Asbestos in Schools
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a carcinogenic material consisting of microscopic fibres which are resistant to heat and erosion. These qualities led to asbestos being commonly used across a wide selection of building materials as early back as 1870’s although particularly prevalent from the 1960’s onwards.
Despite the dangers becoming known by the 1900’s, all types of asbestos were not banned in the UK until 1999 meaning that many of the homes, schools, hospitals, and commercial buildings we use day-to-day still pose a danger if asbestos-containing materials are disturbed without professional intervention.
Importance of asbestos identification in educational settings
Identifying and managing asbestos-containing materials in UK schools is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and staff. Correct steps should be taken in order to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure and related health problems.
Artisan Environmental has extensive experience in supporting educational settings and estates with buildings built before the year 2000. Often schools and buildings of this age will contain some form of asbestos or ACMs (asbestos-containing materials).
Some common areas of concern include:
• Textured coatings
• Ceiling tiles
• Floor tiles
• Thermal insulation on pipes and boilers
Who is responsible and the factors influencing responsibility
When it comes to understanding who is responsible for the identification, management, and where needed, removal of asbestos the role of responsibility can vary. Depending on if your setting is privately owned, a community school, an academy, and how budgets are controlled are all varying factors.
The Health & Safety Executive outline ‘duty-holder’ responsibilities here
How can Artisan Environmental help?
Any work required to identify and manage asbestos should be outsourced to professional contractors. Identifying and properly managing asbestos can help protect the occupants and prevent the release of asbestos fibres, thus reducing the risk of asbestos-related diseases.
Our Management Survey locates the presence of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) and includes a risk assessment and asbestos register that forms the basis of the Asbestos Management Plan for the building or site.
Within our reporting, you will receive:
• A complete review and survey summary
• Material risk assessment
• Colour photographs of all samples
• Recommendations and advice for all ACMs identified
Full Management Survey details can be found on our website here