The film studio has been fined after poor management of minor building works led to the disturbance of asbestos, putting employees at risk of exposure to asbestos fibres.
Maintenance staff had been asked to remove acoustic wall panelling from one of the studio buildings in preparation for the replacement of the studio doors by an external contractor.
Workers were told that no asbestos was present and began dismantling the panels using claw hammers and crowbars.
HSE's investigation found that:
- neither the studio’s asbestos management surveys nor the specific refurbishment surveys had considered the wall surfaces
- there were failings in training
- inadequate emergency arrangements to deal with asbestos disturbance were in place
The film studio were fined £6,000, ordered to pay £6,790 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge.
Read our full press release: Film studio fined after disturbance of asbestos during maintenance works.
If you're responsible for maintaining non-domestic buildings or multi-occupancy domestic premises, you have a legal duty to manage asbestos.
We've brought together practical resources and training to help you meet your legal obligations. You can access expert guidance and ready-to-use materials to support your compliance:
Visit our Asbestos – Your Duty campaign webpages for the full range of resources.
If you think you have found asbestos you should:
Higher risk work with asbestos can only be done by a licensed contractor.
Only undertake lower risk non-licensed asbestos work if you have completed a risk assessment and have the right information, instruction and training.
You can find out more about:
12 March 2026, HSE Science and Research Centre, Buxton.
Our one-day 'Managing asbestos in buildings' course gives you the practical skills and knowledge to fulfil your legal duties.
You'll learn how to:
- commission asbestos surveys
- assess risks
- create management plans
- oversee removal projects safely
Book your place, view prices and course details: Asbestos management in buildings
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