A property owner has been fined after selling an unfit industrial building.

Peter Rees of York Road, Deganwy, appeared at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court yesterday following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive into the spread of asbestos in an industrial building he was selling, which should have been removed by a licensed contractor.

Mr Rees, who owns a business unit in Eagle Farm Road on the Mochdre Business Park, was ordered to pay over £15,000 after pleading guilty to a single breach of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Commenting on the breach, HSE Inspector Chris Wilcox said: “Anyone who owns or has control of non-domestic premises has a legal duty to manage the risk of asbestos in their buildings. When asbestos is removed, it must be done by someone who is trained and competent to do the work.”

“The potentially lethal effects of exposure to asbestos are well known,” he added. The naturally occurring substance used in 1950 – 1990 buildings. Once disturbed, asbestos can kill and causes the death of around 20 tradesman each week as a result of past exposure.  

It was found in a survey commissioned by the company purchasing the unit, that there was a substantial amount of asbestos insulating board.

However, instead of contracting a licensed and qualified asbestos remover, as legally required, Mr Rees went on to use a general contractor. This led to the dangerous asbestos dust being circulated  in the building.

A licensed contractor reviewed the situation and raised a complaint, resulting in a significant clean-up which was then necessitated by a licensed contractor.

Mr Rees was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay £7,400 in costs.

Inspector Wilcox said that it was fortunate the HSE was made aware of the contamination inside the building before it was re-occupied by the new owners.