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Kings College fined after workers exposed to asbestos - 14-03-2008 |
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a stark warning about managing the risks from asbestos, following its prosecution of Kings College, Cambridge after painters were exposed to asbestos containing materials while working at the college.
Kings College in Cambridge was fined £16,000 with £14,500 costs, at Cambridge Magistrates Court today (March 6), after pleading guilty to breaching regulations 4(8), 6, 7(1), 8, 10, 11, 16 and 18 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006.
The College Clerk of Works Geoff Cunnington was also was fined £1,000 with £500 costs after pleading guilty to breaching Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA).
HSE Principal Inspector, David Head said:
"Every year 1000 people who worked in building maintenance and repair trades die from past exposures to asbestos fibres. The exposure of employees to asbestos at Kings College could and should have been avoided by straightforward safety precautions. HSE will not hesitate to take action against those who fall short of the law in such a way."
The prosecution arose following an incident on 29 November 2006 at the College, when a number of college employees, who were painting asbestos containing material under the balcony of Keynes Hall Theatre, were exposed to asbestos fibres.
The HSE investigation found that Kings College had allowed its employees to work on asbestos containing materials without taking the appropriate precautions. The asbestos containing material was of a type that requires persons to hold an HSE licence before working on it. An HSE licence is only granted to employers who can meet the standards required by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006.
David Head went on to say:
"Asbestos must be properly managed to prevent people dying from asbestos diseases in the future. If you are responsible for managing the maintenance and repair of a building, you must manage any asbestos in it. HSE has provided guidance to help people understand what they have to do to comply with their legal obligations."
HSE is working with key stakeholders (Trades Unions, Trade Associations, Suppliers) to raise awareness amongst tradesmen that they are at risk from exposure to asbestos. During February and March 2008 HSE is rolling out a campaign to target building maintenance and repair workers (e.g. electricians, plumbers and carpenters and joiners) using the theme 'You are more at risk than you think!'
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