A demolition firm has been fined after knocking down a building in the Lake District which contained hundreds of asbestos ceiling tiles without following the correct asbestos procedures and therefore putting the lives of workers and local residents at risk.

Last Updated on July 4, 2012 by

A Demolition firm has been fined after knocking down a building in the Lake District which contained hundreds of asbestos ceiling tiles without following the correct procedures and therefore putting the lives of workers and local residents at risk.  IBT Contracting Ltd was prosecuted by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) after carrying out the work at a former photography factory in Staveley near Kendal during August and September 2011.

Kendal Magistrates’ Court heard how IBT had been informed of the asbestos containing material in a survey made available by the owners of the site ahead of the work taking place. The survey stated that the building contained 166 square meters of asbestos ceiling tiles, which are considered notifiable, and therefore must be removed by licensed contractors. The company failed to arrange for a licensed contractor to remove the tiles safely, and instead released deadly asbestos fibers into the air during the building’s demolition.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching three Health and Safety regulations and were fined £10, 800 and ordered to pay £3, 638 in court costs and a £15 surcharge by South Lakeland Magistrates. Speaking after the hearing, HSE investigating inspector Allen Shute said: “This Company put the lives of workers in danger by cutting corners and not using a licensed contractor to safely remove the asbestos ceiling tiles”. He illustrated the seriousness of the company’s actions by stating that those exposed to the fibers “may develop a deadly asbestos-related disease in the years to come because of the actions of IBT Contracting”.

Here at Armco Asbestos Consultants we are aware of the seriousness of ensuring that asbestos containing materials are dealt with in the manner which the HSE has deemed suitable for the risk associated with it.  We have a wealth of experience in assisting companies to operate within the asbestos law. We can provide consultancy and advice on various asbestos related matters, we undertake the appropriate survey on a wide variety of different types of properties and, we can implement both licensed and unlicensed removals and remedial works.

We offer various types of training: to ensure your staff are Asbestos Aware; to educate in the removal and remedial works of non-licensed asbestos containing materials and; to face fit respiratory masks for protection against the inhalation of hazardous materials. Please navigate this site for further details and do not hesitate to contact the Armco office to discuss your company’s asbestos related enquiries. For further information and a competitive quote, please contact the Armco office on 0161 763 3727 or email us atinfo@armco.org.uk

Published Apr 10, 2012