Inadequate asbestos survey: two companies fined
Health and Safety Executive v Vital Property Solutions Ltd and Home Inspectors Southern Ltd (2018) Dudley magistrates’ court, June 1
Statutory reference: s.3 of the Health and Safety at Work, etc., Act 1974 (HSWA)
A property management consultancy and an asbestos surveying company have been fined for an inadequate refurbishment and demolition survey.
The facts
Home Inspectors Southern Ltd undertook a refurbishment and demolition survey of a major refurbishment project including partial demolition.
The survey failed to identify asbestos cement and asbestos insulating board (AIB) containing chrysotile and amosite asbestos.
The surveyor had no training in asbestos surveying or previous work experience with a suitably qualified person or accredited organisation.
The survey incorrectly advised that a non-licensed contractor could remove the material.
Vital Property Solutions Ltd did not ask Home Inspectors for information about the company’s skills, knowledge, experience and training in relation to asbestos surveying.
The decision
Vital Property Solutions Ltd was fined £8400 plus £929 costs for a breach of s.3 of HSWA.
Home Inspectors Southern Ltd was fined £4800 plus £929 costs for the same offence.
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