Newsflash - H&S College fined for Asbestos failings

Newnham College in Cambridge has been fined for failings that exposed employees and subcontractors to asbestos during refurbishment of a flat owned by the college. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out an investigation and found that there was inadequate planning and management of the refurbishment work of the flat, when asbestos insulation debris was discovered in the floor voids after work had been carried out in them.

In March 2018, Cambridge Magistrates’ Court heard that employees of Newnham College and subcontractors were carrying out a refurbishment of the flat owned by the College when asbestos insulation debris was discovered in the floor voids after work had been carried out in them. Newham College failed to ensure an asbestos refurbishment survey was carried out prior to insulation debris being found. One employee, who contaminated his gloves and clothing with loose asbestos debris, did not have asbestos awareness training and spread asbestos from his clothing outside the flat.

The College pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 5 and 16 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. It has been fined £12,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,450.28. Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Sandra Dias said: “Asbestos related diseases are currently untreatable and claim the lives of an estimated 5,000 people per year in the UK.”

Judicium Education Advice

It is imperative that asbestos surveys are carried out prior to refurbishment works which disturb the fabric of a building. Asbestos can still be present in hidden locations in buildings. These hidden asbestos containing materials (ACMs) need to be located before work starts and the appropriate action taken before the materials are exposed and damaged by individuals