For many years now asbestos has been a banned material in the construction industry. However, because it was used for decades many the buildings in Britain contain it. Often the asbestos is of no risk to anyone, but if building work needs to be carried out it could be disturbed and pose a threat to people. In this case the asbestos will need to be safely and legally removed.
Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of a hazardous or toxic material such as asbestos. While the fly-tippers themselves will bear the brunt of any punishment, if you don't ensure people you are using are properly qualified or you allow people to dump asbestos on land that you own you will also find yourself being punished.
While the law doesn't prohibit you from removing asbestos yourself you shouldn't attempt it unless you have the right materials and follow the relevant guidelines. Details, which can be found on the Health and Safety Executive website, should be strictly followed. You can find out where you can safely and legally dispose of asbestos through your local council.
People who choose to ignore the regulations could be heavily fined. You could be ordered to pay costs up to 50,000 if you end up at a Magistrate's Court. If your offense is even more serious the fine is potentially unlimited. But the penalties aren't only financial - prison sentences of up to 5 years and community punishment orders are regularly handed out.
Only the most selfish of individuals would try to illegally dump asbestos considering the undeniable link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. But unfortunately for some people saving a few pounds is worth putting people at risk of developing a particularly virulent cancer. This is why high financial penalties and the possibility of jail sentences are necessary. If you know of anyone illegally dumping asbestos you should contact your local council to ensure that any risk to people's health is minimised.
Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of a hazardous or toxic material such as asbestos. While the fly-tippers themselves will bear the brunt of any punishment, if you don't ensure people you are using are properly qualified or you allow people to dump asbestos on land that you own you will also find yourself being punished.
While the law doesn't prohibit you from removing asbestos yourself you shouldn't attempt it unless you have the right materials and follow the relevant guidelines. Details, which can be found on the Health and Safety Executive website, should be strictly followed. You can find out where you can safely and legally dispose of asbestos through your local council.
People who choose to ignore the regulations could be heavily fined. You could be ordered to pay costs up to 50,000 if you end up at a Magistrate's Court. If your offense is even more serious the fine is potentially unlimited. But the penalties aren't only financial - prison sentences of up to 5 years and community punishment orders are regularly handed out.
Only the most selfish of individuals would try to illegally dump asbestos considering the undeniable link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. But unfortunately for some people saving a few pounds is worth putting people at risk of developing a particularly virulent cancer. This is why high financial penalties and the possibility of jail sentences are necessary. If you know of anyone illegally dumping asbestos you should contact your local council to ensure that any risk to people's health is minimised.
About the Author:
Asbestos claims are being made every day for people from all walks of life, not just builders.
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