Asbestos dust fibres in schools branded a ‘national scandal’
A report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health has exposed the level of danger from asbestos in Britain’s schools.
The report highlights the case for urgent action. It not only outlines the problem but makes six clear and simple recommendations about how we can prevent future exposure in our schools.
More than 75% of Britain’s state schools contain asbestos and much of that is badly maintained, meaning that children and staff are exposed to the fibres.
Over 140 school teachers have died from mesothelioma in the past ten years and an unknown number of other workers in schools also died. The number of children who have died as a result of exposure to asbestos while at school is unknown but in the US it was estimated that for every teacher’s death nine children will die. That would mean that over 100 people die every year in the UK as a result of exposure when they were at school.
Recommendations are that:
• The Government should set a programme for the phased removal of asbestos from all schools, with priority being given to those schools where the asbestos is considered to be most dangerous or damaged.
• Standards in asbestos training should be set and the training should be mandatory. The training should be properly funded. It is recommended that the DfE and HSE jointly develop asbestos guidance specifically for schools and that current standards be reviewed.
• A policy of openness should be adopted. Parents, teachers and support staff should be annually updated on the presence of asbestos in their schools and the measures that are being taken to manage it.
• Pro-active inspections to determine the standards of asbestos management should be reinstated, with a view to reducing future costs.
• Data should be collected centrally on the extent, type and condition of asbestos in schools and this becomes an integral part of the data collection of the condition of the nation’s schools.
Jim Sheridan MP, Chair of the All-Party Group said “This is a national scandal. Urgent action is needed to prevent more pupils, teachers and other staff being exposed to this deadly killer dust. We need both far greater awareness of the risks that this material poses and a programme for its phased removal.”
Ends
