Concerns Raised Over Asbestos Management at Former Derby Hippodrome Building

Strategic Insights -

Derby City Council's response to a fire at the former Grade II listed Derby Hippodrome building in May has raised concerns about the management of asbestos during and after the emergency demolition. A Conservative councillor, Steve Hassall, has written to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to express his concerns, citing potential breaches of regulations and the risk of asbestos exposure to workers and the public. Hassall argues that the council's reliance on visual inspections by the contractor, without a detailed asbestos survey, may have compromised safety.

Key Takeaways:

  • Derby City Council's initial response to the fire did not address concerns about asbestos on the site.
  • Conservative councillor Steve Hassall has raised concerns with the HSE, citing potential breaches of regulations and the risk of asbestos exposure.
  • Hassall argues that the council's reliance on visual inspections by the contractor, without a detailed asbestos survey, compromised safety.
  • The council's asbestos consultant inspected the site after demolition and did not identify any high-risk asbestos-containing materials.
  • Concerns have been raised about the future of the building, which is privately owned and had a portion of it demolished following the fire.
  • The city council has stated that a competent and experienced demolition contractor was employed, with operatives trained in asbestos awareness.
  • Safety measures were implemented during works, and regular visual inspections were conducted to identify any asbestos-containing materials.

Statistics:

  • May 16: Fire at the former Derby Hippodrome building.
  • Following the fire, a portion of the building was demolished.
  • June: Council released a statement regarding asbestos on the site, stating that a competent and experienced demolition contractor was employed.
  • June: Council's asbestos consultant inspected the site after demolition and did not identify any high-risk asbestos-containing materials.
  • Total area of the building destroyed: Not specified.
  • Number of people potentially exposed to asbestos on the site: Not specified.

Sources:

  • "Concern raised with HSE over asbestos management at former Derby Hippodrome" (unspecified publication date, referenced as "a follow-up statement in June")
  • "Derby Hippodrome arson: Campaigners seek answers" (unspecified publication date, reference to a Derby City Council statement)
  • "Derby City Council statement on asbestos at former Hippodrome" (unspecified publication date, reference to a council spokesperson)