Action plan for asbestos in schools needed

In the second of a series of briefings on Voice’s Election Manifesto, we look at “The creation of an action plan for asbestos in schools”. 

Asbestos is present in around 75% of schools in Britain – in ceilings, wall linings and pipe lagging. In the last 25 years, at least 178 teachers have died from mesothelioma, a form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure. There are no statistics for pupil fatalities because of the disease’s long latency. 

The education unions are concerned about the risk to staff and pupils in schools where little is known about its location and condition. 

ATAC’s recent audit and Voice’s own research reveal that in many schools staff are not aware of the dangers of asbestos; they do not know where it is and are not involved in its management.  

Urgent action is required to improve standards of asbestos management, and to create an action plan for asbestos in schools, including: audits, risk assessments, relevant training and guidance, and for all asbestos to be identified and removed in a phased programme when schools are refurbished. 

For further information, see www.voicetheunion.org.uk/asbestos.

Do you know if there is asbestos where you work?