News

HSE to double asbestos inspections

Tuesday, 1 Sep 2009

The HSE plans to double inspections of licensed asbestos removal contractors over the next two years. The frequency of asbestos inspections will increase from around 800 in 2008-09 to 1600 by the end of 2010-11. The HSE's field operations directorate took the decision to step up asbestos inspections in May… Read more

Worker fell through asbestos roof

Tuesday, 25 Aug 2009

A Wiltshire building company must pay £17,500 after an employee fell through a roof during demolition work. Peter Flippance was working for Pewsey-based F Dewey demolishing buildings to make way for a residential development. The 60-year-old, who was a plumber and not trained in demolition, had climbed on an asbestos… Read more

New asbestos survey guidance: Are you ready for it?

Wednesday, 19 Aug 2009

Revised Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance for asbestos surveys is likely to come into force this autumn, replacing current guidance known as MDHS 100. It will be a comprehensive regime covering surveying, sampling, and assessment of asbestos containing materials (ACMs). It will affect you if you are: an asbestos… Read more

Asbestos warning after company prosecuted

Thursday, 13 Aug 2009

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning employers of the need to manage asbestos at their premises after a Canadian company were prosecuted for potentially exposing employees and contractors to carcinogenic fibres at their Swansea plant. Vale Inco Europe Ltd pleaded guilty, on 9 June 2009, at Swansea Magistrates'… Read more

Asbestos alert issued to children

Thursday, 23 Jul 2009

A warning has been issued after children were found with protective suits which could have been contaminated with asbestos. The suits had been taken from a skip at St Michael's Church of England Primary School in Helston. It's believed contractors were using the suits while they cleared asbestos from the… Read more

Call for 'urgent' asbestos audit

Thursday, 23 Jul 2009

Sixteen teachers die on average each year from asbestos-related disease and an urgent audit must be carried out, the British Safety Council says. Its chief executive, Brian Nimick, told a conference it was unacceptable that no risk assessment of the problem in schools had been carried out. The National Union… Read more

Tenant sues council over asbestos

Thursday, 23 Jul 2009

A council tenant is planning to sue her local authority following the discovery of asbestos in her south London home. Karen Connelly, 44, is spearheading a change in the law which would make it compulsory for tenants to be informed of any asbestos in their homes. She has been battling… Read more