School Asbestos Info Updated

Article Added April 4th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story

Updated information has been issued by the Health and Safety Executive regarding asbestos in schools. Guidelines have been reissued, though HSE reiterates that risk of exposure is low.

Updated guidelines have been issued to those responsible for the safety of teachers and children relating to the management of asbestos. The Working Group on Action to Control Chemicals, or WATCH, a government advisory committee, recently examined the potential of exposure of teachers to asbestos fibers from pinning or tacking their students work to walls containing asbestos insulating board. The research was begun by the Health and Safety Laboratory.

The investigation concluded that the risk of exposure to asbestos created by this practice is low, but that the insertion of objects into the asbestos insulating board, or other asbestos containing materials, is avoidable. The updated guidelines contain a recommendation that the avoidable action be controlled in order to reduce the risk of exposure. The HSE is also working with the Department for Education and Skills, local authorities and stakeholders to guarantee the information is passed to teachers and their superiors. The risk of exposure to students is even less, but those in the Department feel the need to make all those involved aware of the risk of asbestos exposure.

Article Added April 4th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story