Two companies have been fined for disturbing asbestos during a refurbishment scheme in London.

Firestone Estates Limited, of Tolpits Lane, Watford, Hertfordshire pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court to breaching Regulation 10(1)(b) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007.

It was fined £10,000 with over £1,020 in costs and a £1,000 victim surcharge.

In addition, 24-Hour Maintenance Services Limited, of Linton Avenue, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.


The company was fined £5,000 with over £974 in costs and a £500 victim surcharge.

The court heard how two employees of 24-Hour Maintenance Services were carrying out refurbishment work at a former commercial premises undergoing a flat conversion in Romford between mid-July 2014 and 11 August 2014.

However during the project, the workers disturbed asbestos insulating board (AIB).

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that the client, Firestone Estates, had failed to pass on details of the asbestos' presence to the contractor, despite prior knowledge.

In addition, no refurbishment and demolition survey was conducted to determine the presence of asbestos on the site. The two workers stripped out the AIB without any effective precautions and therefore received significant exposure to asbestos fibres.

HSE said: "Asbestos can be found in any building built before the year 2000. A refurbishment / demolition asbestos survey is required where the premises, or part of it, need upgrading, refurbishment or demolition."

(LM)