A school and its maintenance contractor have been fined after workers disturbed asbestos at the school while installing a new heating system.
T.W. Steam & Heating Services Limited had been contracted by Park View Academy, to install a new heating system in the school building at Park View School, Chester Le Street, Peterlee Magistrates’ Court was told.
In the course of the work, during February 2019, ceiling tiles containing asbestos were disturbed, potentially exposing several people to asbestos fibres.
The HSE’s investigation found that the contractor and the school both failed to refer to existing asbestos registers and management plans to identify the presence of asbestos within the school building.
Park View Academy of Church Chare, Chester Le Street pleaded guilty to breaching sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £3000 with £4785.37 costs.
T.W. Steam & Heating Services Limited of Rennys Lane Industrial Estate, Durham pleaded guilty to breaching sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £2,000 with £4,710.37 costs.
Prior to any refurbishment works it is critical to inspect the existing asbestos survey reports and identify any limitations within the reports prior to works commencing. Where building works are likely to exceed the remit of the management survey then a refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey should be commisioned.
Hatch consultancy provide free advice and cost effective asbestos surveys throughout Devon and Cornwall.
