Asbestos in Schools. Paul Beaumont. AiS Representative

Transcription

1 Asbestos in Schools Paul Beaumont AiS Representative

2 What do all of these people have in common? Dianne Willmore Clive Beck They were all teachers who lost their lives because they did their jobs. Jennifer Barnett Joe Gallagher Jean Weston Lorraine Carter with husband Steve

3 Asbestos is the biggest cause of occupational death ever known in the UK. Asbestos has been used commercially in the UK since circa 1840.

4 Lucy Deane HM Factory Inspectorate Noted in 1898 in a report to the Chief Factory Inspector, "the evil effects of asbestos dust where they [asbestos fibres] are allowed to rise and to remain suspended in the air of the room in any quantity, the effects have been found to be injurious as might have been expected

5 This, and many later reports went ignored. Had they been observed, we wouldn t be sat here today!

6 Asbestos was the material of choice for the building industry Hugh amounts used due to its properties, availability, huge marketing and low cost It was used in every type and style of building In thousands of products Schools where not exempt from its wide spread use

7 It is estimated that more than 75% of the schools in the UK contain asbestos.

8 Who s at risk? A statement from Dr Lloyd Davies, Head Medical Inspectorate of Factories to the department for Education in 1967 The important point to me is that you are dealing with children. I must admit that you have a difficult problem, because of the youth of the persons exposed. The more I see of asbestos, the more I dislike it. My advisory Panel on the hazards of asbestos have suggested that wherever practicable, exposure to asbestos should be restricted to persons of 40 years or over. Dr Lloyd Davies

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10 Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral fibre 3 common type White Chrysotile, Brown Amosite, Blue - Crocidolite All are Category 1 human carcinogens Longer, high levels of exposure present a greater risk Safe limit? <0.01 f/cm³ 0.1 f/cm³ <0.01 f/cm³ is equal to 10,000 f/m³ 0.1 f/cm³ equal to 100,000 fibres per/m³ These are not safe limits, there is no Safe Limit f/cm³ = f/ml

11 Where can it be found? Asbestos has been used in many buildings Reported that millions of tonnes are still out there, somewhere! One common construction style is CLASP (Consortium of Local Authorities Special Programme) Used by many in the Public Sector, CLASP became a favourite for LA schools

12 Typical CLASP Building

13 Ceiling tiles Fire breaks Column fire protection lazing Internal wall panels Plan view of column top Floor coverings Fire door lining Truss bearing pads

14 Soffit panels Roofing felt External wall panels Column fire protection Ceiling tiles Fire breaks Glazing Putty Internal wall panels Floor coverings Fire door lining Truss bearing pads

15 Not just CLASP and SCoLA Any building built before the year 2000 has the potential to contain asbestos. Millions of tonnes were used without restriction, control or even recorded. Referred to as the Hidden Killer

16 Case study Derby, window frames removed during school holidays, works delayed. Contractors used power saws and crowbars Due to the delay, teachers were asked to assist in cleaning up dust and debris. Later found that all of the windows had Asbestos Insulating Board surrounds and panels. Consequence Children and staff exposed to asbestos for 3 weeks until school was closed Closed for 3 months Derby Council spent 750,000 on cleaning up Derby Council fined 50,000 Contractor fined 15,000 Full

17 Case Study - Wales Cwmcarn school. Closed for 14 months High level of disagreement, causing delays, arguments, and frustration 900 Pupils relocated to a school 12 miles away Final costs, circa 1,500,000

18 Reported in the Scotsman 2009 Flora Stevenson Primary School, Edinburgh Case Study Scotland 447 pupils evacuated mid-morning due to builders installing a door. Asbestos disturbed. Small quantities of asbestos released Source: The Scotsman on Sunday. 24 th march 2012

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23 There is no know safe level of exposure to asbestos. The young are more at risk There is an urgent need for action

24 Asbestos in School The need for action The All-Party Group recommends that: The Government should set a programme for the phased removal of asbestos from all schools, with priority being given to those schools where asbestos is considered to be most dangerous or damaged Standards in asbestos training should be set and the training should be mandatory It is recommended that the DfE and HSE jointly develop asbestos guidance specifically for schools A policy of openness should be adopted Pro-active inspections to determine the standards of asbestos management should be reinstalled Data should be collected centrally on the extent, type and condition of asbestos in schools February 2012 All-Party parliamentary Group on Occupational Health and Safety

25 Scottish Schools

26 The Aim To promote awareness of asbestos in schools To encourage the correct and safe management of asbestos in schools Push for removal of asbestos where needed Protect the those who work, attend and use our schools

27 Elizabeth Bradford

28 Thank you your time and your attention Paul Beaumont