Builder fined for ignoring asbestos risk

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Nicholas Sharpe, trading as Sharpe Builders, after he illegally removed and broke up asbestos panels from a home in Castle Bromwich.

Solihull Magistrates' Court heard that HSE inspectors visited a house on Rover Drive on 19 July 2012, following a call from a Solihull Council environmental health officer about possible unlicensed asbestos removal work.

An HSE investigation found that, during work to convert a garage into a living room, Mr Sharpe had been wearing only a dust mask for protection as he removed a number of asbestos insulating boards (AIBs) from the ceiling. He broke these into pieces and put the uncovered panels on the householder's driveway.

Mr Sharpe had no plan for the work and had not acquired a survey of the building, so did not know that the material was asbestos. He also did not provide any information to the householders.

The court was told Mr Sharpe had no licence to remove the asbestos boards, and failed to take adequate steps to prevent both the exposure to and spread of asbestos fibres generated by his work.

Nicholas Sharpe, of Rover Drive, Castle Bromwich, pleaded guilty to two breaches of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Mr Sharpe was fined a total of £4,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,100.

Speaking after the prosecution, HSE Inspector Paul Cooper said: "Asbestos fibres are a well-known and widely publicised potential health risk. The type of work being undertaken at Rover Drive should only be carried out by a contractor who holds the necessary licence, in a safe manner and with the necessary control measures.

"By carrying out this work in such a careless way, Mr Sharpe exposed himself and others to potentially harmful airborne asbestos fibres. He also demonstrated a complete disregard for the law.

"Unfortunately, those working in the construction industry are regularly exposed to asbestos. The legacy of past exposure is evident in the high numbers of people in the UK who are suffering from asbestos-related diseases which can sometimes be fatal. The current laws exist to protect future generations from this fate."

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