While working, the operatives were exposed to high levels of airborne asbestos fibres. This was attributed to a lack of systems in place that are designed to reduce the risk of fibres becoming airborne;

• No water suppression was used to dampen the fibres.
• No staff had been face-fit tested for the masks that they were provided and wearing.
• The workers were not provided with decontamination facilities which spread the fibres further afield when they finished on the site.

As a result fibres were released during the removal and spread to the surrounding area.

R F Gardiner Limited of Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to breaching the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and was fined £28,000 and costs of £1,141.80.

When hiring new contractors for work, it is always worth examining their policies, procedures, and competence; which is something that our Safety At Work team can assist you with.