Managing the presence of asbestos in schools is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Children, teachers and parents have the right to a safe learning environment that will not cause them harm, and it is critical that strategies are put in place to prevent the disturbance of asbestos, and to understand exactly how it is likely to impact anyone who frequently uses the premises.
With over 35 years’ experience working with asbestos, Cordtape Environmental knows all about it.
Where is asbestos found in schools?
Before 1999, when asbestos use was banned in the UK, it was used in the construction of schools. It can still be found in the following materials in these buildings:
- Fire resistant spray coatings
- Insulation in walls and ceilings
- Insulation lagging
- Insulation boards
- Wall and ceiling panels
- Roof panels
- Tiles
- Gutters and pipes
Who is at risk of exposure?
Asbestos is most likely to be disturbed when maintenance or construction work is being undertaken on school buildings. This means that the people most at risk of exposure are caretakers, tradespeople, and construction workers.
However, once asbestos has been disturbed, it can pose a risk to:
- Students
- Parents
- Teachers
- Cleaners
What is the duty to manage asbestos?
Schools must appoint a dutyholder. Dutyholders are responsible for knowing where asbestos is present, the condition it’s in, and its management. They likewise must inform anyone who is planning to conduct maintenance on areas with asbestos of the risks.
Dutyholders must:
- Keep a record of the location of ACMs on their premises and their condition
- Update this record if there are any changes
- Make plans to manage any risks that come to light, and put them into action
- Take responsibility for on-site provisions in case asbestos is disturbed
Who is responsible for managing asbestos in schools?
Under regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 , the following individuals can be dutyholders:
- Employers or school staff
- A local authority: Where the school is maintained by a local authority
- An academy trust: Where the school is a single or multi-academy trust
- The board of governors: Where the school is voluntary aided
- Corporate bodies: More commonly in foundation schools. In this instance, multiple dutyholders may be appointed
- Corporation: Where the school is a sixth form college
The appointment of a dutyholder will depend on local circumstances. In some cases, schools may need to seek legal advice on who to appoint as dutyholder.
Is it a legal requirement for schools to close if asbestos is found?
It is not a legal requirement for schools to close if asbestos is found, but temporary closure may be required to manage a risk if ACMs are disturbed and pose a risk to the health of students, teachers, caretakers, or anyone else who uses the premises.
Do parents need to be informed of an asbestos risk?
Schools are not required by law to inform parents if there is asbestos present on the premises. However, if asbestos is disturbed or there is a risk of exposure, it is important to contact parents and anyone else affected.
If asbestos is found on the premises but it has not been disturbed, it can be helpful to reassure parents that plans are in place to manage the risk without their children coming to any harm.
How to assess asbestos risks in schools
It is not a legal requirement that asbestos surveys be carried out in schools, but the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 states that ‘reasonable steps’ must be taken to identify asbestos risks. Therefore, if school premises were built before 1999, it is in the best interest of the children attending the school and the staff who work there that an asbestos survey is conducted before it opens.
Any survey that has been taken of the school should be available to staff.
What to do if you find an asbestos risk in your school
If you identify an asbestos risk in your school, then you need to take reasonable steps to manage the risk and prevent the disturbance of any ACMs.
Dutyholders must create written plans on how to prevent further risk to students and staff, covering:
- Risk management strategies
- The options available depending on the risk
- The rationale behind these strategies
- Timeframe for action to be taken, including survey and removal
- Staff responsibility
- Regular review of the plans in place
- Priorities and plan for emergencies
By conducting thorough surveys, creating an effective management plan, and prioritising the safety of students and staff, the risks associated with asbestos exposure in schools can be minimised.
You should always seek professional assistance from licensed asbestos experts to ensure the proper management and safe removal of asbestos-containing materials. With these precautions in place, you can maintain a safe learning and working environment for years to come.
Contact Cordtape Environmental for professional Asbestos Survey and Removal services as well as expert Asbestos Removal and Asbestos Waste Management.
