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Asbestos in schools
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Nine out of ten schools in Kent contain asbestos.
The BBC obtained information that revealed 92.5% of schools in Kent contained asbestos.
Asbestos was used extensively in building materials in the 1950s through to the mid 1980s hence many public buildings built during this time contain it.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which had a primary use of thermal insulation, due to its heat resistant qualities; it's incredible strength; and resistance to chemical corrosion.
Parents should be aware that any building containing asbestos can be deemed safe as long the substance is managed safely and appropriate guidelines are followed.
The problems with asbestos start when it is disturbed and asbestos fibres are released from materials and become airborne and inhaled. Inhalation of these fibres can prove fatal in the long term as you can develop diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques or pleural thickening. The latter 2 are often early indicators of a more serious asbestos disease.
Kent County Council, commented that it issues a publication to all schools every 3 months and in the last 12 months 3 issues contained articles on raising asbestos awareness.
The most common way that asbestos becomes disturbed or damaged in schools is through general maintenance, repair or construction activities eg installing computer or security systems and putting up shelving.
All head teachers of schools have a duty to know if the school contains asbestos, where it is located and what condition it is in. They must then ensure that anyone working within the school is aware of the potential risks of dealing with asbestos.
School caretakers need to take extra care as they are particularly at risk due to their line of work eg: drilling, fixing etc.
Teachers and children are less likely to be at risk, but teachers should be aware of the potential dangers of activities which cause asbestos fibres to be released in to the air eg: pinning items to asbestos insulation boards or ceiling tiles.
It is the Local Authorities duty to ensure that schools manage asbestos safely and to monitor compliance with all asbestos related policies and procedures.
If you have been affected by an asbestos related disease or illness you could be entitled industrial disease compensation. Call our team now on 0844 858 3700 or complete our online enquiry form and we will get in touch with you.
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Phillip Gower
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28/01/2009
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