Company Director Fined for Falsifying Asbestos Management Documents
A company director has been fined £5,000 after falsifying asbestos management records during a removal project at a block of flats in Brighton.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the legal and moral responsibilities surrounding asbestos management and the importance of compliance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations.
The Incident
Reliable Insulations and Fibre Control Ltd had been contracted to carry out asbestos removal work at Abbotts Apartments on King Street, Brighton.
However, during the project, company director James Pett created a fraudulent 4-Stage Clearance certificate — a critical safety document legally required to confirm that asbestos removal has been completed safely and that the area is clean and safe for reoccupation.
Instead of hiring an independent assessor to perform the statutory 4-Stage Clearance, Mr Pett reused a previous authentic certificate, falsifying it to appear as though the necessary safety checks had been carried out.
This deception allowed other contractors to continue maintenance work in the building’s basement, potentially exposing workers to asbestos fibres.
HSE Investigation and Prosecution
An HSE investigation revealed that the falsified document was used to mislead others into believing the site was safe.
The 4-Stage Clearance process is a legal requirement under asbestos management regulations, designed to protect workers and the public from exposure to one of the UK’s most dangerous materials.
Mr Pett, aged 72, of Erith, Kent, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 33(1)(m) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on 18 January 2024.
He was fined £5,000 for his actions.
HSE Response
HSE Inspector Russell Beckett condemned the act, stating:
“This was a reckless act by the director of a company whose sole job was to safely remove asbestos. Instead, he chose to deceive in order to speed up a job.”
He added:
“Exposure to asbestos is responsible for over 5,000 deaths every year in the UK. This prosecution shows that HSE will not hesitate to take action against individuals who fail to do all they should to keep people safe.”
HSE Campaigns: “Asbestos and You” and “Asbestos: Your Duty”
The HSE continues to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos through its campaigns:
- Asbestos and You – providing guidance to tradespeople on how to recognise and manage asbestos safely.
- Asbestos: Your Duty – improving understanding of the legal duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic buildings.
These initiatives remind duty holders that asbestos remains a serious and ongoing risk, especially in older properties and refurbishment projects.
The Importance of Proper Asbestos Management
This case highlights the critical importance of competent asbestos management and the severe consequences of falsifying safety documentation.
All asbestos removal and clearance work must be:
- Carried out by licensed contractors
- Independently inspected and certified through the 4-Stage Clearance process
- Documented according to HSE asbestos regulations
Businesses must also ensure that employees and contractors receive appropriate asbestos awareness training and health and safety education to prevent exposure.
👉 Learn more about asbestos management and HSE compliance training.
As reported on HSE Media: 18th Jan 2024