ASBESTOS IN SCHOOLS

8 Jan 2016

The presence of asbestos in a large number of buildings’ structures is an unfortunate reality. We have talked previously about the potential dangers we may be subjected to by an asbestos presence in the home or at the workplace, but we must not forget that there are other places it can be found, such as public institutions. One of these places we need to pay special attention to is our children’s “workplace”: the school.

 

How dangerous is it?

 

Asbestos is known to generate airborne fibres if disturbed or tampered with. If, however, managed properly, it is not a significant risk factor.

 

Who’s at risk?

 

Asbestos containing materials can become hazardous if they are damaged by pinning, tacking or other maintenance and repair activities. The fibres are primarily dangerous to school caretakers or hired contractors, due to the nature of their work.

 

Pupils are also subjected at risk for at least two reasons: first, if asbestos fibres are released during maintenance, they pose a risk not only for workers, but for anyone present in the building; second, if there are unprotected or exposed insulation panels, they can be easily be disturbed during ‘boisterous’ activities.

 

For parents

 

A parent’s first and foremost priority is their child’s health and safety. Parents should be aware that asbestos exposure at a school building could be a potential danger.

Parents can (and have done it on several occasions) pursued a schools’ management to conduct asbestos surveys if they think there is a risk and to take all necessary measures to deal with issues if they arise.

 

For duty holders

 

Duty holders need to make sure that any employee or contractor who undertakes any maintenance/repair work that can disturb asbestos containing materials is fully licensed and trained. Besides this, they have the duty of conducting all required surveys or assessments and hiring specialised training for the staff as necessary.

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