Asbestos surveying company fined for inadequate survey

Last Updated on March 1, 2022 by Dan

Property management & asbestos surveying company fined after failure to identify asbestos

Vital Property Solutions Limited, a property management company, and Home Inspectors Southern Limited, an asbestos surveying company, have both been fined following an investigation by the HSE.

They have been accused of carrying out an inadequate refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey on a major refurbishment project that included part demolition.

The asbestos survey they carried out failed to identify asbestos cement and asbestos insulating board.

During the full investigation by the HSE, they discovered that the surveyor who performed the survey actually had no training in asbestos surveying whatsoever!

Nor had he had any previous work experience within the industry.

He indicated on the asbestos survey that a non-licensed contractor could remove the large quantity of AIB material, which is incorrect advice.

Property management & asbestos surveying company fined after failure to identify asbestos - vital property solutions

Vital Property Solutions Limited did not check that the asbestos surveying company held all the correct credentials and required experience to carry out the refurbishment and demolition survey.

Dudley Magistrates Court fined Vital Property Solutions Ltd of High Wycombe £8,400 after they pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

They were also ordered to pay costs of £929.67.

The court fined Home Inspectors Southern Limited of Brighton £4,800 after they pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Again, they had to pay additional costs of £929.67.

Edward Fryer, HSE Inspector, said after the hearing, “Asbestos surveyors have a duty of care to those persons who use the information they provide. The survey missed a significant amount of asbestos contaminated materials (ACM’s) thus increasing the risk to workers, who would be disturbing the fabric of the buildings during the refurbishment/demolition project. The risk arises from workers unknowingly working on ACM, and not taking effective precautions to prevent exposure and spread of asbestos fibers. Where surveyors fall well short of the standard then HSE will take robust action.”


Did you find this article on asbestos surveying company fined for inadequate survey interesting?  Then check out our latest posts below.

Need help with an asbestos problem?  Whether you need an asbestos management survey, or a refurbishment/ demolition survey, contact us on 0161 763 3727 or by visiting https://www.armco.org.uk/

Finally, for all your asbestos training needs call 0161 761 4424 or visit https://www.armcoasbestostraining.co.uk/to book an asbestos awareness training course.

Latest News...
July 11, 2024Last Updated on July 11, 2024 by Dan Asbestosis is a serious health condition that has profound implications for those who have been exposed to asbestos. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of asbestosis, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention. Understanding this disease is crucial, particularly for individuals working in environments […] [...] Read more...
May 21, 2024Last Updated on June 11, 2024 by max Asbestos, a naturally occurring group of minerals known for its fire-resistant properties, was once widely used in construction materials across the UK. However, due to the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure, its use was banned in 1999. Yet, the legacy of asbestos remains, posing a […] [...] Read more...
March 14, 2024Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by max Asbestos, a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals, was once hailed for its versatility and used extensively in the construction industry for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, it has since been revealed that asbestos poses significant health risks, primarily causing lung diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma, […] [...] Read more...
December 14, 2023Last Updated on February 13, 2024 by Dan The dangers of asbestos are well known, especially the removal of asbestos from buildings. The risk of causing diseases like lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma from inhaling asbestos dust remains high. Different methods are in use for removing asbestos to safeguard everyone. But are there newer and […] [...] Read more...
October 31, 2023Last Updated on February 13, 2024 by Dan In the realm of asbestos management, nothing can replace the value of practical hands-on training. The unique challenges posed by this hazardous material necessitate a robust and practical training approach to ensure the safety and efficiency of all asbestos management activities. This article explores the profound impact […] [...] Read more...
October 31, 2023Last Updated on October 31, 2023 by dagan2021 Asbestos, a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals, was once widely used in the construction industry due to its insulating properties and resistance to fire. However, by the late 20th century, its deleterious health effects were undeniable, leading to its ban in many countries including the UK. […] [...] Read more...

Published Jun 19, 2018

Get in touch