Group gives schools asbestos warning

A group that aims to raise awareness of asbestos in education buildings has warned of “worrying” failings in the management of the hazardous substance.  

The Joint Union Asbestos Campaign said there was a marked difference between official reports on the monitoring of asbestos in schools, compared to what health and safety officials are experiencing on the ground.

The campaign group spoke out after a survey of 600 staff, which showed that only a third were aware of an asbestos register being kept. Of further concern, only one in five said it was shown to contractors before starting work.

More than two-thirds of health and safety reps said they had not been consulted on the issue of asbestos management, while most had either not been given asbestos training, or could not remember it.

Only 25% of those asked said the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) had been clearly marked.

Julie Winn, chairman of the group, said: “It is worrying that such a large gap exists when it comes to marking the presence of asbestos.

“The recognisable symbol can be discreetly placed on the ACM, alerting a contractor to the presence of asbestos and helping to protect staff and the student body.

“The teaching profession routinely has a fluid turnover of staff, and without clearly marking ACMs, new staff will be unaware of the presence of asbestos.”

Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: “Lack of consultation with safety reps and lack of training for staff are two major areas of concern.

“There is no room for complacency. We are ready to work with schools and local authorities in any way we can to improve standards of asbestos management in schools.”

Malcolm Underhill, a partner in IBB Solicitors’ personal injury team, said: “Regulations make training mandatory for anyone liable to be exposed to asbestos fibres at work.  

“This includes all people who may come into contact with or who may disturb asbestos. The consequence of these findings are that many people may have been unknowingly exposed to dangerous fibres that may, in turn, lead to asbestos-related diseases.”

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