Parliamentary Safety Group Calls For Urgent Action On Asbestos In Schools
As reported on this website earlier this week, Asbestos in UK’s schools is a major time bomb hidden from view by a Tory-led coalition government that puts money before even the health of nations children.
Now 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, sent to MPs and Peers today, shows that more than 75 per cent of Britain’s state schools contain asbestos. Much of that is badly maintained, meaning that children and staff are exposed to this killer fibre.
Over 140 school teachers have died from mesothelioma in the past ten years. An unknown number of cleaners, administrative staff and caretakers have 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.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health 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.
In launching the report, 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.”
The conclusions of the report and recommendations will not please the Government and they are not expected to make any firm commitment to follow these recommendations:
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.
The full report can be downloaded from the E-Library Database by selecting keyword 'Asbestos'
See also: Asbestos Excluded From School Buildings Review Risking Health Of Children And Teachers
Source: Unite Safety Rep Ivan T / Jim Sheriden MP
