subject: Disposal Of Asbestos [print this page] The problem of asbestos in the workplace remains despite well publicised health risks and extensive 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.
Workers were exposed to asbestos fibres as they removed 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.
Arcadia was fined 5,000 with legal costs of 10,769 by Liverpool Magistrates' Court, the maximum fine the court could issue. 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 large or small companies have been fined for exposing their workers to asbestos. Life-threatening incidents like this can be easily avoided. Prior to the beginning of construction work a property should be surveyed for the presence of asbestos because then it can be identified and arrangements can 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 for asbestos removal and asbestos disposal will vary by company, and will be based on how wide-ranging the job is. The chief concern is the health of all those who are being exposed to asbestos and lots of people do not view 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. Particular precautions must be taken during the removal process to guarantee the health of everyone involved.
What you save by removing asbestos yourself may not be worth the price of your health. Think carefully if your company ask you to remove or dispose of asbestos. It really is worth calling in a specialist company when you are dealing with asbestos removal and asbestos disposal. 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.
