An employer has been sentenced for failing to reduce exposure and spread of asbestos when demolishing a large pig shed.
In July and August 2018, whilst carrying out demolition and asbestos removal works at the former pig shed on Caenby Corner, Lincolnshire, Barry Patchett, trading as BSN Demolition, had failed to remove asbestos containing materials (ACMs) prior to commencing the work. Consequently, the ACMs were needlessly broken up in significant quantities across the site, leading to the risk of spreading asbestos fibres.
The HSE’s investigation found that Mr Patchett had received the relevant training on how to remove non-licenced asbestos and had submitted a plan of work to the client which included removing the asbestos sheets manually before demolition, which he chose not to follow. Mr Patchett also failed to have a copy of the plan of work on the premises for workers to follow at the time of the demolition.
Patchett of Firebeacon Farm, Wargholme, Louth pleaded guilty to contravening Regulations 7(2), 11(1) and 12 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, and was sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment, suspended for one year, and ordered to pay costs of £1,000.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Stuart Whitesmith said: “Asbestos related disease still kills around 5,000 workers each year. Asbestos is not just a problem of the past; it can be present today in any building or industrial process plant built or refurbished before the year 2000.”
“In this case, Mr Patchett failed to follow basic safe working practices required by the Regulations.”
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to whom it may concern, i am in business selling used catering equipment in huddersfield, hd1 3jd. my landlord removed an old cement roof ACM’S, 1920’s, and replaced it with new corrugated steel roof. non-licensed roofers were used who broke, tore, smashed, the roof to bring it down, therefore contaminating my place of work and exposing me to asbestos Dust and debris. having an independent report compiled by a professional, they took 29 samples and found them all positive for asbestos. i reported this to the HSE, going as far as the CEO ms sarah albon—who have refused to do… Read more »
Not only were you possibly contaminated with asbestos but there is an other equally dangerous hazard namely lead paint dust. check out LCMA WEBSITE for information.