Asbestos firm admits council contract failings

Nov 23 2012 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post

The asbestos testing firm sacked by South Ayrshire Council have said sorry for their mistakes.

Bosses at Exova have been forced to apologise after they were booted from their job after just 27 days.

But they insist the company, who were fined in court earlier this year for failing to remove asbestos from one of their own sites, have no ongoing problems.

An Exova spokesman said: “We can confirm that Exova were contracted earlier this year to undertake asbestos surveying and testing work for South Ayrshire Council.

“We are sorry that, in this instance, we did not meet the expectations of the council.

“As a company committed to the highest standards in testing we treat any shortcomings very seriously.”

The company now say that they will undertake an immediate investigation.

He added: “As a result, we are conducting an immediate review of the business unit involved in this work and will be happy to report back to the council at the earliest opportunity.”

The spokesman claimed that Exova’s earlier prosecution, in April, was for an “unconnected matter” relating to removal of asbestos, rather than its testing services.

But the firm were fined £36,000 and criticised by the Health and Safety Executive.

Exova are regarded as one of the world’s leading dedicated testing groups, specialising in the likes of asbestos.

The company operate in 22 countries and employs more than 3500 around the world.

They also test in sectors including food, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, aerospace, fire and construction.