HSE warns exposing untrained workers to asbestos will be penalised
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning that firms exposing workers to asbestos would be penalised. It added that electrical contracting companies and other building and refurbishment trades must provide suitable asbestos awareness training to employees or face prosecution.
This move follows the HSE prosecution of Electrical Contractors Ltd for failing to ensure that adequate information, instruction and training was given to its employees. The court heard that an electrician employed by the contractor installed three heat detectors and associated cabling in a premise in Birmingham. Although the ceiling tiles contained 5-50% brown asbestos no asbestos awareness training was given by his employer prior to commencement of the work, despite a legal requirement.
The Electrical Contractors Ltd were, on 19 January 2009, under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £2,757 in costs, by Magistrates for breaching Regulation 10(1)(a) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006.
The following occupations will require asbestos awareness training (this list is not limited to but will include):
- Electricians and Electrical contractors
- Plumbing and heating engineers
- Gas engineers
- Heating and ventilation engineers
- Painters and decorators
- Labourers and ancillary trades
- Joiners and carpenters
- Shopfitters and flooring contractors
- Fire alarm and burglar alarm engineers
- Computer cable and IT installers
- Supervisors and managers
- Architects and surveyors
- Plasterers and contractors
- Roofing contractors
- Demolition workers
