A recent case in Hertfordshire has highlighted the serious consequences of failing to properly manage asbestos risks during even minor maintenance works. Elstree Film Studios Limited has been fined £6,000 after staff disturbed asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) while dismantling wall panelling inside one of its studio buildings.
This incident, investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of accurate asbestos surveys, proper training, and emergency planning—particularly in older buildings where asbestos is still a hidden hazard.
Below, we take a closer look at the case and explore the lessons that all building owners, duty holders, and contractors can learn from it.
What Happened at Elstree Film Studios?
On 22 July 2022, maintenance workers at Elstree Film Studios in Borehamwood were instructed to remove acoustic wall panelling from a studio building in preparation for the installation of new doors. Employees were told there was no asbestos present and began removing the panels using claw hammers and crowbars.
However, shortly after starting, one employee noticed a suspicious insulation material behind the panels, which he suspected to be asbestos. Work stopped immediately and subsequent testing confirmed the presence of asbestos fibres—specifically Amosite (brown asbestos), Chrysotile (white asbestos) and Crocidolite (blue asbestos). These materials all require licensed removal due to their hazardous nature.
Why Was Asbestos Not Identified?
Despite previous asbestos management surveys having been carried out on the site, the specific wall surfaces within studio stages 7, 8, and 9 had not been assessed. The wall panelling removed during the work was outside the scope of any existing asbestos report.
The HSE investigation also found that Elstree Film Studios had:
- Failed to carry out a suitable assessment before starting the work
- Provided no asbestos awareness training to the employees involved
- Lacked an emergency response plan for dealing with asbestos disturbance
These oversights placed workers at serious risk of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres, which can cause long-term, life-threatening illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
The Legal Outcome
Following the investigation, Elstree Film Studios Limited pleaded guilty to breaches of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, specifically:
- Regulation 5 – Duty to identify asbestos before work begins
- Regulation 10 – Duty to provide information, instruction and training
- Regulation 15 – Requirements for accident and emergency procedures
The company was fined £6,000, ordered to pay £6,790 in costs, and issued a £2,000 victim surcharge by Stevenage Magistrates’ Court on 20 November 2025. All penalties are to be paid within seven days.
HSE Warning: A Preventable Incident
HSE Inspector Stephen Manley commented on the case:
“Poor management of asbestos can lead to workers being exposed to the harmful effects of asbestos. Those in control of buildings must ensure they have a suitable assessment in place, and those undertaking intrusive work should be provided with appropriate information – which, for this type of work, will often require a specific localised survey by a competent person.”
Key Lessons for Building Owners and Duty Holders
This case underlines several critical points for anyone responsible for the maintenance or refurbishment of properties built before 2000:
1. Always Conduct a Localised Asbestos Survey
Standard management surveys may not cover all parts of a building—particularly surfaces that are normally hidden. Before any intrusive work, a Refurbishment and Demolition (R&D) Asbestos Survey should be conducted to identify ACMs in the specific area being altered.
Learn more about our Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys.
2. Provide Asbestos Awareness Training
Anyone involved in maintenance, construction or building management must receive asbestos awareness training. Without it, workers may not recognise hazardous materials, increasing the risk of exposure.
3. Establish an Emergency Plan
If asbestos is disturbed unexpectedly, there must be clear emergency procedures in place to isolate the area, evacuate personnel, and bring in qualified professionals for air testing and clean-up.
Explore our asbestos testing and air monitoring services.
4. Use Licensed Contractors
The types of asbestos identified in this case (Amosite, Chrysotile and Crocidolite) require licensed asbestos removal by HSE-approved contractors. Attempting to remove such materials without a licence is not only dangerous but also illegal.
We provide licensed asbestos removal throughout the UK.
Relevant Services and Information
For those responsible for older buildings or planning works, consider reading:
- What Does an Asbestos Report Include?
- Asbestos Surveys: What to Expect and Prepare For
- Licensed Asbestos Removal Explained
- Contact Our Team for Expert Advice
Key Points – Lessons from the Elstree Studios Case
- Workers were exposed to asbestos due to inadequate surveying and training
- The building’s wall panelling had not been assessed for asbestos risks
- A specific R&D survey should have been carried out prior to intrusive work
- Elstree Film Studios was fined £6,000 plus costs and a victim surcharge
- HSE stressed the need for suitable risk assessments and emergency plans
Conclusion: Compliance Prevents Risk and Prosecution
This case is a clear example of how small maintenance tasks can quickly turn into serious asbestos incidents without the correct procedures in place. A simple oversight—like failing to include certain wall surfaces in a survey—can result in significant health risks, legal breaches, and financial penalties.
At Crucial Environmental, we help duty holders, businesses, and property managers across the UK stay compliant with asbestos legislation. Our services include:
- Detailed asbestos surveys
- Laboratory testing and air monitoring
- Licensed asbestos removal
- Risk assessments and emergency planning
If you’re planning maintenance or refurbishment in a building constructed before 2000, don’t leave asbestos risk to chance.
Contact our team today to arrange a survey or get expert guidance on your legal responsibilities.