A Teesside engineering firm where two workers were potentially exposed to asbestos fibres was yesterday fined a total of £3,000 for failing to protect their employees.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Darchem Engineering Ltd, which is registered at 6 Queen's Road, Aberdeen. The company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 10(1) and 4(3) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 at Teesside Magistrates Court.

The court heard how on 13 November 2008, two maintenance workers were relocating a junction box in the Aerospace reception area at the company's site in Ironmasters Way, Stillington, Stockton on Tees. This required them to drill into asbestos insulation board without taking appropriate precautions.

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Darchem Engineering Ltd failed to adequately manage the risks from asbestos on the site and as a result the two workers were potentially exposed to asbestos fibres.

When in good condition and undisturbed, asbestos-containing material presents no problem. However, when damaged or disturbed, it can release fibres that, if inhaled, can cause a number of fatal or serious respiratory conditions.

After the case, HSE Inspector Andrew Mulligan said: "Around 20 tradesmen a week are dying from asbestos-related diseases. Darchem Engineering Limited failed to manage the risks from asbestos on the site, potentially exposing two of its workers to these hazardous fibres.

"A suitable and sufficient assessment should have been carried out and the company should have made sure that their employees had adequate information, instruction and training.

"Fortunately a contractor who had asbestos awareness training identified the potential for asbestos to be present and work was stopped. He knew the key message: if in doubt stop and check."

Darchem Engineering Ltd was also ordered to pay £5,266.62 in costs.

(CD/GK)