Recommendation 10

Since then, there have been two further asbestos incidents, one of which the Clerks accepted had not been handled appropriately. In September 2022 a contractor did not inform the Clerks of an asbestos incident or limit the dangers as quickly as expected. Fortunately, the asbestos discovered, on that occasion in a roof void, was not dislodged, but it could easily have been broken up as the contractor drilled through to gain access. This would have resulted in a far more serious incident.22 The Clerks have subsequently shared with us results from their assessment which found that whilst no ill health was foreseeable as a result, the matter was taken very seriously. It was used as an opportunity to learn from mistakes and continuously improve the management of asbestos across the parliamentary estate. The Clerks assured us that additional training and a review of procedures will be undertaken.23