HSE warns builders about asbestos penalties

The building trade is being warned by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that failure to thoroughly check for asbestos when carrying out property refurbishments will lead to punishment.

It follows the conviction of a building surveyor who was recently found guilty of carrying out demolition work at a property in Birmingham that exposed people to asbestos.

The city's magistrates' court heard that the defendant failed to carry out an asbestos survey before commencing with the work.

HSE inspector Karl Raw, said that the surveyor should have been aware of his duty to carry out suitable checks for the substance and warned others of their legal obligation.

"This successful prosecution is a timely reminder that even with simple refurbishments there are legal duties needed to protect workers and others from the threat of asbestos," he stated.

Asbestos is a fibrous material which is easily breathed-in and can lead to fatal lung diseases such as mesothelioma.