Adrian Barraclough was working as a site supervisor for the refurbishment of kitchen facilities at Holy Family Catholic Primary School in Bristol.
During the works on 13th May 2023, the 54-year-old cut through asbestos insulating board using a circular saw. His actions resulted in asbestos fibres spreading throughout the school hall, which was subsequently used for two days by pupils and staff.
An investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) found that Barraclough had failed to follow his asbestos awareness training, including clear instructions not to disturb the wall. Following an asbestos survey, the wall was due to be checked by a licensed asbestos contractor prior to removal to clarify whether asbestos was present.
Adrian Barraclough, of Green Lane, Frome, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 7(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. He was fined 拢1,800 and ordered to pay a 拢720 victim surcharge and 拢4,000 in costs at Bristol Magistrates鈥� Court on 12th June 2025 鈥� a total financial penalty of 拢6,520.
HSE inspector Ian Whittles said: 鈥淓very year around 5,000 people die from asbestos-related diseases, often taking decades to develop symptoms. In this case, wholly unacceptable exposure to asbestos fibres occurred as a result of an individual employee not following instructions and procedures designed to prevent such occurrences.鈥�
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