Asbestos in Schools

Last week, I found myself at a safety conference, sipping lukewarm coffee and half-listening to the keynote speaker. That's when a conversation from the row in front caught my attention. A team from a school's estate department was animatedly discussing a refurbishment project that had hit a massive snag. The culprit? Asbestos.

Now, finding asbestos in older buildings isn't exactly headline news. But what surprised me was that it sounded like the contractors had started tearing things down without any clue it was there. Someone at the school had dropped the ball—they forgot to inform the contractors, and the asbestos register was gathering dust somewhere, out of sight and out of mind. What should have been a straightforward renovation had spiralled into a costly mess. All because of a simple, yet critical, lapse in communication.

As I sat there, I couldn't help but think: How often does this sort of thing happen? In my line of work, I cross paths with many schools juggling countless regulations and responsibilities. It's easy to see how something as crucial as asbestos management can slip down the priority list. But stories like this one are a reminder that we can't afford to let that happen.

Did you know that about 75% of UK schools still contain asbestos? Shocking, right? Most of these schools were built before the 1999 asbestos ban. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 isn't just bureaucratic red tape—it’s there to keep us all safe. Schools are required to keep an up-to-date asbestos register, regularly check any asbestos-containing materials, and make sure everyone—from staff to contractors—knows where the asbestos is lurking.

The dangers of asbestos aren't just theoretical. When disturbed, those tiny fibres can lead to severe health issues like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Considering how much time our kids and teachers spend in these buildings, we owe it to them to take this seriously.

But let's be honest—mistakes happen. Here are some common pitfalls I've seen:

Communication Breakdowns: Just like the conference story, failing to share vital info can have serious consequences. Maybe the asbestos register is tucked away in a drawer, or perhaps new staff aren't briefed properly. It might seem like a small oversight, but it can lead to big problems.

Outdated Asbestos Registers: An asbestos register isn't a "set it and forget it" document. Buildings change, repairs happen, materials age. If the register isn't updated, you're essentially flying blind.

Skipping Inspections: Life gets busy, and sometimes scheduled inspections get pushed aside. But neglecting regular checks can mean missing signs that asbestos materials are deteriorating.

Lack of Training: Without proper training, staff might not recognise asbestos or know what to do if they come across it. Ignorance isn't bliss when safety is on the line.

Underestimating Dormant Asbestos: It's easy to think that if asbestos isn't being disturbed, it's not a threat. Unfortunately, time can cause materials to break down, releasing fibres into the air without any obvious disturbances.

Even when schools do the right thing by conducting asbestos testing, unexpected challenges can pop up. Discovering damaged asbestos can lead to hefty remediation costs, and areas might need to be closed off, throwing the school schedule into chaos. Plus, testing isn't a one-time fix—it requires ongoing attention.

So, what can we do to stay ahead of the game?

Keep That Asbestos Register Front and Center: Make sure it's updated and accessible. Everyone who needs to know about it should know about it.

Stick to a Regular Inspection Schedule: Set reminders, use calendars, or even sticky notes—whatever it takes to ensure inspections aren't missed.

Invest in Training: Knowledge is power. Equip your staff with the training they need to handle asbestos safely.

Plan for the Unexpected: Set aside some budget for asbestos issues. It might pinch now, but it'll save a lot of headaches (and money) down the line.

Embrace Technology: Consider using school compliance software to keep track of everything. Let technology do the heavy lifting with reminders and record-keeping.

At the end of the day, asbestos compliance isn't just about ticking boxes on a form. It's about creating a safe environment for our children and the people who educate them. We might not be able to eliminate all the old asbestos overnight, but by staying vigilant and proactive, we can manage the risks effectively.

So, here's a thought - when was the last time your school's asbestos management plan got a good once-over? Maybe it's time to dust off that register, check those schedules, have a chat with your team, and perhaps consider premises management software. Small steps can make a big difference.

Let's not wait for another costly mishap to remind us what's at stake. Together, we can bridge the communication gap and ensure our schools are the safe havens they're meant to be.

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