| Property Management Firm fined over 'Asbestos Exposure' |
| Tuesday, 18 January 2011 13:49 |
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A property management firm based in Halifax has been fined £30,100 after its workers were exposed to asbestos. The employees were carrying out roofing works at a factory building owned by MA Estates Limited when they were exposed to asbestos fibres in June 2007. The incident occurred while up to 15 workers were stripping materials from support beams which were found to contain asbestos, Halifax Magistrates' Court heard. A local business raised the alarm after suspecting that the materials contained asbestos. Work was halted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after inspectors visited the site and as part of the HSE’s investigation it was discovered that the firm had not conducted an asbestos survey and had not carried out appropriate risk assessments. The investigation also found that the company did not hold a licence to remove asbestos and that the staff had not received any training with regards to the removal of asbestos. It was also found that the firm had exposed the workers to asbestos and had not tried to reduce how far it was spread. MA Estates Limited, of Holmfield, Halifax, pleaded guilty to seven charges under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 and of breaching Section 3(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and were also ordered to pay £2,475.40 in costs. If you are planning a project or are worried about asbestos and would like to know more, please do not hesitate in contacting us for some free advice. Cranegates Ltd can offer a total solution to all your asbestos and construction related problems and can offer guidance with current legislation and approved codes of practice. With Offices in Essex & Yorkshire, Cranegates are a fully accredited and approved national asbestos company, a leading name in asbestos identification, survey, removal and disposal acknowledged by the award of the Royal Warrant from Her Majesty the Queen. For assistance or to make an enquiry: Call us now on 0845 873 8833 or email your enquiry to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
