Two companies have been fined after unsafe asbestos work was carried out on a property in Leatherhead, Surrey.

Staines Magistrates’ Court heard how a licensed asbestos removal contractor, was subcontracted to carry out the work.

The contractor removed some asbestos containing materials and agreed to carry out repair works on other water damaged materials within the properties. During works to cut away damaged wall coverings in the kitchen, one of the workers cut into a pale coloured board which after subsequent testing proved it to be Asbestos Insulation Board.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that the main contractor failed to plan the work and pass on information to the subcontractor who removed the asbestos. It was the responsibility of both to arrange for a refurbishment and demolition survey. As a consequence work was carried out without establishing the location, presence and extent of asbestos containing materials on site.

The main contractor pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13 (2) of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007, was fined £8000 and ordered to pay full costs.

The subcontractor pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 5 (1) (a) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, was fined £6000 and ordered to pay full costs.