any licensable work with asbestos." It was fined £15,000 with £4,000 in costs.
Commenting on the case, HSE inspector Dennis Bodger said the firm had clearly decided to "ignore" the licence refusal and carry on "regardless".
He added: "When ADL's licence expired, the firm should have ceased to carry out any work with asbestos-containing materials that is required by licence. ADL was fully aware of what types of activities are covered and knew perfectly well that it was illegal to undertake the work it did."
Mr Bodger noted it is very important that the HSE can monitor work done with asbestos, as it is a deadly substance that is responsible for 4,500 deaths in the UK each year and a number of illnesses. He said when unlicensed work is undertaken, it is much harder for the HSE to monitor whether or not it is being done safely.
The HSE is the issuing body for asbestos licences and this covers all but the least risky forms of asbestos removal work.
Company Fined After Carrying Out Work Without Licence
An asbestos removal firm has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for carrying out work to remove material containing asbestos without a licence.Hove-based Asbestos Damage Limitations, which trades as ADL, undertook work to take down boards including the dangerous substance from a ceiling in a property on Dyke Road in Hove in late October 2013.
The HSE became involved after a complaint was made to it suggesting the firm was operating without a licence.
An investigation found this was indeed the case, as ADL's old licence to remove asbestos had expired the previous month. It had sought to renew it and undertook an interview on October 1st 2013, only to be refused, due to poor past performances.
ADL pleaded guilty in the hearing at Brighton Magistrates' Court to a breach of Regulation 8(1) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which states: "An employer must hold a licence granted under paragraph (2) before undertaking any licensable work with asbestos." It was fined £15,000 with £4,000 in costs.
Commenting on the case, HSE inspector Dennis Bodger said the firm had clearly decided to "ignore" the licence refusal and carry on "regardless".
He added: "When ADL's licence expired, the firm should have ceased to carry out any work with asbestos-containing materials that is required by licence. ADL was fully aware of what types of activities are covered and knew perfectly well that it was illegal to undertake the work it did."
Mr Bodger noted it is very important that the HSE can monitor work done with asbestos, as it is a deadly substance that is responsible for 4,500 deaths in the UK each year and a number of illnesses. He said when unlicensed work is undertaken, it is much harder for the HSE to monitor whether or not it is being done safely.
The HSE is the issuing body for asbestos licences and this covers all but the least risky forms of asbestos removal work.
Expert Opinion
Exposure to asbestos dust and fibres can have devastating consequences for victims and we have seen the suffering individuals go through years after exposure to the hazardous substances, which makes the removal of asbestos this company undertook without a current licence very troubling. <br/> <br/>“It is vital the dangerous substance is handled correctly to protect the health and safety of workers and also the general public who may be exposed to dust and fibres in the air. The issues caused by asbestos exposure should never be underestimated and we hope that this successful HSE prosecution will act as a reminder to companies and individuals to recognise the dangers the material poses and to implement surveys and safety measures to protect workers and the public from exposure.”
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