Removing Asbestos Is Too Risky

The problem of asbestos in the workplace remains despite well publicised health risks

and detailed legislation covering the management, removal and disposal of asbestos.

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.

Warren Pennington, the investigating inspector at HSE, said: Neither company took adequate action to prevent workers being exposed, despite a survey alerting them that asbestos was present in the building." "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.

Pennington added: 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.

There are a number of incidents such as this where big or small companies have been fined for exposing their workers to asbestos. It is simple to avoid life-threatening incidents such as this. 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 particular 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 will vary depending how involved the asbestos removal and asbestos disposal is. A number of people see the cost to not be the most important factor, as the chief concern is the health of all those who are being exposed to asbestos

Once you have selected an asbestos removal company, the process of having these materials removed and disposed of can begin. The amount of time that this will take will vary depending on where the materials are located, and just how much needs to be removed. Particular precautions must be taken during the removal process to ensure the health of everyone involved.

It may not be worth compromising your health by saving money and removing asbestos yourself. 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.

by: davi3myune

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