Asbestos removal is a messy job

Author: kevij1dqmc | Posted: 29.11.2011

Despite well publicised health risks and detailed legislation covering the management, removal and disposal of asbestos, the problem of asbestos in the workplace remains.

The Arcadia Group Ltd along with contractor Vincents (Shopfitters) Ltd were prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive. Despite the fact that a survey ordered before the project started had identified the presence of asbestos , they both allowed refurbishment work at the Liverpool outlet to go ahead.

“Neither company took adequate action to prevent workers being exposed, despite a survey alerting them that asbestos was present in the building." said Warren Pennington, the investigating inspector at HSE. "The refurbishment work… was likely to disturb the asbestos, so a licensed specialist contractor should have carried it out.”

Air conditioning, sprinklers and other equipment next to ceiling beams, which had been coated with sprayed asbestos to protect from fire before the dangers of the material became widely known were removed by workers, exposing them to asbestos fibres.

Liverpool Magistrates' Court issued the maximum fine the court could issue and fined Arcadia £5,000 with legal costs of £10,769. Vincents were also fined the maximun penalty available, £10,000 plus £10,769 costs.

“Up to 45 individuals who were working in the building now have to live with the knowledge that they may become ill with a life-threatening lung disease.” Pennington added.

There are numerous incidents such as this where large or small companies have been fined for exposing their workers to asbestos. These are life-threatening incidents and ones that can be simply avoided. If employers surveyed the property for the presence of asbestos prior to the start of construction work, any asbestos would be identified and arrangements could be made for its controlled removal by an HSE-licensed contractor.

There are specific laws and rules around the disposal of any waste, but specifically hazardous substances like asbestos. Any hazardous material has to be treated and disposed of correctly.

Prices for asbestos removal and asbestos disposal will vary by company, and will be based on how comprehensive the job is. The main concern is the health of all those who are being exposed to asbestos and lots of people do not consider cost to be the most important factor.

Once you have selected an asbestos removal company, the process of having these materials removed and disposed of can begin. Where the materials are located and how much needs to be removed, will vary the amount of time this takes. Whilst time is of the essence, keep in mind that special precautions must be taken during the removal process to ensure the health of everyone involved.

What you save by removing asbestos yourself may not be worth the price of your health. If your company ask you to remove or dispose of asbestos then think carefully before you proceed. When it comes to asbestos removal and asbestos disposal it really is worth calling in a specialist company. The HSE estimates that 4,000 people die from exposure to asbestos every year and report that asbestos is the biggest single cause of work-related deaths in the UK.

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