Despite being warned materials they were handling contained
asbestos, a Pontypool building firm carried out unlicensed removal
of the potentially dangerous substance.
Ron Couch Building Contractors Ltd replaced a central heating
boiler at a private property in High Street, Pontypool, Caerphilly
Magistrates' Court heard during a Health and Safety Executive
prosecution.
In order to take out the boiler, carpenters from the
Griffithstown-based firm removed a cupboard door clad with asbestos
insulation board (AIB).
The men were warned of the presence of AIB by a supervisor from
a licensed contractor working in a nearby property who saw the door
outside.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos at work and
develops the rare form of cancer mesothelioma,
which is linked to the harmful substance, may be due
compensation.
The law states that any work involving AIB must be done by
licensed contractors but the HSE investigation found workers were
instructed by a senior manager to seal the walls of the cupboard
with plasterboard.
At a hearing in Caerphilly Magistrates’ Court, Ron Couch
Building Contractors Ltd Panteg Station, Station Road,
Griffithstown pleaded guilty to two charges under the Control of
Asbestos Regulations 2006. The company was fined a total of £2,500
and ordered to pay £1,250 costs.
HSE Inspector Steve Richardson said: “The company was well
aware of its legal duties in terms of asbestos work as, prior to
this incident, it carried out removal of the asbestos boiler flue
in a safe manner using qualified personnel."