Two companies have been prosecuted after workers and members of the public were exposed to unacceptable levels of asbestos during a removal project.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) took the companies to court, on the 6 October 2009, after an unlicensed contractor carried out the specialist work at a warehouse in Brimsdown, Enfield.

On 29 November 2005, Noble Gift Packaging Ltd contracted A & T Roofing Ltd to remove the roof from a building on Lockfield Avenue.

The roof was lined with 3,000 square meters of asbestos insulating board that contained Amosite, which requires removal in highly controlled conditions by licensed asbestos contractors.

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A & T Roofing Ltd, of 191 Bowes Road, Enfield, pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court, on 1 September 2009. They were fined £25,000 and were ordered to pay costs of £33,844.30.

Noble Gift Packaging Ltd, of 73 Lockfield Avenue, Enfield, pleaded guilty at the City of London Magistrates' Court. They were fined £40,000 and were ordered to pay costs of £19,223.65.

A & T Roofing Ltd employees spent 12 weeks removing and smashing the boards before sweeping the dust and debris into bags. The workers were not provided with effective protection, even after the company found out that the material being cleared contained Amosite.

Managers allowed work to continue after employees complained and a tested sample showed the presence of asbestos. Workers at the site were exposed to potentially deadly fibres. These were carried on their clothes and into their homes, vehicles, onto public transport, and may have contaminated the general public and their own families.

(CD/BMcC)