Company fined after asbestos containing materials were released

A Glasgow based building contractor has been fined after an employee used a powered saw to cut through a kitchen cupboard door, accidentally releasing asbestos containing materials.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that between 8 November 2015 and 11 December 2015, City Building (Glasgow) LLP was carrying out refurbishment work at a flat in Glasgow. An employee who was unaware of the presence of asbestos fibres within a kitchen cupboard door cut through the door and disturbed the asbestos fibres.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that following receipt of an Asbestos Refurbishment Survey pertaining to the kitchen, City Building (Glasgow) LLP failed to realise that the door had not been surveyed.

City Building (Glasgow) LLP, Darnick Street, Glasgow has today pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and has been fined £4000.

Speaking after the hearing HSE principal inspector, Graeme McMinn, said

“This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices. When getting an asbestos survey carried out it is important to ensure that all of the planned work areas have been surveyed.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. We seek to prevent work-related death, injury and ill health through regulatory actions that range from influencing behaviours across whole industry sectors through to targeted interventions on individual businesses. These activities are supported by globally recognised scientific expertise.
2. Further information is available about the legislation referred to in this case .
3. Latest HSE press releases.

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