Asbestos remains one of the most dangerous substances found in older buildings across the UK. Despite being banned over two decades ago, its legacy continues to pose serious health risks especially in public spaces like schools. A recent case has highlighted the consequences of failing to follow proper procedures when asbestos is suspected. On 13 May 2023, a construction site supervisor, Adrian Barraclough, exposed children and staff at Holy Family Catholic School in Bristol to asbestos fibres during a renovation project. This preventable incident led to a criminal prosecution and serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of compliance with asbestos safety regulations.
HSE Statement
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the UK’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. Speaking about the case, HSE inspector Ian Whittles stated:
“Every year around 5,000 people die from asbestos-related diseases, often taking decades to develop symptoms. In this case, wholly unacceptable exposure to asbestos fibres occurred as a result of an individual employee not following instructions and procedures designed to prevent such occurrences.”
This stark warning emphasises the lethal risk asbestos still poses and underlines why rigid safety procedures are essential in any environment where asbestos may be present. The failure in this case not only endangered lives but also exposed vulnerable individuals, young children, to toxic fibres that could have lifelong health implications.
What the law says
In the UK, strict legislation governs the management of asbestos. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employees must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Specifically, Adrian Barraclough was found guilty of breaching Section 7(a) of this Act. This section requires employees to cooperate with their employer and follow safety procedures.
Furthermore, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 places a duty on those responsible for non-domestic premises, such as schools, to manage asbestos safely. This includes identifying asbestos-containing materials (ACM), assessing their condition, and ensuring they are not disturbed. Where work on or near ACM is necessary, licensed contractors must be present, and strict protocols must be followed to prevent exposure.
Barraclough ignored an asbestos survey that indicated the need for further investigation by a licenced contractor. By cutting into an asbestos insulating board with a circular saw. He not only breached regulations but also failed to act on his asbestos awareness training, leading to a serious health risk.
How to avoid it
This incident highlights several critical failures, each of which could have been involved with proper planning, communication and compliance. Here’s how employers and workers can prevent similar asbestos-related incidents:
1. Get a proper Asbestos Survey
Before starting any refurbishment works on buildings constructed before 2000, a Refurbishment and Demolition (R&D) asbestos survey must be carried out. This survey should identify any ACMs that may be disturbed during the work.
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2. Follow the survey’s recommendations
In the Bristol school area, the asbestos survey clearly indicated that the wall in question required further investigation. This step was not followed. Never proceed with work in areas flagged for potential asbestos until clearance is given by a licenced contractor.
3. Ensure proper training
Workers must have up-to-date asbestos awareness training if they are likely to encounter asbestos during their work. This includes understanding what asbestos looks like, where it may be found, and what steps to take if it is discovered. Barraclough had received training but chose to disregard it. Training is only effective when followed in practise.
4. Use licenced contractors
If ACMs need to be removed or disturbed, only HSE-licenced asbestos removal contractors should carry out the work. Attempting to handle asbestos yourself, especially with power tools, can cause fibres to become airborne and be inhaled, leading to potentially fatal diseases such as mesothelioma or asbestosis.
5. Isolate and protect
If asbestos is suspected or confirmed in an area, restrict access until it has been safely assessed and managed. In this case, the contaminated school hall was used for two days after the incident. This failure to isolate the affected area increased the risk of exposure.
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6. Utilise HSE campaign resources
HSE runs two key campaigns: “Asbestos and You”, aimed at raising awareness among tradespeople, and “Asbestos – Your Duty” targeted at those managing non-domestic premises. These initiatives offer free resources and practical advice to help prevent exposure.
This case should serve as a wake-up call for anyone involved in construction, maintenance, or property management. Asbestos exposure is not just a compliance issue; it is a matter of life and death. Employers and employees alike must understand their responsibilities, act on professional advice, and never cut corners when it comes to asbestos surveys.
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