Somerset builder fined for unlicensed asbestos removal

A Somerset building contractor has been fined for removing asbestos from a school refurb project without a licence.

Following the sentencing today (Friday) of building contractor Dave Lee at Taunton Crown Court, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is stressing the need to ensure that licensed asbestos contractors are used on relevant school projects.

The prosecution relates to a period of refurbishment work which took place between 16 July and 13 August 2007 at Westonzoyland Primary School in Somerset. 

This work included the removal of walls and doors which damaged overhead firebreaks containing asbestos. The subcontractor was not licensed to remove asbestos and failed to identify its presence, thereby exposing its employees and others in the school to risk through disturbance.

Dave Lee of Monmouth Road, Westonzoyland, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 5 and Regulation 11 (1) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 and was fined a total of £1,100 and ordered to pay costs of £500.

The work included the removal of walls and doors which damaged overhead firebreaks containing asbestos. Dave Lee was not licensed to remove asbestos and failed to identify its presence, thereby exposing its employees and others in the school to risk through disturbance.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Sue Adsett, said: "It was very fortunate that in this particular case, the Local Education Authority was able to remove the risk to schoolchildren and staff before they returned to school - although, of course, the workman involved in the initial refurbishment work were exposed to significant risk.

"This case highlights the need to use licensed asbestos contractors, rather than general builders, when removing asbestos products, and the need to ensure that professional and competent project managers are in place to oversee the work.

"Just as importantly, this case also emphasises the need for the contractors themselves to ensure that they are appropriately licensed to carry out the work and that there are serious penalties for not doing so."