Prison sentence for businessman who failed to obtain asbestos refurbishment survey

Last Updated on 12th April 2022 by

Asbestos refurbishment survey wasn’t conducted prior to building renovations

The HSE have successfully prosecuted a businessman from Manchester after he carried out renovations to a building he owned without having an asbestos refurbishment survey done first.

Renovations were carried out at 1-3 Stephenson Square, Manchester, between 1st April 2012 and 12th October 2017.

It was only due to a routine inspection by the HSE that a large amount of asbestos was subsequently discovered in the building.

HSE had conducted an asbestos survey as part of their inspection.

Some of the asbestos found was in very poor condition, which indicated that asbestos was likely removed previously from areas already renovated without the necessary safety measures in place.

The case was heard at Manchester Magistrates court.

Mr Whaid Ahmed did not arrange to have an asbestos refurbishment carried out at the property and as such, he put others at risk of asbestos exposure.

He had already had HSE enforcement action issued against him on a previous occasion relating to asbestos.

As a result of the HSE inspection and court hearing, Mr Whaid Ahmed of Hale Barns, Altrincham, received a 6 month prison sentence (suspended for 2 years).

He pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 5(a), 11(1)(a) and 16 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Mr Ahmed also received 250 hours of community service and was ordered to pay costs totalling £5,742.14.

Speaking after the case, Matt Greenly, HSE inspector, said, “This case highlights the importance of surveying a property for asbestos to prevent risk to anyone occupying or working in that building and to reduce the risk of exposure to asbestos and contracting incurable diseases as a result of that exposure.”

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Did you enjoy reading our article on prison sentence for businessman who failed to obtain asbestos refurbishment survey?  Then check out our latest posts below.Duty holders and employers have a legal responsibility to manage asbestos in their properties, carrying out an asbestos survey in their building so as not to put employees at risk.

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Published Oct 16, 2018