Builder's fine highlights need for asbestos dust monitoring equipment

Apex Asbestos Sampling Kit
from Casella

A Solihull builder has been fined after he exposed a family and himself to potentially-deadly dust fibres.

With more than 3,000 asbestos-related deaths per year in the UK, it is essential that companies use the correct dust monitoring equipment to protect workers and members of the public.

However, news of failings related to the potentially-deadly fibres is all too common, with recent reports of a Birmingham builder being fined just one example.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Sharpe Builders owner Nicholas Sharpe appeared before Solihull Magistrates Court on February 4th accused of illegally removing and breaking up asbestos panels at a Castle Bromwich home.

The tradesman risked the lives of young children and their parents, as well as his own and the HSE was alerted to the problem by a Solihull Council Environmental Health officer.

Mr Sharpe admitted to two breaches of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and was fined a total of £4,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,100.

The fines related to work done on a garage conversion, where the builder removed a number of asbestos insulating boards from the ceiling and broke them into smaller pieces before leaving them on the driveway.

While carrying out the work, the only breathing apparatus used was a dust mask which offered little protection against the potentially deadly fibres.

No survey of the building was carried out and no information was provided to the householders on the presence of the panels.

HSE inspector Paul Cooper explained that it is a widely publicised fact that asbestos is a dangerous substance.

"The type of work being undertaken at Rover Drive should only be carried out by a contractor who holds the necessary licence, in a safe manner and with the necessary control measures," he said.

"By carrying out this work in such a careless way, Mr Sharpe exposed himself and others to potentially harmful airborne asbestos fibres. He also demonstrated a complete disregard for the law."

The expert added that the high number of people suffering from asbestos-related illnesses in the UK should act as a warning to the current generation of tradesmen.
 
There is a range of products available on the Frontline Safety website which tackle dust and air monitoring - including equipment appropriate for asbestos exposure.  The Apex Asbestos Sampling Kit from Casella can be found on the website.
 
Posted by Dawn Mitchell