A Cardiff property manager has been fined for failing to properly manage the risks from asbestos at one of his premises.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Richard Hayward of Cardiff Bay over failings at the former Rhondda Pressing building, located on the Penygraig Industrial Estate.

Trading as Richard Hayward Properties, Mr. Hayward managed the property on behalf of a company called Guinevere Holdings Ltd.

Pontypridd Magistrates’ Court heard that Mr. Hayward had let out part of the building in 2007 but it was only in 2008, when a request to provide and asbestos survey for insurance purposes was made, that the presence of asbestos insulating board (AIB), roof tiles and brown and blue asbestos was indentified in the presence.

An HSE investigation found that there was a risk of exposure to asbestos due to the poor conditions the asbestos was found in.

The court heard that between 2005 and 2008, three companies had occupied the building. During this time, structural work had been carried out to install a partition wall and contractors were hired to carry out electrical works.

It was not only the contractors whom were at risk of exposure to asbestos but also people in the vicinity, including tenants.

The HSE found that, Mr. Hayward did not take the steps to confirm whether asbestos was present or liable to be present and he also failed to effectively identify and manage the risk which might arise from asbestos containing materials.

Mr Hayward, of Adventurers’ Quay, Cardiff Bay, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. He was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay costs of £20,000.

Lee Schilling and HSE inspector said:

“The dangers of asbestos are well known in the property management industry.”

“Mr Hayward could have prevented the risk of exposing persons to asbestos if he had simply considered whether or not asbestos was present when he first took over control of the building and, having confirmed its presence, passed on relevant information to those who were liable to disturb it.”

“For Mr Hayward not to inform relevant persons that asbestos was present demonstrated a major failing in his management procedures at that time.”

“This prosecution highlights the importance of taking simple, practical steps to protect maintenance workers and others from the risk of exposure to asbestos.”

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