A businessman has been fined £8,000 after he allowed asbestos to be spread in an industrial building through not appointing licensed contractors to get rid of the potentially fatal material.
Peter Rees, owner of a business unit in Mochdre Business Park, Colwyn Bay, was in the process of selling the building to another company when the incident occurred in September 2012.
Llandudno Magistrates’ Court heard how the company buying the building had commissioned an asbestos survey, which showed that a large amount of asbestos insulating board was present.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident found clear failings with the businessman’s management of the material.
Rather than using a licensed asbestos removal contractor, as is legally required, Mr Rees appointed a general contractor and asbestos dust was spread inside the building as a result. A licensed contractor raised a complaint about the incident and a major clean-up operation was then administered by an authorised contractor.
Mr Rees was fined £8,000 along with costs of £7,400 after he pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Chris Wilcox said: “The potentially lethal effects of exposure to asbestos are well known.
“Mr Rees’ failure to use a qualified and licensed company to remove the asbestos led to contamination inside the building. Fortunately, HSE was made aware of the incident before it was reoccupied by the new owners.
“Anyone who owns or has control of non-domestic premises has a legal duty to manage the risk of asbestos in their buildings. When asbestos is removed, it must be done by someone who is trained and competent to do the work.”