A contractor has been fined for disturbing asbestos material during a roof refurbishment project in Northampton.

Amey Communities Limited (ACL), of Edmund Halley Road, Oxford, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007.

It was fined £20,000 with £1,737 in costs.

Northampton Magistrates’ Court heard how ACL were contracted to refurbish a roof at Ling Primary School on Hayeswood Road.

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However during works, the company disturbed asbestos insulation board (AIB) in a small plant room on 06 November 2014.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found failings in ACL's project management arrangements. They failed to monitor and identify asbestos materials during this specific roof refurbishment work at the school and ensure key personnel had suitable asbestos awareness training.

HSE inspector Sam Russell said: "The serious health risks of asbestos which is a class one carcinogen are well-known and publicised. Any maintenance or construction work undertaken in buildings built before 2000 must consider and manage the risk of possible asbestos containing materials.

"It is important this material is considered at every stage of a construction project and failure to do so places workers, buildings occupants and the public at risk to possible exposure to asbestos fibres."

(LM)