A London construction company has been fined after a serious breach in removal of asbestos.
In February 2018, Protostar Construction Ltd (PCL) commissioned an asbestos survey at a site located in Finchley Road, London. The survey identified a significant amount of asbestos, and provided a detailed report on how it should be dealt with.
The survey company was invited to attend the site by PCL, to quote for the removal of the asbestos, however when the surveyor arrived, he discovered that PCL, and not a licensed asbestos removal company, had removed the asbestos themselves. Putting all visitors to the site at serious risk of exposure.
An investigation by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) found that the company had removed a significant proportion of asbestos while refurbishing a house, without taking the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres.
Protostar Construction Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. They were fined £14,000, and ordered to pay £3,672.88 in costs.
