How often should asbestos surveys be carried out in schools in Sussex?

Asbestos is a substance that was widely used in construction in the past, due to its fire-resistant properties. However, it has since been found to be highly dangerous and can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious illnesses. As a result, it is essential to manage the risk of asbestos exposure, especially in schools where the health and safety of children and staff are paramount.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a leading asbestos survey company in Sussex, committed to ensuring that schools are safe environments for students and faculty. We understand that many schools in Sussex were built before the year 2000 when asbestos was banned in the UK, which means that there is a high likelihood that asbestos is present in many school buildings throughout the region.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of asbestos surveys in schools, how often they should be carried out, and offer some advice on how schools can manage and mitigate the risk of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos found in schools

The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) estimates that over 75% of all schools in the UK contain asbestos in some form. This includes asbestos insulation, ceiling tiles, and other building materials that were commonly used in the past. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), if in good condition, are not generally dangerous. However, if they become damaged or disturbed, they can release dangerous fibers into the air.

Exposure to these fibers can lead to the development of deadly diseases including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. It is estimated that asbestos-related diseases cause around 5,000 deaths a year in the UK, and many of these cases are linked to past exposure to asbestos at work or in other environments.

The need for an asbestos plan

One of the key requirements of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 is that all non-domestic properties, including schools, have an asbestos management plan in place. This plan should include an asbestos survey to identify the location, type, and condition of any ACMs in the building.

The asbestos survey should be carried out by a competent person, which means someone with the necessary knowledge, training, and experience to identify asbestos-containing materials accurately. This is where our team at Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex comes in, as we have the expertise and tools to carry out detailed asbestos surveys that will ensure any asbestos is identified accurately and managed effectively.

Reviewing and updating the asbestos plan

Once the asbestos survey has been completed, the data collected should be used to create an asbestos management plan. This plan should detail how the asbestos will be managed, monitored, and removed if necessary. The plan should be reviewed and updated regularly, as the condition of the ACMs may change over time, and any asbestos that was previously stable may become damaged or disturbed.

Asbestos in schools - the management of the issue

The management of asbestos in schools is a delicate issue that requires the involvement of all staff members. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we recommend that schools start by creating an asbestos register that contains all relevant information about the location and condition of the ACMs in the building.

The asbestos register should be kept up to date and made available to all staff members, contractors, and any other third-party personnel who may be working on the premises. It is also essential to provide asbestos training to all staff members, as this will help them to identify asbestos-containing materials and understand how to manage them safely.

How often should an asbestos survey be carried out in schools?

An asbestos survey should be carried out before any renovation or repair work takes place on the school premises, as this may expose previously hidden asbestos. Additionally, a review of the asbestos plan should be undertaken at least once a year to ensure that it remains up to date with any changes in the condition of the ACMs.

It is also essential to carry out a re-inspection survey at least every three years, or sooner, if there is any potential for the ACMs to become damaged or disturbed. Our team at Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex can help schools to create a plan for the regular inspection and management of asbestos-containing materials to ensure that the risk of exposure is minimized.

Asbestos testing

In addition to carrying out asbestos surveys, it is also possible to test for asbestos in suspected materials. Asbestos testing involves taking a sample of the material and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. If asbestos is found, the material should be treated as an ACM and managed accordingly.

The decision to carry out asbestos testing will depend on the type of material and the likelihood of it containing asbestos. Our team at Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex can advise on whether asbestos testing is necessary and, if so, how it should be carried out.

Conclusion

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we understand the importance of managing the risk of asbestos exposure in schools. Our team of experienced professionals can carry out detailed asbestos surveys that will identify any ACMs in the building and provide a plan for their safe management.

We recommend that schools carry out asbestos surveys at least once every three years, and more frequently if there is any potential for the ACMs to become damaged or disturbed. It is also essential to create an asbestos register and provide asbestos training to all staff members.

Get in touch with us today on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your asbestos survey requirements, and let us help you to ensure the safety of your school.