As the schools prepare for the children to return after the long summer holiday (do I hear a cry of relief from the parents?) I thought it worthwhile to raise a subject that I have touched upon in the past, but this time to focus on the issue specifically from the point of view of schools, colleges and similar learning establishments: asbestos.

Assessing The Presence Of Asbestos In Schools

Asbestos is of course an extremely dangerous material, or at least the dust created when it fragments is extremely dangerous if inhaled. One of the last places you’d want to find asbestos is in the middle of a school. Unfortunately, that’s exactly where it is often found.

As an insulating and fire proofing material asbestos was used widely from the 1950s right up to the 1980s. However, many people don’t realise that even buildings constructed prior to 2000 could potentially include asbestos, and so it’s important to keep this firmly in mind.

One of the times when asbestos is most likely to be a risk is during either the demolition of a building, or the remodelling, extension or refurbishment of a building because it’s when asbestos is disturbed or fractured that it creates the airborne particles which are so harmful.

Unfortunately schools are renowned for disturbances and fracturing, from children messing about to teachers punching holes in walls with staplers or pins. Redecoration work is often squeezed in hurriedly during school holidays, and it’s vital to make sure that at every stage the presence of asbestos is ether assessed, monitored or kept very firmly in mind as a possibility.

It’s not just in the walls and ceilings either, with asbestos often being used in these locations as insulation. Many ‘system’ buildings built between 1950 and 1980 included asbestos as a fire proofing material in structural columns, which could be in the middle of a school, in a corridor, dining hall or classroom.

Who Is Responsible For Asbestos Safety In Schools?

Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 states that anyone who has any responsibility for the maintenance or repair of any part of a school building is responsible for ensuring safety where the presence of asbestos is concerned.

However, the practical day to day responsibility actually goes much farther than this. A school necessarily receives a good many knocks and scrapes throughout a school year, and so all staff need to be aware of the potential dangers posed by damage to the fabric of a building. It is important that staff are aware of the danger, and know how to report such damage appropriately so that it can be assessed.

Whilst students are likely to damage the fabric of a building occasionally it’s also important that staff know not to push pins, nails or staples into walls for displays, or fix their own shelves or pictures using screws or hooks unless this is using proper notice boards.

Where Can Schools Get More Information Or Advice On Asbestos Safety?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a detailed guide for schools called ‘Asbestos Management – Checklist for Schools’ which is free to download from here: http://www.hse.gov.uk/services/education/asbestos-checklist.pdf

Anyone with any concerns or questions can also call Veritas Consulting free on 0800 1488 677. Professional and experienced Health and Safety Advisors will be able to discuss asbestos related issues or arrange for a site visit if required.

About David Cant

David Cant is a Chartered Safety and Health Practitioner extraordinaire. He has a wealth of Industry experience and is the MD of Veritas Consulting. David also Blogs about Health and Safety here Health and Safety Consultants

His aim is to flavour Health and Safety with integrity, served with a side of humour You can find David on - Twitter and Google also Linkedin