Page 1743 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Safety, Health, Environmental & Quality Bulletin No 662

07 March 2019

Replacing Gutters Prosecution

A self employed builder has recently been sentenced for 14 months prison after failing to control the
risks during roof gutter re-lining works.

Mr Reehal was contracted by a West Midlands company to re-line the gutters on a roof in 2016. He
used an angle grinder to cut asbestos roof sheets back to allow better access to the gutters. He also had
no controls to prevent falls whilst working on the fragile roof.

The HSE were notified by workers at the company when dust they knew contained asbestos started
coming down into the factory.

It was found that Mr Rehal had failed to plan or manager the works and was sentenced to serve 14
months in prison.

Always ensure that you check the asbestos register on site when planning the job (before completing the
clearance certificate). The Xmo service order will identify when we know asbestos is present, but this
should not be relied upon. Never work on or near material that you suspect may contain asbestos,
contact your line manager so it can be removed or made safe.

See more details on this incident at http://press.hse.gov.uk/2019/02/14/builder-jailed-after-exposing-
roof-workers-to-health-and-safety-risks/