Nottingham council fined £30,000 for asbestos breach
Nottingham City Council has been fined £30,000 for failing to properly manage asbestos at a depot in the city.
The council pleaded guilty to two counts of breaking the health and safely regulations between 2005-09.
Nottingham Magistrates Court was told the council did not have the proper controls in place to deal with asbestos at the Woolsthorpe site.
About 150 workers at the street cleaning depot were exposed to the asbestos during the four-year period.
The court was told the asbestos had been sprayed into the roof of the buildings at the depot in Bilborough, but insufficient checks were made after work was done to contain it.
The asbestos was dangerous when disturbed as the fibres could penetrate deep into the lungs, the court heard.
The council said it now had a clear policy in place to cover the management of asbestos on its premises, which includes regular inspections.
It was also ordered to pay £12,000 in court costs.
The Health and Safety Executive said any workers who were concerned about effects of the asbestos were advised to contact their GP.