Shifting the focus to asbestos compliance in schools

Environtec was recently instructed to support a large Academy Trust in the North of England which is upgrading its schools across North Yorkshire and Leeds.

During the upcoming May half term, our team will be undertaking new management surveys to 8 out of the Trust’s 32 schools. We will also be carrying out 5 full refurbishment surveys to allow the replacement and upgrade of the premises’ heating, roofs, insulation, electrical network, and new solar panel installations.

Management plans will be supplied for the surveys, and we will be sure to integrate all historical data into one report following the asbestos removal works, creating a register that is a single and accurate point of reference for everyone involved.

Working closely with this new client has served as a reminder that compliance in all areas – particularly of asbestos management and disposal – is incredibly important for the education sector. Schools, colleges, universities, and other educational facilities are busy places with a high footfall, and there is an ever-present need to take all the appropriate steps to keep staff and students safe, particularly if these properties were constructed several decades ago (more on this in a moment).

Schools and their facilities management teams must follow the guidance that’s available from the Health and Safety Executive. A little while ago, we reported on the new asbestos-related resources that were made available via the HSE website. These are worth a look if you work in a school and want to get up to speed with your obligations. HSE also provides advice on how to minimise asbestos exposure within your building.

Asbestos management in schools has been thrown into the spotlight again recently because, as mentioned heavily in the news last year, more than 150 schools across the country have been found to contain buildings made from reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). RAAC is at risk of collapsing if it exceeds its 30-year lifespan. While RAAC itself doesn’t contain asbestos, it was used in construction at around the same time as this cancer-causing mineral, until both materials were considered dangerous to health in the 1990s and pulled from use. So, if RAAC begins to crumble and disintegrate, there is a high chance that asbestos will become exposed, simultaneously presenting a health hazard and slowing down the progress of any remedial works that are taking place.

When it comes to avoiding this scenario altogether, the logical solution is to ensure that any asbestos risk within your school is identified, monitored, and remediated where necessary. This could include the full removal and replacement of the offending materials.

Whatever your requirements may be, Environtec can assist with the entire process as part of our comprehensive asbestos consultancy service. Get in touch with us if you have any concerns regarding asbestos exposure in your school or would like to ensure your compliance procedures are up to date.