Schools and Asbestos - Unsure what to do next?
30 December 2013
In the news it has been revealed that almost half of schools in one particular northern city contain asbestos. Presumably the city council in question has an Asbestos Management Plan and easily accessible Asbestos Register in place and so was able to provide the details for this FOI request very easily.
A little bit of background...
Asbestos was used extensively in the UK in the 1950's until the mid 1980's for a variety of puposes, but prodominately for fireproofing and insulation. Any building built before 2000 could contain asbestos. When the risks of asbestos were discovered, asbestos management legislation was introduced in 2002 and has been updated regularly in line with existing research.
Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause serious disease and accounts for the largest number of respiratory disease related deaths.
To ensure that the risks from asbestos are managed correctly and building owners are accountable (responsible), current asbestos legislation has placed duties on those responsible for maintenance and construction. Schools are not exempt from these responsibilites.
Are you part of a school management team and need to know what to do next? Click here for a [PDF] checklist to see if further action is required, or call Ai Solutions on 01525 850080.