A property management company has been sentenced after failing to carry out an asbestos survey prior to undertaking extensive refurbishment works.

Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court heard that Thistlemoor Healthcare and Management Ltd undertook construction work at two properties, one of which was part of a medical centre in Peterborough. In this time, the company failed to carry out an asbestos survey for either property, both of which were likely to contain asbestos. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the company undertook and carried out construction which was likely to disturb asbestos containing materials during the strip out and part demolition of the two properties. Despite this, the company failed in its duty to carry out an asbestos survey for either property.

Thistlemoor Healthcare and Management Ltd of Thistlemoor Road, Peterborough pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 5 of Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and was fined £15,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,805.60

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Samantha Wells said:

“The risk of exposure to asbestos could so easily have been avoided if the company had carried out a suitable and sufficient asbestos assessment to identify the presence of asbestos within properties prior to commencing refurbishment work. Companies should be aware HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”

By Patrick Mooney, editor