Essex company fined after failing to dispose of asbestos found at Amersham property

Essex-based asbestos removal firm Aspect Contracts Ltd left debris containing the potentially deadly material at the property in Highover Park, Wycombe Magistrates' Court heard.

Material and debris found in the area around the property was also found to contain asbestos, which was left behind after the firm had carried out work to remove asbestos-lagged pipework.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive ruled that Aspect Contracts Ltd’s plan for the work was itself inadequate. The HSE said the company failed to identify the controls and techniques necessary to maintain an adequate level of enclosure when accessing ceiling voids, and also failed to address the proper procedure for removal of the material to minimise risk of asbestos fibre being released.

Aspect Contracts Ltd, based in Honeywood Road, Basildon, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act and to contravening Section 11(1) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations at the court hearing on June 17.

They were fined £10,560 for each of the two charges and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £37,606 and a victim surcharge of £120. In total the company had to pay out £58,846.

HSE Inspector Stephen Manley said after the hearing: "This case highlights the requirement to properly plan asbestos removal and ensure the written plan is suitable for the on-site team to understand what they need to do. Aspect Contracts Ltd have extensive experience of such work; however their plan of work was poorly conceived and, when on-site, workers further deviated from recognised industry best-practice.

"The dangers of exposure are well-known. There are long-term health risks associated with inhalation of asbestos fibres including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Those working with the material owe duty of care to ensure those at work and others, such as homeowners, are not exposed or put at risk."