An engineering company in Teesside where two workers were potentially exposed to asbestos fibres was fined 3000 yesterday for failing to protect their employees.
Darchem Engineering Ltd, was prosecuted by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 10(1) and 4(3) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 at Teesside Magistrates Court.
It was told to the court that on 13 November 2008 two maintenance workers were repositioning a junction box in the Aerospace reception area. In doing this the workers were required to drill into asbestos board and without taking the proper precaustions into consideration.
Darchem Engineering Ltd did not adequately manage the risks from asbestos on site and as a result the two workers were potentially exposed to harmful asbestos fibres.
When asbestos containing material becomes damaged or disturbed, it can release fibres that, if inhaled, can cause a number of fatal or serious respiratory conditions.
When the case was over HSE Inspector Andrew Mulligan said: "Around 20 tradesmen a week are dying from asbestos-related diseases. Darchem Engineering Limited failed to manage the risks from asbestos on the site, potentially exposing two of its workers to these hazardous fibres".
"A suitable and sufficient assessment should have been carried out and the company should have made sure that their employees had adequate information, instruction and training".
"Fortunately a contractor who had asbestos awareness training identified the potential for asbestos to be present and work was stopped. He knew the key message: if in doubt stop and check."
Emloyers and employees responsible for maintenance activities must check for the presence of asbestos material and, depending on its condition, either manage or remove it. If they choose to manage it they must make sure that information on the location and condition of the material is given to anyone whose work might disturb it. They must also ensure that any work carried out does not expose anyone to asbestos fibres.
http://www.asbestosconsultancy.net/asbestosconsultants.html
Darchem Engineering Ltd, was prosecuted by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 10(1) and 4(3) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 at Teesside Magistrates Court.
It was told to the court that on 13 November 2008 two maintenance workers were repositioning a junction box in the Aerospace reception area. In doing this the workers were required to drill into asbestos board and without taking the proper precaustions into consideration.
Darchem Engineering Ltd did not adequately manage the risks from asbestos on site and as a result the two workers were potentially exposed to harmful asbestos fibres.
When asbestos containing material becomes damaged or disturbed, it can release fibres that, if inhaled, can cause a number of fatal or serious respiratory conditions.
When the case was over HSE Inspector Andrew Mulligan said: "Around 20 tradesmen a week are dying from asbestos-related diseases. Darchem Engineering Limited failed to manage the risks from asbestos on the site, potentially exposing two of its workers to these hazardous fibres".
"A suitable and sufficient assessment should have been carried out and the company should have made sure that their employees had adequate information, instruction and training".
"Fortunately a contractor who had asbestos awareness training identified the potential for asbestos to be present and work was stopped. He knew the key message: if in doubt stop and check."
Emloyers and employees responsible for maintenance activities must check for the presence of asbestos material and, depending on its condition, either manage or remove it. If they choose to manage it they must make sure that information on the location and condition of the material is given to anyone whose work might disturb it. They must also ensure that any work carried out does not expose anyone to asbestos fibres.
http://www.asbestosconsultancy.net/asbestosconsultants.html
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