Firm failed to report asbestos discovery and exposure

摘要

Building contractors were exposed to asbestos fibres during refurbishment work at a nickel refinery in South Wales, Cardiff Magistrates' Court heard on 6 August.rnVale Inco Europe Ltd had sub-contracted builders to reform a corroded furnace at its premises in Clydach. The firm had carried out asbestos surveys on buildings at the site, but had not surveyed the interior of the plant, or its equipment.rnThe refurbishment work began in April 2007 when workmen demolished the base of the furnace, unaware that it contained asbestos insulation. Because the workers were not licensed to undertake asbestos removal, they were not able to identify that the fibres released were dangerous. They were also not wearing protective clothing.