A construction firm removed an asbestos ceiling in a school despite not being legally approved to do the work.

Luton Magistrates’ Court heard that Clarks Construction Limited were contracted by the Board of Governors of Caddington Village School to refurbish changing rooms, toilets and associated areas at the school complex.

The school had arranged for a specific refurbishment survey to be carried out for the presence of asbestos. The survey identified the presence of asbestos in a ceiling of one of the rooms. Clarks Construction Limited removed the ceiling in August 2013 without consultation with the school or effective reference to the asbestos survey.

Clarks Construction Limited, of Windsor Street, Luton, was fined a total of £3,300, and ordered to pay £662 in costs after pleading guilty to a breach of Regulation 8(1) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 for carrying out the work which, given the inherent level of risk involved, requires a licensed contractor.

To learn more about the right surveying process and the need for a proper management plan, click here.

For HSE guidance on licensing requirements for working with asbestos, click here.