On May 15th 2007, the East Midlands Branch of HSE warned local authorities, schools and contractors of the danger of disturbing asbestos, and their responsibility to ensure correct procedures are in place to manage asbestos in schools following a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecution.
In 2004, asbestos was disturbed at Silverhill Primary School, Mickleover, while windows were being replaced. This happened in spite of the fact that its presence was known to the Council and the contractor.
Derby City Council was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay costs of £20,000 after pleading guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW) Act
Peter Westran, Director of Horizon Windows and Glass Limited was fined £5,000 after pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 9(1) and Regulation 15 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002. CAW Regulations.
Samantha Peace, HSE Principal Inspector of Construction Wales, Midlands and South West said, "Asbestos can be a killer if disturbed, but if contained and well managed poses no health risk. This is why it is vital that proper records are kept, showing where asbestos may be found and the condition of these materials. This information must be given to anyone who is likely to disturb it.
"If governors and head teachers approve building work directly, they need to ensure that it is done safely and they need to understand their responsibilities. This should be on the agenda of every Local Authority and school governors' meeting."
Both staff and pupils were present at the school during the work, which lasted three weeks. The work was stopped once the problem was identified and the school was closed for several weeks while decontamination was carried out.
To read the full story click on the link below
http://www.gnn.gov.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=284699&NewsAreaID=2
To visit the HSE website, click on the link below
http://www.hse.gov.uk/
In 2004, asbestos was disturbed at Silverhill Primary School, Mickleover, while windows were being replaced. This happened in spite of the fact that its presence was known to the Council and the contractor.
Derby City Council was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay costs of £20,000 after pleading guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW) Act
Peter Westran, Director of Horizon Windows and Glass Limited was fined £5,000 after pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 9(1) and Regulation 15 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002. CAW Regulations.
Samantha Peace, HSE Principal Inspector of Construction Wales, Midlands and South West said, "Asbestos can be a killer if disturbed, but if contained and well managed poses no health risk. This is why it is vital that proper records are kept, showing where asbestos may be found and the condition of these materials. This information must be given to anyone who is likely to disturb it.
"If governors and head teachers approve building work directly, they need to ensure that it is done safely and they need to understand their responsibilities. This should be on the agenda of every Local Authority and school governors' meeting."
Both staff and pupils were present at the school during the work, which lasted three weeks. The work was stopped once the problem was identified and the school was closed for several weeks while decontamination was carried out.
To read the full story click on the link below
http://www.gnn.gov.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=284699&NewsAreaID=2
To visit the HSE website, click on the link below
http://www.hse.gov.uk/
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